11 New Crochet Techniques to Learn This Year

Want to try adding a few more crochet techniques to your repertoire? From chunky popcorn stitches to beginner-friendly lacework, this varied assortment of different techniques can inspire you to try fun patterns that you’ve never considered before, and even create your own.

Never tried making your own clothing before? Now’s a great time to try! Want to crochet a loved one a special gift? Get creative with different textures and stitch patterns! Even if you’re an amigurumi-lover who tends to use dc after dc, these techniques can be used to create special motifs, intricate toy accessories and accompaniments. Have a go yourself!

1. Filet Crochet

Filet crochet is a traditional technique that involves creating a square mesh structure and then filling in some of the squares to make a lacy pattern. Thanks to the openwork style of the technique, patterns incorporating it build up very quickly. Jackie Carreira has used the technique to crochet a precious baby blanket in delicate pastel tones that’s the perfect size to cover a little one’s knees while in the pushchair.

11 New Crochet Techniques to Learn This Year

Jackie Carreira

2. Mountain Stitch and Valley Stitch

These clever techniques aren’t actually single stitches – in fact, they’re a series of basic stitches that turn your work slightly to create the interesting geometric wave look. Karen Wiederhold has used the techniques to create a delightfully wavy placemat, but you can easily adjust the pattern to make a blanket or scarf. Simply add the number of foundation chains needed for your desired size.

Karen Wiederhold

3. Broomstick Lace

If you’ve always thought lacework was too intricate for you, Tilley Bancroft’s boho-chic headband will prove that it’s not as tricky as it looks. The pattern uses the broomstick lace method, where a crochet hook is used along with another long, thin item to create a pretty woven effect. Historically, nineteenth-century crocheters would use a broomstick – hence the name – but fortunately, a large knitting needle does the job too!

Tilley Bancroft

4. Shell Stitch

The aptly named shell stitch involves working several longer stitches into the same base, creating a pretty fan shape. It’s easier than it looks and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be able to apply it to all kinds of projects or use it to create pretty edgings. In this pattern, Kath Webber uses it to crochet a pretty ombré neck warmer – a great choice with the current cold weather.

Kath Webber

5. Fan Stitch

Similar to shell stitches, fan stitches are created by crocheting more than twice into the same stitch. However, they differ by having at least one chain space in between the stitches (either separating each stitch or groups of stitches), for a lacier look. This lovely pillow cover by Helen Ardley incorporates fan stitches to create a lovely wavy sea effect, perfect for a seaside aesthetic.

Helen Ardley

6. Puff Stitch

The puff stitch is created by drawing several loops of yarn through a single stitch, adding a soft bobbly texture to your work. Have a go at the technique yourself – you’ll find it’s super easy to pick up and very addicting. Pretty soon you’ll be adding it to all of your projects. Plus, since the technique layers yarn, it’s very insulating and a great choice for Emma Varnam’s cute set of mittens.

Emma Varnam

7. Bobble Stitch

Much like the delicate puff stitch, these stitches create squishy balls that look impressive and provide a soft cushioning – something that Laura Strutt’s utilised in her colourful gadget sleeve. You can easily customise the size of this case to suit your own tech by simply increasing or decreasing the number of stitches worked in the foundation chain. If you’re feeling daring, you could even try a laptop cover.

Laura Strutt

8. Popcorn Stitch

The bumps on this appetising named stitch look very similar to bobble and puff stitches albeit slightly more intricate, creating wonderfully unique patterns with raised textures. It’s worth noting that because it’s more intricate, the popcorn stitch uses up considerably more yarn than both the puff and bobble stitches, so make sure that you have plenty spare when using this fun textured stitch!

Let’s Get Crafting Magazine

9. Spike Stitch

The unusual spike stitch effect is created simply by working half trebles into a stitch two rows below the current one. It works best when combined with different colour rows, for a fantastic dripping look. Susie Johns has used the technique to upcycle an old cocoa tin into a vibrant rainbow pencil pot. Why not see what tins and tubes you have leftover and use them to create something amazing?

Susie Johns

10. Chunky Cable and Chain Twist (plus Puff Stitch and Spike Stitch again)

Kath Webber uses four brilliant crochet stitches to transform her old bangles into stylish crochet versions. It’s worth noting that two of the stitches have already appeared in this list, but if you haven’t tried them yet, these small projects make for a quick and easy introduction. Mix and match your favourite colours and yarns to create something unique to you, but make sure that your bracelets are large enough that they’ll still fit on your wrists when wrapped in yarn.

Kath Webber

11. Eyelets

Alright, this isn’t a stitch pattern so much as an absence of a pattern, created by missing stitches. However, incorporating them into your projects creates stylish gaps for lacy accessories and clever holders, like Jackie Carreira’s brilliant crochet hook holder. Give the stripy storage project a go yourself – the finished case can be rolled up and taken wherever you go, perfect if you’re partial to a spot of on-the-go crochet!