Once you’ve learned the basics of crochet, you might be itching to try some creative and unique crochet stitches to give your project an interesting look.
You’re in luck because we’ve collected 30 stitches in this unique crochet stitch guide. You’ll want to use them on all sorts of projects, from blankets to sweaters and beyond. Let’s get started!
Want an even more interactive experience learning new stitches? I have 45 crochet stitch video classes as part of my Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library! I love these stitches it is so hard to pick favorites. Check them out for 2 days free.
How to Use Unique Crochet Stitches
One of the great things about crochet is that you can use just about any stitch for any kind of project.
The characteristics of the stitch might help you determine projects it would be better to use it for. Stitches that are more open might be better for summer projects, for example, while denser, more textured stitches are great for hats, sweaters, and other cold-weather garments.
You can work up swatches of a lot of these interesting crochet stitches and make a colorful and funky afghan for your home, or use them for pillows, washcloths, scarves, or any other project you want to try.
The worst thing that can happen is that you don’t like the stitch for the purpose you wanted to use it, but you can always rip it out and try again. So don’t be afraid to try new stitches!
A Solid Foundation for New Crochet Stitches
Before we get into the stitches, if you need a better foundation of skills before you start trying these decorative crochet stitches, my Crochet Fundamentals workshop teaches you all the basics you need to know about crocheting.
It’s a good idea, before diving into these unique crochet stitches, to have a firm grounding in the most common crochet stitches like single, double, and triple crochet, as well as some of the decorative stitches like puffs, bobbles, and waffle stitch.
If you need a refresher, check out this post on the 12 most common crochet stitches. It includes patterns to practice if you haven’t tried them yet.
As you begin to learn new stitches, it’s a great idea to keep track of what you’ve learned in some way. Whether you keep digital or paper notes, a Pinterest board with links to stitches, or photos of your swatches along with a copy of the pattern, keeping a record of the stitches you’ve tried and liked will help you when you’re trying to pick a stitch for a new project.
Materials for Practicing Decorative Crochet Stitches
In this blog post, we will be learning how to crochet decorative and unique crochet stitches so you don’t need a lot of materials. All you need is some yarn and a crochet hook that works for that weight of yarn.
Worsted or medium weight yarn with a size 5.5-6.5mm hook is ideal for practicing new stitches. This weight of yarn isn’t too thick or too thin.
Choose a smooth, light-colored yarn so it’s easy to see the stitches. Any fiber you like is fine, but this is a great time to use whatever’s in your stash to practice with.
You’ll also need a pair of scissors for trimming your yarn when you’re done practicing (assuming you want to keep your swatches) and a yarn needle for weaving in ends if desired.
If you are ready to learn new crochet stitches, here are 30 decorative crochet stitches you’ll be excited to try. Happy crocheting!
Textured Crochet Stitches
There are so many wonderful textured crochet stitches out there. These patterns combine basic stitches and chains or work several stitches into the same stitch to make a unique texture.
None of them are that difficult but you may want to practice with a swatch before taking on a full project with each stitch. Remember, swatches can make great washcloths if you stitch them in cotton yarn!
Irish Stitch Crochet
Designer: Crochetpedia
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Catona
The Irish crochet stitch uses double crochet stitches and chains to make the pretty fan shape. Once you have the pattern established, you’re repeating the same row over and over. It looks really pretty in different colors as shown, or try it in a solid color if you’d rather!
Crochet Shell Stitch
Designer: My Picot Crochet Patterns
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Fingering
This shell stitch design has a fun twist: long loop stitches that come together in a way that looks sort of like a crown. This dramatic pattern would make a pretty throw or a unique baby blanket pattern. It’s perfect for those who like intricate stitches for their crochet projects. I teach the shell stitch as part of my crochet stitch library video class collection. Watch the tutorials here.
Astro Crochet Stitch
Designer: My Picot Crochet Patterns
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Fingering
This shell stitch design has a fun twist: long loop stitches that come together in a way that looks sort of like a crown. This dramatic pattern would make a pretty throw or a baby blanket. It’s perfect for those who like intricate stitches for their crochet projects.
Easy Puff Stitch Crochet
Designer: Crochetpedia
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted
This easy puff stitches uses double crochet and puff stitches to make a fabric that’s both textured and open. It would be a great stitch to use for a shawl or scarf.
