Note: These tutorials use UK crochet terms for stitches. Where necessary, the US terms for stitches will be given in brackets the first time they’re mentioned, then the UK terms will be used from then on.

How to Crochet a Loop Stitch

In this tutorial, I will show you how to make the loop stitch. This stitch is essentially a double crochet (US single crochet) stitch, only with a loop added to the back or “wrong side”. It is usually used on accessories or soft toy animals to make the effect of fur or fluff by cutting the loops and brushing the loose ends. As the loops come out the back of the loop stitch, a piece including this type of stitch will typically be made as though the “wrong side” is the “right side” so that the fluff is visible on the front/outside of the piece.

How to Make a Loop Stitch:

Begin as you would with a double crochet stitch, by putting your hook through the next stitch:

Hands working a crochet hook into a stitch of crochet

To form the loop, wrap the yarn around the index finger of your non-dominant hand so that there are two visible strands on the side of your finger. Your yarn should look like this:

A left hand holding some rounds of crochet; its index finger has yarn wrapped twice around it

Put your hook through both the strands on your finger in the direction of the tip of your finger, then pull both strands through the stitch, keeping the yarn on your finger. This part can be a little fiddly, but as with many things, it gets easier with practice - be sure use your non-dominant thumb to hold the piece tightly against your non-dominant hand, and of course it’s a good idea to keep the yarn loose-ish for this part so you don’t cut off circulation! You should have three loops on your hook.

A hand putting a crochet hook through a loop of yarn that is wrapped around the index finger on another hand
A hand using a crochet hook to pull some yarn through a stitch of crochet; another hand has yarn wrapped twice around its index finger
Three loops of yarn and some rounds of crochet on a crochet hook
Some rounds of crochet on a crochet hook; the rounds are held so that the loop at the back of a half finished loop stitch is visible

Now carefully take yarn off your finger, which should leave a loop of yarn sticking out the back of your piece. At this stage you should tighten or loosen this loop so that it’s the length you want for your fluff. DO NOT pull this loop so tight that it disappears - it’s the reason it’s called a loop stitch!

Hands holding a crochet hook with some rounds of crochet; three loops on the hook with some yarn wrapped around it

Loop stitch from the front

Hands using a crochet hook to pull yarn through three loops to finish a loop stitch
A completed loop stitch from the back (with the loop visible)

Loop stitch from the back

A completed loop stitch from the front

Done!

Some rounds of crochet on a crochet hook; the outer two rows have loops of yarn sticking out of them

To finish, just loop the yarn over your hook and pull it through all three loops on the hook (NOT the loop sticking out the back - leave that alone).

Many loop stitches.

Scissors cutting loops of yarn sticking out of a piece of crochet

For an even fluffier effect, you can use a comb and stiff bristled brush to brush the loose ends so that the strands unravel and fray.

Tip: start by brushing the tips of the strands first, then work your way to the roots. The strands will unravel easier if they unravel from the tips inwards.

The effect of this stitch is best seen when there’s lots of them all over a surface. When the piece is completed, you can cut all the loops to make lots of little strands.

Hands using a comb to brush strands of yarn sticking out of a piece of crochet
Hands using a wool carder to brush fluff on a piece of crochet

Brushing with a stiff bristled brush, like this wool carder, after brushing with a comb will make the fluff more soft and wispy.

Hands using a comb to brush strands of yarn sticking out of a piece of crochet
Some rounds of crochet with a fluffy edge

You can learn how to make some more simple crochet stitches here.

After more crochet knowledge? Have a look at some useful crochet techniques, or try this other interesting stitch.

Got a question? Get in touch at koalamea.crafts@gmail.com.