Loop stitch is a fabulous textured stitch that can add a lot of interest to your crochet animal projects – Lions, Sheep, Llamas, Poodles, Scottish Terriers, etc. When you crochet loops, they appear on the back of the work, so you are working on the WS to create loops on RS of your project. Here are a few different ways to make crochet loops, give them a try to see what’s best for you.

TIP: When working loops, be sure to take frequent breaks, relax your hands and do some stretches. Also, Keep your speed slow and the size of your loops consistent.

1. Basic Sc-Loops

The Basic Loop Stitch is great when it comes to working with super-bulky yarns. However, if you tend to crochet loosely, it might not work for you as the fabric behind the loops can stretch over time. Also, these loops can never be snipped as the fabric will fall apart.

Holding the yarn over your index finger, insert the hook in st and catch the far side of the working yarn. Pull yarn through the stitch and adjust the size of the loop. Release the loop off of your finger, yo and pull it through 2 loops on the hook. The stitch is now completed with a loop on the back of the work.

2. Locked Sc-Loops

The Locked Loops create a firm and durable sc fabric behind the loops, which allows you to work with thinner yarns easily and even snip these loops for a hair-like texture.

Holding the yarn over your index finger, insert the hook in st and pass it over and behind the yarn to catch the far side of the working yarn. Pull both strands through the stitch and adjust the size of the loop. Release the loop off of your finger, yo and pull it through 3 loops on the hook. The stitch is now completed with a loop on the back of the work.

3. Locked Sc-Double-Loops

These loops are similar to Locked Loops but you are creating double-loops instead of single-loops. I use this method when I work in rows (vs rounds) as the loops are created in every other row instead of every round. In this case, double loops will compensate the amount of missed loops in plain sc rows.

Wrap working yarn twice around your index finger and insert the hook in st. Pass the hook over and behind the yarn and insert it between the loops and your finger, catching the far side of working yarn. Adjust the size of the loops and pull all 3 strands through the stitch (4 loops on the hook). Release the double-loop off of your finger, yo and pull through all loops on the hook. The stitch is now completed with a double-loop on the back of the work.

4. Locked Hdc-Loops

Hdc-loops are created in the middle of hdc stitches and they appear on the back of the work, so you will be working on the WS to create loops on RS of your project. These are locked loops stitches.

Holding the yarn over your index finger, insert the hook in st and pass it over and behind the yarn to catch the far side of the working yarn. Pull both strands through the stitch; adjust the size of the loop to fit your finger circumference loosely and release the loop off of your finger; yo and pull through all loops on the hook.

5. Locked Dc-Loops

These loops are created in the middle of dc stitches – Holding the yarn over your index finger, yo and insert the hook in st. Pass the hook over and behind the yarn to catch the far side of the working yarn. Pull both strands through the stitch and adjust the size of the loop. Release the loop off of your finger, yo and pull through the double-wrap just made and yo from the beginning, yo and complete dc as usual. Dc-lp is now completed with a loop on the back of the work.

6. Locked Dc-Double-Loops

This stitch is just like the Locked Sc-Double-Loop when you wrap working yarn twice around your index finger, but it’s created in the middle of dc instead of sc.

Crochet loops are truly amazing, I hope you give them a try!