In this tutorial, I will show you how to stack single crochet for a stitch of any height with instructions for absolute beginners. While you technically stack any basic stitch, including half double crochet, double crochet, and so on, stacked single crochet (STsc) is the practically useful one.
So, I will be stacking single crochet for double crochet as an example,, even though I have crocheted stacked double crochet, too. Once you understand how to stack sc, stacking for other stitches requires just require locatig
It s used as an alternative to turning chains and can make straight edges on your projects without leaving gaps, no matter which stitch you are using. In general, stacked stitches are a “game changer” for projects like dishcloths, blankets, front panels of tops, and many other ones. So, learn this technique for sure!
How to Stack a Stitch?
To stack a stitch, we first crochet a stitch normally in the top V-loops of a stitch after turning. Then look for the topmost vertical loops of a crochet stitch. In single crochet, it is easy to see that because there are just two loops that we pull.
Say, you are a right handed, then in the insertion step of whatever stitch you’re stacking, insert the hook in the left vertical loop of the stitch you just crocheted and finish the stitch. Simple? Yes!
Note: The term vertical loops is relative, as a stitch only has the vertical topmost loops until you crochet a new stitch.
Why Stack a Stitch?
Clean Edges: You can crochet straight vertical edges on both sides.
No Gaps: Unlike a “Chain 3” (that counts double crochet), this stitch is solid and doesn’t leave a hole at the beginning of the row. Kinda similar to the double chain or half I-cord.
Easier to Work Into: When you return to the end of the next row, you have a “V” on top to work the last stitch into. Otherwise, you might be searching for the chain loop.
Note: If you want to use any stacked stitch as an alternative to turning chains, be sure that you respect the total number of turning chains. Not to confuse yourself, always use single crochet as a turning chain alternative, as the number of single crochets is equal to the number of stacked sc(s) you need.
Tip: You can also crochet the whole fabric using stacked stitches, and I am kinda in love with it!
Crochet Stacked Stitch: Step-by-Step Instructions
These instructions will teach you how to crochet the stacked stitch. As an example, the single crochet stacked stitch is used:
Difficulty: Beginner – Level 1
- Complete your first row normally after the foundation chains (or recommended foundation single crochet) and turn the work.
- Instead of making the needed number of turning chains, in the first stitch from the previous row, work one single crochet.
I am making a single crochet, so I inserted the hook under both the V loops of the first, yarn over, pulled up a loop, yarn over again, and pulled through both the loops on the hook.
- Look at the single crochet you just crocheted. You will see two vertical “legs” on the front. Insert your hook into the left-hand vertical bar (the one furthest from your hook). If you are right-handed, insert into the right loop.
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Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook
Adjusting for Height
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For Double Crochet (US): A stack of two single crochets perfectly matches the height of a double crochet row.
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For Taller Stitches (Treble, etc.): You can continue “stacking” by repeating: inserting your hook into the leftmost vertical loop of the previous stack and making another single crochet.
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