#44 - Crocheting Backwards on Purpose!

Learn how to crochet rows backwards with your dominant hand so you can crochet all right-side rows in your project. This is especially helpful for Tapestry Crochet worked in continuous turned rows so the edges of the design in the rows don’t look so choppy!
Crocheting backwards is a skill that takes some practice, so be patient with yourself while learning this skill. I think this is a great skill to have in our crochet tool boxes!
My previous Tapestry Crochet videos to learn the Tapestry Crochet technique:
#10 - Tapestry Crochet Tutorial & Free Project Chart: • #10 - Tapestry Crochet...
#43 - Tapestry Crochet Coaster in turned rows (with Free Project Chart): • #43 - Tapestry Crochet...
Free Tapestry Crochet coaster chart on my website: thecrochetarch...
Potholder pattern from Raffamusa Designs that I show in the video: raffamusadesig...
www.ravelry.co...
Materials used in video:
Omega Sinfonia yarn, sport weight (you’ll want to use a cotton yarn to absorb moisture for your snowflake coasters or to protect from oven heat for your potholders)
Size E (3.5 mm) crochet hook (or desired hook size)
For well-written crochet patterns, check out my website at www.TheCrochet...

[@MoonStone_Empress]

This is incredible. I've been struggling to find a right-side only technique that doesnt involve cutting off at the end of each row. I couldn't get my left hand to cooperate to do it left-handed. This is a game changer. Thank you!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome! I can't crochet with my left hand, either. I hope you enjoy crocheting backwards to make your Tapestry Crochet projects right-sided. If you do Mosaic Crochet, you can use this technique for that, also. I did a video like this for Overlay Mosaic Crochet so you don't have to cut the yarn at the end of each row. It's video #48. If you're interested, you can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5bad4BrptJgrs0. Happy crocheting to you now and always!

[@maybebuffalo6049]

Goodness. I've been looking for a neater change over for years and found your video by coincidence. Thank you. Haven't trued it yet but it makes so much sense

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome! I hope you enjoy crocheting backwards on purpose!

[@colleenmizenko966]

This is the first time I found somebody who does what I do, except that you do it as a new technique. I'm a left hand crocheter who learned while sitting across from her granny. She was crocheting front to back, what I was seeing was back to front, therefore, that's the way I learned. No matter how much I try, I can't seem to learn any other way. Although my work is just as beautiful as righties, I have a hard time learning new techniques.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

Colleen, I actually had a student in one of my classes who inserted her hook from back to front, as well. Her stitches were just as nice as inserting from front to back. I bet your work looks just like right-handed crocheters' work, but you do it with your left hand from back to front instead of with your right hand from front to back. I say "do what works for you"! Happy crocheting to you!

[@doloreslove2816]

When I heard of crocheting backwards, I thought of the crab stitch. I like your method, thanks for tutorial.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Dolores. I hope you enjoy this technique!

[@winderofcoils]

You are ingenious. I love this technique.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

Thank you! I'm glad you like this technique. Happy crocheting to you!

[@creusagilmore2425]

This is great! Thank you for sharing this technique!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Creusa! I'm glad you like it and I hope you enjoy crocheting backwards on purpose for some of your crochet projects very soon. Happy crocheting to you now and always!

[@MahoorDesign]

Thank you. You always present something new. I love watching your tutorials although I am not a beginner and I design myself. Keep up the good work. You are so inspiring ❤️

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Mahoor! Thank you for your kind words. I hope you enjoy crocheting backwards sometimes!

[@nysaea]

Thank you so much for this! I had been toying with that idea but never figured out how that would work in practice, you're a lifesaver!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome! I'm glad this is helpful for you! Happy crocheting!

[@erikagholston6610]

Thank you, I would have to try that on a small project until I got the hang of it.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Erika! I think practicing on a small project is a good idea! Happy crocheting to you.

[@janet89622]

Oooooo, I love this! I am going to learn this today. You are a genius to come up with this unique technique!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you like this technique and I hope you enjoy using it!