Arcade Stitch
Designer: The Loophole Fox
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Ewe Ewe Wooly Worsted
The crochet arcade stitch is made up of arches or fans. It is an offset pattern which means the arches do not stack on top of each other. The design creates a V shape under the arches, which adds a fun graphic element to your projects.
Primrose Stitch
Designer: Dabbles and Babbles
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Ewe Ewe Heather's Heathers
The Primrose crochet stitch is a two-row repeat stitch pattern that you can easily memorize. The first rows form the bottom part of the shell while the second one is the fan part. It’s the perfect stitch to use for blankets, washcloths, or dishcloths. I teach the primrose stitch as part of my crochet stitch library video class collection. Watch the tutorials here.
Floret Stitch
Designer: The Unraveled Mitten
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted
This textured crochet pattern is made up of a double crochet row followed by a row of alternating slip stitches and double crochets. The second row gives this pattern its lovely texture. This is a great go-to stitch for hats, mitts, and other cold-weather gear, among other things.
Feather Stitch
Designer: Annie Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Hayfield Bonus
This crochet stitch is mainly made up of double crochet stitches and eyelets that will remind you of a bird’s feather. It also can be worked in two or more colors, which makes it great for a stash-busting blanket, scarf, or another project.
Rice Stitch Crochet
Designer: Heart Hook Home
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
The rice stitch is a crochet pattern that uses a combination of front post and back post stitches. It makes a pretty thick fabric, so it’s a bit of a yarn eater, so make sure you have plenty of yarn! The results are stunning, so if you don’t mind using lots of yarn, this is a great stitch to use for washcloths because it’s so thick.
Suzette Stitch
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton yarn
Suzette Stitch is a fun way to step up from basic stitch patterns, but the repeat is so easy once you get the hang of it you won’t have to consult the instructions. It involves working single crochet and double crochet stitches into the same stitch, which gives you lots of easy texture. I teach the suzette stitch as part of my crochet stitch library video class collection. Watch the tutorials here.
Wicker Stitch
Designer: Rich Textures Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
Wicker stitch is another pretty option for warm-weather projects. It’s worked with v stitches and front post double crochet. It’s a little heavier than the open look suggests, but would be great for a summer cardigan or a market bag!
Herringbone Stitch Crochet
Designer: Tiny Couch Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend
This stitch looks clean, and fresh, and looks like it could even be a knitting stitch but it’s all crochet! Herringbone gives a unique and modern look to any project. It’s a great stitch for scarves and other projects if you want to have close stitches for extra warmth.
Even Moss Stitch
Designer: Meghan Makes Do
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
This wonderful stitch is perfect for making scarves. It is also easy to do as it is only a combination of slip stitches and half double crochet. Worked in bulky yarn it’s super squishy and would also be great for hats, blankets, and more to keep you warm and cozy. I teach the even moss stitch as part of my crochet stitch library video class collection. Watch the tutorials here.
Purl Slip Stitch
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
This gorgeous stitch is fun to make and looks like the purl stitch in knitting. You can use this stitch in scarves, blankets, and even kitchen items like hot pads or washcloths.
Puff Stitch Crochet Patterns
Puff stitches are interesting to crochet. They come in different sizes and forms but all make fun little puffy shapes. Puff stitches are usually made with groups of half double crochet, but can be worked in other stitches as well.
These puff stitches can be stacked, braided, zigzagged, and more. If you want to learn how to be creative with your puff stitches, here are some fun patterns to try.
Puff Shell Crochet Stitch
Designer: Crochet Beja
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Level up your shell stitch by creating this puffy version! This crochet shell stitch pattern creates a more 3D look than the traditional shell stitch. It's a unique crochet stitch pattern to add to projects like pillow covers, blankets, and many others.
Crochet Zigzag Puff Stitch
Designer: Olyat Cozy Crochet
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: LB Collection Cotton Bamboo Linen Yarn
This is a simple stitch that results in a fabulous 3D look on both sides. This woven look stitch is suitable to use for crocheting hats, sweaters, bedspreads, rugs, crochet blankets, and lots of other projects.
Jasmine Stitch
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Shine Worsted
Jasmine stitch is a stitch that connects multiple puff stitches that creates a flower or star shape. It takes two rows of puff stitches to create the final shape. It has lots of texture and would be great for pillows or other home decor projects.
Puff Bobble Crochet Stitch
Designer: Dream a Little Bigger
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks High Desert
This stitch is great to use for making bags, hats, or blankets. The puffy bobble stitch stands out beautifully and is so fun to use in different colors as shown.
