Check out these 20 unique crochet stitches and give your next project a little oomph! If you are looking for different types of crochet stitches to try, you’re in the right place!

One of the great things about crochet is that it’s so easy to get started. It doesn’t take too long to figure out your way around a pattern and get the hang of the basic crochet stitches: slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, and treble crochet stitches.
But why stop there? Once you learn how to crochet, there are so many unique and interesting crochet stitches that you can use to add some character to your next project! In this article, I’ve curated a list of my favorite stitches that you can use to make beautiful blankets, cozy scarves, crochet hats, and more.
Unique Crochet Stitches for Beginners
Don’t be intimidated when you see how great these techniques look in the finished products! You’ll find that some of these cool crochet stitches are a lot easier than they look because they build on the basic stitches you already know by heart. Plus this list contains links to stitch tutorials that will guide you along the way.
Beginners can try starting with the Linen or Moss Stitch. It’s super pretty and very approachable.
Decorative Stitches for Experienced Crocheters
Are you looking to take your crochet projects to the next level? This round-up has got you covered. It’s chock full of fun stitch inspo for any yarn addict. Some of the stitches on the list are a little more complicated, but the effect they add to your projects makes them worth the effort. Plus, how rewarding is it when you take on a challenging technique and finally get it down pat?
Pretty Crochet Stitches for Blankets
Are you an afghan fanatic who can whip up a basic blanket with your eyes closed? Maybe you’re crocheting a gift for a baby shower and you want to make it extra special. Trying one of these eye-catching stitches will make your finished product stand out, and it will make the process more fun. The Larksfoot Stitch and the Harlequin Stitch are blanket boosting favorites.
Whether you’re seeing them for the first time or the first time in a while, these 20 unique crochet stitches are sure to make your project that much more special, and that much more fun to work up!
20 Unique Crochet Stitches for Your Next Project
The open, grid-like design created by the filet stitch gives it a light and airy feel. Use it for a beach-y shawl or a lace-like table cloth.
You may have seen this stitch in heirloom afghans and baby blankets. It's a beautiful vintage stitch that creates eye-catching designs, especially when worked in stripes. It can be a little tricky, but an intermediate crocheter should have no problem picking up this stitch.
Once you see the crocodile stitch, there's no question where it got its name! This fun, whimsical stitch can be used to mimic dragon scales, mermaid tales, and even bird feathers. It's a cinch to learn too, because it's made using the basic double crochet stitch. After you get used to turning your work to form the scales, you'll have no problem crocheting the crocodile stitch.
Just like its name suggests, this stitch really pops off your work. Use it to give your project a fun, puffy texture.
Along with the popcorn stitch, the puff and bobble stitches are great ways to add puffy, chunky texture to your project. These are especially great for thickening up winter accessories. In this post, you can find tutorials on the stitches and an easy-to-understand explanation of what makes them different.
When you want to level up from a basic stripe, try a chevron stitch. The zigzag effect will give your project a little pizazz, and it's much easier than it looks.
If you're looking to add an edgier edge to your scarves and blankets, the spike stitch is for you. Rows of spike stitch are also another way to spice up basic stripes.
The basketweave stitch gives you a thick woven fabric with lots of depth and density. Try it when you want to add some weighty texture to your project.
This linen stitch is a popular stitch with many names (you may see it called the moss stitch or the granite stitch). It's simple, but creates a lovely, dense textured fabric --- without being too stiff! It's great for when you want a close knit that still has some drape.
The charm of the larksfoot stitch is the pretty teardrop shape it creates. This delicate stitch is lovely for afghans and baby blankets.
There are so many different kinds of lace stitches, but the shell mesh stitch really stands out. It combines shells and chain spaces into an airy, drape-y lace that's perfect for shawls, beach coverups, and more.
If you love the look of fringe, you need the loop stitch! Keep the loops for a floppy texture, or cut them for true fringe. Also called the fur stitch, the loop stitch is a great way to create hair for dolls or plushies.
This stitch is thick, textured, and "waffle"-ly cute. The waffle stitch works up great in cuddly blankets, warm shawls, and winter accessories.
There's a lot to love about the ribbed half double crochet. If you like a knitted look, but prefer to crochet, this stitch gives you the best of both worlds. Plus it shows up on the front and back sides of your work, which makes it a perfect choice for scarves.
Give your project a little extra shine with the star stitch. Named for the pretty starburst shapes it creates, the star stitch also boasts a thick dense texture. Beauty and function!
Similar to the chevron stitch, the wave stitch is a fun way to spice up your stripes. It's simple -- just repeat one row -- but it creates a beautiful effect.
Another stitch that mimics the look of knit, the waistcoat stitch is thick and sturdy. Its neat and tidy look makes it a good choice for understated garments and men's accessories.
The pretty and dainty suzette stitch is a good next step for beginners. It looks fancy, but it doesn't take too long to get the hang of. If you're ready to move on from single and double crochet, give this stitch a try!
The lemon peel stitch combines a thick sturdy fabric with a delicate appearance. Plus it's really simple! Once you get the hang of it, it's sure to become one of your go-to stitches.
The combination of chunky texture and beautiful symmetry makes the aligned cobble stitch so satisfying. If you want something fun but still neat and tidy, give this stitch a try.
Before you start your next project, consider adding one of these unique crochet stitches. They’re a great way for you to spice up your work and give yourself a fun challenge!
More Crochet Tutorials
If you love to crochet, you may be interested in these related articles.
- 25 Free and Easy Crochet Patterns for Beginners
- 25 Free Crochet Hat and Beanie Patterns
- 25 Free Easy Crochet Scarf Patterns for Beginners
- 25 Crochet Headbands and Ear Warmer Patterns
- 27 Free Crochet Baby Blanket Patterns
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Sarah Stearns has helped thousands of makers find their next craft project with free patterns and step-by-step tutorials on her blog, sarahmaker.com. Read more.
Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, Vox, Apartment Therapy, Lifehacker, and more.
Charly
Tuesday 3rd of August 2021
I i want a deep rich purple in a bulky yarn what do I need to order?