Have you ever wondered if there are more techniques to learn in crochet? Have you ever wished you could work all right-side rows, but you’re not ambidextrous? I’m not, either. But I learned to crochet backwards so all the rows in my crochet project will be right-side rows.
You may ask “Why would you want to do that?” Well, I found a fabulous Tapestry Crochet potholder pattern by Raffamusa that I wanted to crochet, but I didn’t want the jagged edges of the design on the potholder. I wanted more smooth design edges. So I decided to give backwards crocheting a try! And I’m so glad I did! Here’s a look at this fabulous potholder pattern:
Here’s the potholder I crocheted with this fabulous pattern:
What do you think? Isn’t this a wonderful crochet pattern? You can find this pattern on her website here or in her Ravelry store here.
Anyway, I decided to do a YouTube video demonstrating how to crochet backwards. You can watch that video here.
I think this is a great technique to have in our crochet tool boxes! I wasn’t great at crocheting backwards when I started. But I improved with practice! And boy, did I ever get lots of practice! The first time I crocheted this potholder, I ran out of the blue yarn just 11 stitches before the end of the edging! I wasn’t that happy with my tension in the project because it got tighter towards the top and was loose at the bottom. Since I had this yarn in my stash for probably 10 years or so and couldn’t find the same dye lot, let alone the same color, I decided I’d better frog the whole thing and start again. But I decided to use 1 size smaller crochet hook the 2nd time so I wouldn’t run out of yarn. And it worked! I’m very happy with the finished potholder and I think it looks fabulous on the tile in my kitchen!
What are your thoughts on crocheting backwards? Have you seen it done before? Do you regularly crochet backwards because that’s how you learned? Did you know there was a difference in how you can insert your crochet hook (from front to back or from back to front)?
Please leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts on crocheting backwards.
Until next time!
Susan
I love this technique. I thought about trying to crochet left to right not turning the work as I am amidextrous but then ran across your video and decided to try it instead. Love the way the work turns out. Thank you for showing us how to do this. I really like the way you explain every step slowly while dieting how to do it. That really helps.
You’re very welcome, Lynaia. I’m glad you found my video helpful! I have plans to do another video similar to this one, only doing Overlay Mosaic Crochet with this backwards technique.
I made a crochet wrist cuff using this method. I posted it on the Mosaic Crochet Facebook Group. I used a part of Juli Gittinger pattern “Bhakti” and mentioned your name and YouTube presence. I wanted to send you pictures. I’ve been practicing this method with different samples of patterns too.
I made a crochet wrist cuff using this method. I posted it on the Mosaic Crochet Facebook Group. I used a part of Juli Gittinger pattern “Bhakti” and mentioned your name and YouTube presence. I wanted to send you pictures. I’ve been practicing this method with different samples of patterns to. I will soon be trying it on my 10 color tapestry project.