Crab Stitches

Guys, I just can't seem to get the crab stitches right around the neck. My crab stitches just don't turn out as pretty as they do in the patterns :-( It's enough to make me cry.

Hi Bienchen,

how do you make your crab stitches—do you pull them tight or loose?
(Maybe you have a photo?)
Because they actually always turn out nice; you might also be able to gently shape them a bit afterward—carefully, of course, depending on the yarn you’re using.

Best wishes

Nici

Hello, Bienchen,
it really does depend on the yarn; for the crab stitch, you might want to use a hook one size smaller or larger, depending on whether you find it too loose or too tight.

Best regards, Yvonne 

Hi, Bienchen,
Is the neckline round? If so, here’s what I do with the crab stitches: where the curve is the most pronounced, I skip a stitch once or twice—that is, leave it out. This helps keep the crab stitches from ruffling. I hope you understand what I mean....
Otherwise, it also helps to practice crab stitches. Just crochet a row of single crochet stitches and practice crab stitches. With practice, you’ll get an even result. And then tackle the neckline...
Good luck!
Karin

I’d do it exactly as Karin wrote. I still remember my very first crab stitches very well. They were terrible, and for years I always chose a different finishing method. But then I tried it several times, and suddenly it worked great...
Kind regards
Petra

Hi everyone,

I’m out and about today, but I’ll check in again in a few days :-). Apparently, I need to go to the right after the single crochet. I think that was the problem.

Best regards

Hi,

after several tries using your tips, I finally got it right. My crab stitches look great now :o) Thank you!

Best regards, Biene.

That makes me very happy.

Warm regards, Yvonne