Pretty Pebbles Stitch
Designer: Oombawka Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Theory
This pattern is a more subtle type of puff stitch that forms a small puff. It’s the ideal crochet stitch to use for blankets or washcloths.
Modern Crochet Stitches
These fun stitch patterns might not necessarily be new, but they will give a modern look to your crochet projects by adding interesting colors and textures to your designs. Find a free crochet pattern here to suit your style and inspire your next project.
Extreme Drop Leaf Stitch
Designer: Nana’s Crafty Home
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Muse Hand Painted Aran
This stitch is so beautiful and unique! And the best thing about this stitch is the stitches actually look like maple leaves. It’s the perfect stitch for autumn-themed crochet projects.
Block Stitch
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (3) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
While you can work this pattern in a single color, using two really makes the blocks pop.
You can use this beautiful crochet stitch for so many things including blankets, washcloths, scarves, and more. I teach the block stitch as part of my crochet stitch library video class collection. Watch the tutorials here.
Side Saddle Stitch
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Truboo
This crochet stitch is made of single crochet stitches, double crochets, and chains. It has a beautiful, geometric pattern when viewed straight on, but it has a really cool and different texture when viewed from the side.
Even Berry Stitch
Designer: Hopeful Honey
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: LB Collection Cotton Bamboo Linen
The Even Berry stitch has a quirky and unique texture. The berry stitch is easy for beginners and those with more experienced stitches. It’s a great crochet stitch to use for washcloths or dishcloths. I teach the even berry stitch as part of my crochet stitch library video class collection. Watch the tutorials here.
Larksfoot Stitch
Designer: Oombawka Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
This crochet pattern resembles its name, a lark’s foot. It’s mostly worked with single and double crochet stitches, with a double crochet stitch worked two rows below to make the foot part. I teach the larksfoot stitch as part of my crochet stitch library video class collection. Watch the tutorials here.
Cable Stitch Crochet
Designer: Look at What I Made
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream
This cable stitch is made by working some stitches over other stitches so that the stitches appear crossed. As you can see above, this pattern looks great in a solid color or in stripes, and it’s a great introduction to crochet cables.
Honeycomb Trellis Stitch
Designer: Daisy Cottage Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
The beautiful honeycomb trellis stitch is a good crochet stitch for making shawls or summer tops you’ll wear over your swimsuit or a tank top. It’s mostly made with chains and single crochet stitches, so this is a great one for beginners to try. The post includes a video tutorial if you need extra help.
Wattle Crochet Stitch
Designer: Many Evenings
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Patons Classic Wool Worsted
The wattle stitch is easy to learn and memorize. And if you know your basic crochet stitches like the chain, single crochet, and double crochet stitches, then you can definitely create the wattle stitch easily! I teach the wattle stitch as part of my crochet stitch library video class collection. Watch the tutorials here.
Cobble Stitch
Designer: Many Evenings
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Patons Classic Wool Worsted
The wattle stitch is easy to learn and memorize. And if you know your basic crochet stitches like the chain, single crochet, and double crochet stitches, then you can definitely create the wattle stitch easily!
Almond Ridges Stitch
Designer: Bella Coco
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Muse Hand Painted Aran
The almond stitch uses a four-row repeat to build up a beautifully ornate pattern that’s much simpler to crochet than it looks! It uses half double crochet (or half treble in UK terms) so it’s really easy to stitch and so effective in a headband!
Spider Lace Crochet Stitch
Designer: Joy of Motion Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Swish Worsted
This lacy pattern creates a wonderful design on both sides and uses only basic stitches. The spider lace stitch is perfect for many crochet projects like blankets and cowls.
Are You a New Crocheter Who Needs More Help with the Basics?
If you’ve looked through these patterns and seen some techniques you don’t know yet, or you just want to boost your knowledge of crochet, check out our Crochet Fundamentals course.
These short video tutorials cover all the basics and beyond, including yarn and hook selection, basic stitches, increases and decreases, finishing techniques, and even skill-building patterns.
Looking for Even More Crochet Stitches to Try?
These unique crochet stitches are a lot of fun and should keep you busy for a long time, but if you’re looking for more crochet stitch options, you’ll find them in my Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library.
This collection has 45 crochet stitch tutorials for you to try, all based on basic stitches like single, double, and treble crochet.
Looking for more great crochet patterns: 55 Unique Baby Blanket Crochet Patterns
