Curious about why your stitches or joined seams appear slanted? Here's some insight about the impact of your crocheting style on the final appearance of your item. This post provides an in-depth exploration of Double Crochet stitches (Part 1 of our crochet study). Additionally, you may want to explore Part 2 (Understanding Single Crochet Stitches), and Part 3 (Understanding Half Double Crochet Stitches).
There are 2 known methods of creating dc stitches that impact your stitch appearance and gauge - Traditional Yarn Over and Untraditional Hook Over (also known as Yarn Under) . Crafters around the world widely use both methods, each offering unique benefits. Instead of labeling them as right or wrong, I will simply outline the distinctions.
The Process of Making
 |
Yarn Over Method (Traditional) – Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, Yarn Over and pull up a loop; [yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the hook] 2 times. |
 |
Hook Over Method (Untraditional) – Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, Hook Over and pull up a loop; [yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the hook] 2 times. |
|
LEFT Handed Crochet Yarn Over Method (Traditional) |
LEFT Handed Crochet Hook Over Method (Untraditional) |
|
|
|
Stitch Appearance
The close-up reveals that the traditional (yarn over) dc stitches are straight, while the untraditional (hook over) dc stitches are slanted. Both hat samples below are worked in the round, where each round is joined with sl st in top of beg st.
For right-handed crochet, the rounds are worked in a counterclockwise directions, which makes untraditional stitches look slanted to the left.
|
RIGHT Handed Crochet Yarn Over Method (Traditional) |
RIGHT Handed Crochet Hook Over Method (Untraditional) |
|
|
|
For left-handed crochet, the rounds are worked in a clockwise directions, which makes untraditional stitches look slanted to the right.
|
LEFT Handed Crochet Yarn Over Method (Traditional) |
LEFT Handed Crochet Hook Over Method (Untraditional) |
|
|
|
Project Appearance
By inserting the hook under both loops of the stitch below, the new stitch naturally shifts to the right (for right-handed crochet) since the top of the stitch is not directly above the post of the stitch. This effect is seen in both traditional and non-traditional dc. Since the traditional (yarn over) dc are straight, their offset placement creates a right-leaning joining seam. Untraditional (hook over) dc are slanted to the left from the offset point, which compensates and balances out the right-leaning joins. Thus, untraditional joining seam is straight.
|
RIGHT Handed Crochet Yarn Over Method (Traditional) |
RIGHT Handed Crochet Hook Over Method (Untraditional) |
|
|
|
For left-handed crochet, the joining seam in traditional (yarn over) method will be leaning to the left, and the untraditional (hook over) dc will make the seam look straight.
|
LEFT Handed Crochet Yarn Over Method (Traditional) |
LEFT Handed Crochet Hook Over Method (Untraditional) |
|
|
|
Symmetry
Symmetrically designed patterns that are worked in the round are often tricky for traditional crocheters as the right or left-leaning direction of work distorts the symmetry of the entire piece. However, it is not an issue for untraditional style and the finished pieces are always symmetrically balanced.
|
Yarn Over Method (Traditional) |
Hook Over Method (Untraditional) |
|
|
|
On a good note, the offset stitch placement would only be noticeable if you work each round in the same direction. By alternating your work direction, the slanting will balance out in each row.
The Gauge
The traditional and untraditional crochet could also affect your gauge. For example, if you successfully matched your stitch gauge but having issues with the row gauge, switching styles may work as charm for you. Also, the row gauge can often be fixed by adding or omitting rounds of your project without changing your crocheting method.
Conclusion
Both methods have proven to be effective for various tasks. Although, it's impotent to ensure consistency in your project by sticking to a single style throughout. Changing styles midway can disrupt the overall outcome. For certain projects I prefer using untraditional method, while for others I adhere to traditional crochet. Here are a few reasons:
- Traditional dc stitches are straight and beautiful, so I prefer using them when working in rows (back and forth crochet), especially when I crochet colorwork in rows and I want to achieve smooth color changes. If you struggle with sore joints from crocheting, your wrists will thank you for using traditional crochet style.
- Untraditional dc stitches create beautiful straight seams and symmetrical appearance. I love using this method for working in the round, especially when the rounds are not spiral.
