Unravelled

Brush up on your technique with our simple guide…

Alternate front and back loop dc to create this textured fabric

When you first learn to crochet, following the rules is really important. When you’re working a stitch into the stitch below, you usually need to insert your hook under two strands of yarn that create a V-shape. But did you know that you can break this rule and create some fun effects? Stitches worked under just the front or back strand (or loop) can create interesting textures, or leave a strand available for creating another layer of stitches.

You can work any stitch into the back loop or front loop only of the stitch on the previous row, and combinations of these stitches can create interesting textures in your crochet fabric. You can also use front and back loop stitches to create layers in your fabric. For example, by working a row of stitches into the front loop only, you’ll leave the back loop free for a new row of stitches, worked into the back loop only. The result is a layered three-dimensional effect. Let’s hook...