How to Reverse Single Crochet

Once you have mastered basic crochet stitches with your crochet hooks you can easily go ahead with any project. After a few scarves, hats, or some wonderful projects, do not stop but try out some advanced crochet techniques to give your work an extra special effect. One such stitch is the reverse single crochet (RSC). A simple variation on the single crochet (SC) stitch, it is also known as crab stitch. The simple stitch makes your project stand out. The name crab comes from the "backward" nature of the stitch. It is essentially the single crochet stitch that you already know but worked in reverse.

In standard single crochet, you insert the crochet hook into the second chain or next stitch to the left and create your SC stitch. But, in reverse single crochet, the hook goes into the stitch to the right and makes your stitch there. The basic steps are the same, but the placement of the crochet hook and location is different. Similar to SC, RSC also produces a dense fabric with a minimum height of neat and even rows. Because of its unique nature, it is used as edging or occasionally for a design detail without adding to the entire bulk of a crochet project.

Follow these step-by-step instructions. The first few stitches will seem awkward but keep practicing till it becomes more manageable. Gather yarn (any of your scraps will do for practice) and your single-ended crochet hook. Make sure that you have the size matching the yarn weight. You can also use a Tunisian crochet hook if you own one. Do not attach the cord and it will work for all regular crochet stitches.

Step 1: Insert Crochet Hook in the 2nd Chain or the stitch to the right

Reverse single crochet (RSC) stitch works similarly to SC but in the opposite direction with the same steps. Hold your crochet hook in your right hand with the yarn in your left hand. Insert the hook in the 2nd chain to the right or if you have a row of stitches, then the next stitch to the right.

For RSC you do not turn your project before starting the row or round. Also, you need to chain one for a turning chain in single crochet but in reverse single crochet, just begin where you are, at the end of the previous row or round without turning. You can skip the step to chain one but even if you add an extra chain the appearance does not change much.

Step 2: Yarn Over

Like SC, after your hook is into the chain or next stitch, yarn over. As you are working "backward" it may seem awkward but you’ll get the hang of it.

Step 3: Pull the Yarn Through

To complete the stitch, pull the yarn through. Again like SC, there will be two loops on the hook.

Step 4: Yarn Over Again

Insert the crochet hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over.

Step 5: Pull the Yarn Through

Pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.

With this, you have created a single crochet stitch, worked in reverse, known as the reverse single crochet.

Continue with steps 1-5 to add a row. In the end, add a slip stitch into the top of the turning chain of the previous row. The result is a unique twisted version of the single crochet stitch. If you are working the reverse crochet stitch in rounds, you will use the slip stitch to join the stitches. To weave in yarn ends you will be using the finishing needle similar to a single crochet stitch.

Reverse Single Crochet, aka Crochet Crab Stitch

The crochet abbreviation for this stitch is usually RSC, although it may also be seen as REV SC or Reverse SC. A crochet pattern with a symbol chart will typically be represented as an X with a tilde.

The "reverse single crochet" is the American term. If you are reading a UK pattern, it will be reverse double crochet, abbreviated as DDC, REV DC, or Reverse DC. Both UK and US crochet patterns mention the stitch as crab stitch because of its backward movement.

If you are working reverse single crochet as an edging, begin the stitch when your project is facing the right side towards you. If the main body of your piece is crocheted in a very open design or uses a lot of tall stitches, the reverse single crochet may look too small as an edging. To make sure that the edging matches, add a row of regular crochet (any of the basic crochet stitches that match the overall fabric) first. You can make a smooth finish with a row of single crochet. It will create an excellent design. If you want the edge to stand out, crochet it in a different color than the main body of your piece.

After you have had enough practice, challenge yourself to try new ways of implementing the reverse single crochet stitch into your projects.

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