[@evadepalm4272]

thank you. A year ago, I would not have been interested. BUT now...holy cow, you have made a difference. I was looking for something like this for a baby blanket and just in time also.. it is due in less than 3 weeks. A colorwork without the weave in ends....thank you for your creative spirit.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Eva! I hope your baby blanket project turns out fabulous! Happy crocheting to you now and always!

[@wendycampbell8049]

Wow. That is amazing

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

Thank you, Wendy! I'm glad you like it!

[@geffryflores4520]

thank you so much for the tutorial!!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Geffry! I hope you enjoy learning and practicing this technique! Happy crocheting to you!

[@itsdylan95]

this is amazing, thank you so much!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Dylan! Happy crocheting to you!

[@Phil.4.13]

Thank you for sharing this technique! I adapted it for dc and tr. It was a big help in finishing an afghan started by a left-handed crocheter!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Philippians 4:13! I'm so glad it was helpful for you in mimicking left-handed stitches to finish that left-handed afghan! I did another video demonstrating how to do Overlay Mosaic Crochet with this technique, including backwards dc. If you'd like to see it, you can find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5bad4BrptJgrs0. Happy crocheting to you now and always! God bless!

[@anniechacin2902]

You saved me! Thank youu!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Annie! I hope you enjoy crocheting backwards!

[@theveryfirstlostgirl]

Thank you so much!! I am working on an amigurumi project that switches from in the round to back and forth rows part way through, and it was going to bug me so much to have the look change. I knew in theory this was possible, but didn’t have the mental energy to work out the mechanics. You’re a lifesaver!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

I'm so glad I could save your life! I will warn you that learning to crochet backwards takes some practice to get your tension close to crocheting forwards. But it's very worthwhile for specific applications! Happy crochet to you and I wish you the best with your amigurumi project!

[@kathyinnis6434]

Love it!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

Thank you, Kathy! I hope you enjoy using this technique and many of the other crochet techniques in my videos. Happy crocheting to you!

[@patriciashuart2915]

I think that was pretty ingenious, I would never have thought of that. Beautiful work.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

Thank you, Patricia. I hope you enjoy doing some backwards crochet!

[@candypie6886]

Awesome!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

I'm glad you like it! Happy crocheting to you!

[@coolbrese]

That's very creative Susan! I would never have even thought of doing this. Thank you for sharing the technique. I may give it a try. 😁

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Jane! Please let me know what you think after you try it. I'm very interested in what others think of this after trying it. It's not something that comes easy, but I think it's worth it in the long run. I had to practice this skill to get better at it. It also takes a little longer to work the backwards stitches, so don't do it if you're short on time! Enjoy!

[@katmandu5753]

Thankyou I've been looking everywhere for this!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome! I hope you enjoy practicing crocheting backwards to make all your rows with front facing stitches! Happy crocheting to you!

[@CherylDFloyd]

I tried this today and I'm really happy with it. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Cheryl! Happy crocheting to you now and always!

[@therealnancysteele]

I am new to your channel and I can see that I am going to learn from you. Thank you so much for passing on your talent to the next generation. I hope we will be good stewards of the art.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Nancy! I enjoy teaching others and seeing (or hearing of) their successes! Happy crocheting to you now and for many years!

[@juanitaboricuacrochet4398]

Thank you for sharing! Always good to learn a new technique/stitch. It certainly makes a difference in the look of the tapestry.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Juanita! I hope you're doing well, my friend.

[@stock_orchid]

Love your tutorials. I'm going to make a potholder using this technique.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

Thank you, Melinda! I hope your potholder turns out wonderful!

[@CherylDFloyd]

What a masterful technique! I will definitely play around with this! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Cheryl! I hope you enjoy crocheting backwards!

[@corrneliamuller8019]

Definitely want to try this out. Love doing mosaic crochet. Brilliant idea.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

Thanks, Corrnelia! This works great for Overlay Mosaic Crochet, too. Here's a video of me demonstrating how to do some backwards rows in Overlay Mosaic Crochet to eliminate those pesky ends: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5bad4BrptJgrs0. Happy crocheting to you now and always!

