I’ve got a new stitch tutorial for you guys today, and I think you’re going to love it. I’m going to be breaking down the crochet drop stitch for you and it might just be your new favorite textural element in crochet. If you love the way drop stitch looks in knitwork, I think you’re going to be really excited to give this stitch a try. So let’s get going!
About the Stitch
So this stitch is a little quirky for a couple of reasons. Number 1, you will be working the stitch from the back side, working left to right. And Number 2, you’re going to need something to wrap your stitches around to keep them even. I used the back end of a 15.75mm crochet hook, but a jumbo knitting needle, a dowel, or even a ruler are other great options for this.
Essentially what we’re going to be doing is inserting our hook from the back, pulling up a loop and then working one chain stitch. By working one chain stitch, we’re essentially locking our stitch into place. Then we’ll be stretching out that chain to create the classic “drops”. So when it’s all said and done, you’ll really only need to know how to pull up a loop and complete a chain stitch to master this stitch.
Stitch Breakdown
So I’m going to breakdown the steps of this stitch and walk you through each one. I do want to say, that it can be a little awkward when you first start because you’re working an extra tool. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be moving along just like normal.
First…
After putting down your foundation row of stitches (I’m using single crochets here), you’re going to chain 1. Keeping that chain on your hook, gently pull it to stretch out the loop.
Then slide the loop onto a jumbo hook, needle, or dowel and gently tighten the loop around it making sure it can still slide. (Note: the size of the tool you put your loops on will indicate the length of the “drops”)
Then…
Insert hook into the second stitch. (First loop counts as first stitch). Then yarn over and pull up a loop.
Chain 1.
Next…
Gently pull the chain stitch to stretch the loop.
Slide the loop onto the dowel. Repeat in each stitch across.
Then…
Slide all the loops off of the dowel.
Pull up a loop in first “drop” and then chain 1.
Single crochet in the same “drop”.
Finally…
Insert hook into next “drop” and complete a single crochet.
Single crochet in each drop across.
Thoughts on the Stitch
This is a stitch that takes a little practice. When you start out, you may find that your drop stitches are a bit uneven. However, with some practice, you’ll get into a groove of placing stitches and keeping your tension even.
This is a stitch that will benefit greatly from being blocked. You will get the full effect of the extended stitches after blocking, so that something to keep in mind when using this stitch.
One thing I talk about a bit in the video and wanted to mention here, was the direction you work. Like I mentioned before, you work this stitch from left to right. But it can also be worked from right to left. The major difference will be the way the base of the stitch looks from the front. If you skip ahead to 4:11 of the video, you can see what I’m talking about.
Video Tutorial
Pattern Swatch
Row 1: Ch 21. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (20)
Row 2: Without turning working from the left side, ch 1. Extend the loop of the ch 1 and place onto a large hook or dowel. *Insert hook into next stitch, pull up a loop, ch 1. Extend the loop of the ch 1 and place onto a large hook or dowel making sure to keep loops the same size.* Repeat from * to * in each stitch across. Slide all the loops off of dowel. (20 drop stitch loops)
Row 3: Pull up a loop in first drop stitch loop and ch 1. Sc in same stitch. Sc in each drop stitch loop across. (20)
Row 4-5: Ch 1 and turn. Sc in each stitch across. (20)
Row 6-13: Repeat Rows 2-5 twice.
Final Thoughts
I hope this tutorial has been helpful to you. And I hope you love using this stitch! If you’re looking for a fun place to try out this stitch, check out my Ocean’s Breath Wall-Hanging! This macrame-inspired wall-hanging will definitely be your new favorite home decor piece. And if you’re loving learning new stitches, check out my Star Stitch Tutorial or my Mountain Stitch Tutorial.
Until next time, Happy Crafting!
Kelsie
