Deep crochet stitches- SC & DC- Crochet#12

Deep crochet stitches are simple variations of the basic stitches – Single crochet (SC) and double crochet (DC).  The results are best when contrast color yarns are used in the stitches. The design and texture simply pops out with the contrast color.

Deep single crochet stitch –

This is also known as ‘Spike stitch’ or ‘long single crochet stitch’. The formation is just like single crochet stitch but the hook inserted one row down. For more variations in stitch lengths, hook can be inserted 2 or 3 rows down.

This stitch can add beautiful and simple edging to the afghans, scarves, blankets etc.

Instructions –

1. On a foundation chain, work up few rows of single crochet, depending on your project.
2. Join the new color to the project. To learn various ways of joining yarns, you can refer to my earlier articles on this. The article was divided in 2 parts – part#1 and part #2
3. After working 2 stitches of SC in the new color, instead of inserting the hook on top of the stitch, insert it one row below, pull the loop to match the row height and finish the stitch like SC.
4. To achieve longer stitch lengths, insert hook 2/3/4 rows below. Lower you go on the rows to pull the loop, longer will be your stitch length on the surface. Here it is very important to ensure that yarn is pulled up enough to match the row height. It will help in avoiding distortion in the shape and design.

All the steps have been explained in the below images. Images will be more helpful in understanding the stepwise movement, stitch formation, various stitch length and appearance of the stitch.

Deep Double Crochet Stitch –

This is also known as ‘Larks foot stitch’. Here again, although the stitch formation is  similar to double crochet but a slight variation brings out the texture on the surface. With the usage of contrast colors(s), this texture will be more prominent on the surface.

Instructions –

1. Make the foundation chain in the multiples of 3.
2. Insert hook in the 4th chain from the hook and make DC
3. Make DC in next stitch.
4. Chain 1 and skip next stitch.
5. Make 1 DC in each of next 3 chains.
6. Repeat #3 & #4 till the end of the row.
7. Row 1 will end will 3 DC. Chain 4 for the next row.
8. Row 2 – Make DC on top of DC. Chain 1 and skip stitch on top of skip stitch.
9. Finish the last stitch of color 1 with color 2 and chain 4 for the next row.
10. Row 3 – Skip 2 DC next to the chain and make DC on top of the 3rd DC.
11. Insert hook in one row below in the skip stitch space and pull up the loop to match the height of the row and finish DC.
12. DC in next DC.
13. Chain 1 and skip next DC.
14. Repeat from #11 to #13 till the end of the row. Last DC will be on top of the chain stitches of the previous row. Chain 4 for the next row.
15. Row 4 – Make DC on top of DC. Chain 1 and skip stitch on top of skip stitch.

Repeat the design for further rows to achieve desired length.

While all the above steps are simple to follow, following images will be helpful in better understanding of the steps and appearance of the surface in this stitch.

 

Just to explore more on ideas, use multiple colors to form ombre effect along with this texture or use rainbow colors to create multicolor project.