[@ellyshobbyhoekje]

Thank you Susan, for sharing this , i never came up with this idea, i wil try it in my next project.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Elly! It's just another crochet tool to have in our tool boxes! Happy crocheting to you!

[@feargodlorib4711]

Thanks 🙏 so much! I love 💕 it very interesting and it looks so much better! Very clever! Thanks 😊 again & God Bless You!! 🌷

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Lori! Thank you for your kind words! God bless you today and always!

[@KathrynClarkCrochet]

I love this! Such a great idea! I want to try this on overlay mosaic!!!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

Thanks! I tried it with Overlay Mosaic and it works. I need to play with it a little more, though.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

It's great to be able to crochet backwards for many crochet techniques! I LOVE how mosaic crochet can be done in many, many different ways!

[@nette888]

Awesome Susan! Thanks for teaching us!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Nannette! I hope you enjoy using this backwards stitch!

[@monicabrimm1822]

Thanks for taking the time to share...💜

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Monica! I hope you'll give this a try.

[@x1435]

I love the new and creative ideas you always have! This is a great technique. Thank you for sharing :)

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome! I hope you enjoy doing some backwards crocheting on some of your projects!

[@auntienanabun]

Another great video beautifully illustrating a technique I can't wait to try! This may actually solve a problem I've been trying to figure out.Thanks!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome! I hope you get your problem figured out!

[@jeanette6396]

This looks so neat! It's just a matter of getting the tension right. Otherwise it looks no harder than regular crochet. This might help when I am putting in several colors, and the yarn is on the wrong side of the project. If I did this, I could have fewer ends! Thanks so much.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Jeanette! I agree about practicing to get the right tension on the backwards rows. My tension improved on those rows as I practiced, so I'm sure yours will, too. Happy crocheting to you!

[@obsessivecrochetdisorder3495]

I think it looks amazing, and fully intend to use it for this type of work. Thank you so much! 🧡🧶🧡🇬🇧

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome! I hope you enjoy crocheting backwards!

[@mariemcgahee4690]

Thank you fir his. I will give it a try. Also, thanks for the free patterns.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Marie! Enjoy!

[@flor0942]

I cant wait to try this, thank you for sharing!!!

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Holly! I hope you enjoy this technique for crocheting backwards to create all right-side rows! Happy crocheting to you!

[@carynlong1846]

Susan I am going to try this out and see what happens with 9 colors being carried and one color crocheted over. This will be a good technique to master because I do love tapestry crochet. TYVM💕

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're so very welcome, Caryn! I hope it works out well for you. I know that carrying that many colors would be a nightmare if you had to finish off each row. And weaving in that many ends would NOT be an option! Please let me know how it works for you. It takes some practice, but I think this technique would really work well for what you're doing! God bless you for being such a good friend to your friend who lost her beloved dog!

[@margieavila3594]

That’s a great idea!!! Thank you for sharing your technique.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome, Margie! Thanks for watching and for your kind words! Happy backwards crocheting to you!

[@Sophiecjp]

Brilliant! You are amazing.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

Thank you, Sophie! I hope you enjoy using the backwards sc!

[@mtnjhutch]

That is great!! I love the look.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

Thanks! I hope you'll give it a try.

[@kschmi28]

Thank you. I've been doing this when crocheting heels on socks to keep the look consistent. I couldn't find anything online about what it was called and still, I don't know what it would be called. When I type in crochet backwards, I keep getting the reverse single crochet which is not what I want. I don't even know how to describe this in writing up my patterns, so I just call it crochet row backwards, but if anyone other that me reads it, they wouldn't know what I meant. Oh well.

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

You're very welcome. I agree that it's hard to put a name to crocheting backwards. If you'd like to include a link in your pattern to this video, that's okay with me. You could probably say "hold yarn in front instead of behind, insert hook from back to front, yarn over backwards, draw up a lp, etc". However, if someone hasn't seen this demonstrated, it's hard for them to understand. Some people are ambidextrous and can crochet every other row with their other hand. I'm not one of them! My non-dominant hand rows look awful! Happy crocheting to you now and always!

