Crochet basics- new stitch techniques, featuring the alternating corkscrew stitch.

I found myself so frustrated with back loop only stitches..

I found myself so frustrated with back loop only stitches when I was working on a pattern that had ribbing. I would tell close crochet friends how one day I would find a stitch that worked through more than one loop and still created a beautiful ribbing effect.

I think what bothers me the most about this stitch, is how it stretches out the yarn by pulling on the back loop. Tugging on the back loop only creates a lift on that loop and bunching up the rest of the stitch. I needed something with a little more structure but wanted to keep the ribbing texture.

I decided to test out a series of different stitches..

I decided to test out a series of different stitches until I came up with a few different ribbing textures I knew I’d use for future projects. This one being my favorite for sweater ribbing, the Alternating Corkscrew Stitch, ACS.

The Alternating Corkscrew Stitch (ACS)

• Start by chaining however many stitches you need for your ribbing.
• Half double crochet (hdc) across to create your first row. Chain and turn. Here is where you will start creating the ribbing effect by creating the alternating corkscrew stitch.

• Yarn over and insert your hook through the back & third loop.
• Yarn over and draw through both loops(back & third).
• With three loops on your hook yarn over and pull through all three, like a half double crochet.
• In the next stitch, half double crochet. Repeat alternating between the corkscrew stitch and a half double crochet.

*I like to start the row with an alternating corkscrew stitch and end each row with a half double crochet.

PIN IT FOR LATER!!

P.s: If you’ve tried all of my alternatives to the back loop only stitch, leave a comment below and share your favorite stitch with me!