Loop stitch is a fantastic textured technique that adds instant personality to crochet animals... think lions, sheep, llamas, poodles, Scottish terriers, and more. Because loops form on the back of your work, you’ll be crocheting on the wrong side (WS) to create loops on the right side (RS). Below are several ways to make crochet loops. Try them out and see which method feels best for your project.
1. Basic Sc Loops
This is the simplest loop stitch and works especially well with super‑bulky yarns. However, if you crochet loosely, the fabric behind the loops may stretch over time. Also, these loops cannot be trimmed (cutting them will cause the fabric to unravel).
How to make it:
- Hold the yarn over your index finger.
- Insert hook into the stitch and catch the far side of the yarn.
- Pull up a loop and adjust the loop size.
- Release the loop from your finger, yarn over, and pull through both loops on the hook.
- The loop will appear on the back of the work.
2. Locked Sc Loops
Locked loops create a firm, durable fabric behind the loops, making them ideal for thinner yarns. These loops can be safely trimmed for a hair‑like texture.
How to make it:
- Hold yarn over your index finger.
- Insert hook into the stitch and pass it over and behind the yarn to catch the far side.
- Pull both strands through the stitch and adjust the loop.
- Release the loop from your finger, yarn over, and pull through all 3 loops on the hook.
3. Locked Sc Double Loops
This method is similar to Locked Loops but creates double loops. It’s perfect for projects worked in rows, where loops appear only on every other row. The double loops help compensate for the skipped loop rows.
How to make it:
- Wrap the yarn twice around your index finger.
- Insert hook into the stitch.
- Pass the hook over and behind the yarn, inserting it between the loops and your finger to catch the far side.
- Pull all three strands through the stitch (you’ll have 4 loops on the hook).
- Release the double loop, yarn over, and pull through all loops on the hook.
4. Locked Hdc Loops
These loops are created in the middle of a half double crochet (hdc). As with all loop stitches, you work on the WS so the loops appear on the RS.
How to make it:
- Hold yarn over your index finger.
- Insert hook into the stitch and pass it over and behind the yarn to catch the far side.
- Pull both strands through the stitch and adjust the loop.
- Release the loop, yarn over, and pull through all loops on the hook.
5. Locked Dc Loops
These loops are created in the middle of a double crochet (dc).
How to make it:
- Hold yarn over your index finger.
- Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch.
- Pass hook over and behind the yarn to catch the far side.
- Pull both strands through and adjust the loop.
- Release the loop, yarn over, pull through the double‑wrap and the initial yarn over.
- Yarn over again and complete the dc as usual.
6. Locked Dc Double Loops
This is the double‑loop version of the Locked Dc Loop, created in the middle of a double crochet (dc).
How to make it:
- Wrap the yarn twice around your index finger.
- Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch.
- Pass the hook over and behind the yarn, inserting it between the loops and your finger to catch the far side.
- Pull all three strands through the stitch (you’ll have 5 loops on the hook).
- Release the double loop, yarn over, and pull through the double‑wrap and the initial yarn over.
- Yarn over again and complete the dc as usual.
Give Loop Stitches a Try
Loop stitches are incredibly fun and add so much character to your crochet projects. Whether you want fluffy fur, shaggy hair, or playful texture, there’s a loop method that will bring your design to life.
