Special Stitches

Here are a few special stitches you can try. The first needs an afghan hook. The rest just use a standard crochet hook and are a nice change to the usual sc or dc.

Afghan Stitch:

With desired size hook and yarn, loosely ch the length required.
Row 1(first half): Insert hook in second ch from hook, yo and draw up loop, *insert hook in next ch, yo and draw up a loop; repeat from * across. There will be the same number of loops on the hook as beginning chains made.
Row 1(second half): Work off the loops on hook as follows - Yo, draw through one loop on hook, *yo, draw through 2 loops on hook; repeat from * across until 1 loop remains on hook. This is the beginning loop of the next row.
Row 2(first half): Insert hook in first upright stitch or vertical bar, yo, draw through bar forming loop on hook. Continue drawing up loops this way across.
Row 2(second half): Work off loops that same way as you did for second half of row 1.
Repeat both halves of row 2 until your item is desired length.
To bind off: Beginning on pattern row 2(second half). Skip first bar, *insert hook in next bar, yo, draw loosely through bar and loop on hook; repeat from * across, Cut yarn and draw through remaining loop to fasten off.
This is a great pattern for potholders, afghans and rugs. If you like cross stitching you can use this as a canvas to work on as the stitches are even squares to chart out. The edge may tend to roll so add a few rows or dc, etc as a border.

Cluster Stitch:

A cluster stitch is a certain amount of stitches worked in the same stitch to form a soft cluster by working each stitch, partially and joining them together with one stitch. Example: *Yo, insert hook in stitch, yo, draw loop through, yo, draw the loop through 2 loops on hook; repeat from * 4 times in the same stitch, yo, draw through all the remaining loops on hook.

Popcorn Stitch:

A popcorn stitch is a certain amount of stitches worked in the same stitch and closed at the top. Example: 5 dc in stitch, remove hook from loop, insert hook in first dc made, pull dropped loop through dc.

Picots:

A picot is normally made by making a chain, then either sc or sl st in a certain amount of stitches from the hook. Example: Ch 3, sl st in 3^rd ch from hook.

Loop Stitch:

Insert hook in stitch, wrap yarn around 2 fingers of left hand, pull loop from between the 2 fingers through the stitch leaving the loop on the fingers, yo, draw through both loops on hook, drop loop to back of project. (A cardboard strip may be cut to the desired width to be used instead of using your fingers for forming the loop.)

Ridge or Ribbing Stitch:

Work in back(or front) loop of stitch only, as directed.

Front Post Stitch:

(Sometimes called raised or relief Stitch) Working from front to back around vertical post of stitch, insert hook between first and second stitches, around stitch; yo, bring hook out again between stitches with yo loop; complete stitch as normal.

Back Post Stitch:

(Sometimes called raised or relief Stitch) Working from back to front around vertical post of stitch, insert hook between first and second stitches, around stitch; yo, bring hook out again between stitches with yo loop; complete stitch as normal.