Did you know that you can crochet a garter stitch-like pattern? Yes, you can crochet fabric that looks like garter-like stitches with just your crochet hooks. It is a brilliant crochet stitch technique that every crocheter must learn. All you need to know is your basic stitches and techniques, and you can make a sturdy fabric perfect for various projects. Think of warm garments, hats/ beanies, gloves, headbands, scarves, or home decor. Are you interested? Let's explore the stitch technique in this blog, and with our step-by-step guide, you can master the garter-like slip stitch crochet pattern!
Interesting stitch patterns like this is a good opportunity to embrace the good-natured feud between knitters and crocheters as they bring both the yarn crafts together and allow to express creativity in new and exciting ways. Similar to garter-like slip stitch in crochet, there are options to create a stockinette pattern with the waistcoat stitch.
What is the Garter Stitch?
The Garter stitch is a classic knitting pattern, one of the fundamentals of the yarn craft. Refer to our guide on how to knit garter stitch to learn more. The pattern is reversible, meaning it looks the same on both sides of the fabric. The texture of the stitch pattern is impressive. It has a neat look with bumpy textures that look amazing in every kind of projects. From sweaters and cardigans to hats, scarves and blankets to home décor, garter stitch projects can be made with any of the knitting needles. It is beginner friendly for knitters who are learning the tricks of the craft.
Crochet Garter Stitch-like pattern
Crocheting the garter-stitch look is challenging. It requires a specific stitch pattern of slip stitches with your single-ended crochet hooks. The concept of working in the front loop and back loop must also be clear. Another option is to work Tunisian crochet which we won’t bes discussing in this blog. The hybrid craft is a subset of crochet but looks like knitting. It is worked similar to knitting as well picking up stitches in one row on the Tunisian crochet hooks and working them in the next row. The Tunisian purl stitch comes closest to the garter stitch look-alike as the stitch pattern.
How to crochet the Garter look?
Before we head to step by step instructions, make sure that you are proficient in these crochet stitch techniques.
Slip Stitch: Abbreviated as sl st in US crochet terms and ss in UK crochet terms with both standards refer to the stitch name as slip stitch, it is one of the fundamentals of crochet. You work the stitch by inserting the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull through the stitch and the active loop on the hook. Slip stitches do not add to the height of the fabric but is generally used to join rounds in crochet or make surface decorations on a crocheted fabric.
While the stitch pattern is simple, it opens up endless possibilities. How so? With a change in the stitch direction, inserting the hook front loop or back loop only and more, each time you have something interesting. Slip Stitch crocheting is one of the oldest forms of the craft known by different names. For English speakers it is Bosnian Crochet and Shepherd’s Knitting for Norwegian, it is pjoning, and in Swedish it’s krokvirkning and smygmaskvirkning. The stitch technique creates fabric that is dense, reversible and do not curl.
Working in the Front and Back Loops: The stitch technique involves inserting the crochet hook into only one loop of the previous stitch. For a detailed tutorial refer to our guide on front and back loop crochet.
Step-by-step instructions for Crochet Garter Stitch Look-Alike
Start with a slip knot and a foundation chain with your single-ended crochet hook. To test the pattern, it’s best to start with a swatch of 15-20 chains.
Row 1 - Slip Stitches
- Start from the second chain from your hook.
- Insert your single-ended crochet hook only into the back loop of the chain.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Pull this loop through the loop on your hook, creating a slip stitch.
- Continue working slip stitches into the back loop of each chain across the row. Make sure that you make loose slip stitches as it will make it easier to work into those stitches in later rows.
Row 2 - Slip stitches into front loops
- Turn your work.
- Now, you'll work into the front loop only. To find the front loop, look at the top of the stitch, which will look like a back loop when you turn it.
- Insert your hook into the front loop.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Pull this loop through the loop on your hook, creating a slip stitch.
- Continue working slip stitches into the front loop of each stitch across the row.
- Continue working on Row 2 for subsequent rows.
As the stitch pattern progresses, distinguishing between rows may become more challenging. Try using stitch markers at the beginning of each row to help you keep track.
The garter-like crochet pattern is a sure head-turner, but due to the slip stitch technique, it can be time-consuming. Give this pattern a try but, get the right crochet hooks first! As with the right tools you have amazing results plus a smooth crafting experience.
Explore smooth crochet hooks with the Lantern Moon collection. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, each hook is a treasure. The ebony wood material has a luxury silk-like finish that works with all kinds of yarn. Enjoy a smooth flow of stitches while the lightweight wood prevents fatigue even during long hours of crocheting. along with crochet hooks- single-ended as well as Tunisian, explore knitting needles, sets and whimsical acecssoiree assisting with your crafting needs.