[@monicabrimm1822]

Very interesting....🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

Thanks, Monica! Enjoy!

[@katmandu5753]

Do you have any tips for doing the 2nd row, directly after the chain row?

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

I assume you mean the first crocheting backwards row. My biggest tip is to practice, practice, practice! That's the best thing I did to help get my tension better on the backwards rows. I found that my tension was looser on my backwards rows than the forwards rows simply because I didn't have much practice with working backwards. So I would recommend using some yarn that you don't care about and just practice working the backwards rows until you feel comfortable doing backwards rows on your project. I also tended to make my rows tighter as I got further up on the project. My first project with working backwards had this problem (the potholder that I showed in the video). I tried to ignore it, but it bothered me and I wasn't sure if I could block out that much difference in width. As it turned out, I ran out of the yarn needed to finish the last round of the border about 11 stitches short of finishing it! So being the perfectionist that I am, I ripped out the whole project and started again with a hook one size smaller so I wouldn't run out of the yarn. I was also able to make my tension a little tighter on those first few rows, which made the edges much straighter. I was much happier with the new, remade potholder, so the extra time spent was well worth it to me! I hope this helps. Remember, practice, practice, practice! It takes a while to wrap your (and my) head around inserting the hook backwards and yarning over backwards to make those backwards stitches! But in Tapestry Crochet, I think the extra effort is well worth it to keep the design crisp! Happy crocheting to you!

[@amandathorpe1648]

Can you do a dc crochet the same way ?

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

Yes you can, Amanda! I actually demonstrated working a dc backwards in this video for Mosaic Crochet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5bad4BrptJgrs0. Happy crocheting to you!

[@carynlong1846]

I have been practicing with only 2 colors and my backward rows are all leaning to the right while the front rows are straight. What should I do to fix it?

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

My backwards rows lean to the right, too. When looking at my forwards rows, they lean to the left. So it's perfectly normal. Do you think they lean too much to the right? You might try a different hold on your hook, perhaps, and see if that helps. Or try to keep your hook more to the right when making your stitches backwards. That might help alleviate the extra right lean on the right side of your stitches.

[@carynlong1846]

@@TheCrochetArchitect Thank you it is just my backward row leaning. So I think it must be the way I am holding my hook. I will try to hold my hook more to the right. I can see after practicing a few hours it is starting to become easier to get the flow. I like the way it looks. Once I get that sorted , I will try to use it. I really think it might do the trick.😆

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

I sure hope it does the trick for you, Caryn! It took me some practice before it got a little easier. But I'm happy with the results from using the backwards sc, so I feel that it's worth the time and extra effort to get a good result. I look forward to your huge success with using the backwards sc in your Tapestry Crochet project with many colors!

[@obsessivecrochetdisorder3495]

PLEASE HELP: Dear Susan, I went from this to your Special Crochet Stitches, your Long Double Crochet video and thence to the pattern for the Easy Rainbow Hat. I have bought the pattern for the hat and have confirmation from PayPal that the payment has gone through, but cannot see how to download the pattern. Please will you tell me how to obtain it? I have used the comment facility as I cannot find an email address for you. 🧡🧶🇬🇧

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

I saw that you purchased the pattern a little while ago. Thank you for your pattern purchase. I'm traveling today, but I'd be happy to make sure you receive the pattern after I return home later today. Sometimes the automatic confirmation email from my website gets delayed or goes into a spam folder. I'll check with you later today to find out if you received the email or not.

[@obsessivecrochetdisorder3495]

@@TheCrochetArchitect Hi Susan, I’m sorry to say that I still haven’t received the email with the download link. I have had a lot going on, and it had slipped my mind, but I have double checked and can’t find anything. I’ve checked my spam folder and it’s not there either. Please would you send me a duplicate? Thanks, Gill aka Obsessive Crochet Disordered. ❤️🙏🧶🇬🇧

[@TheCrochetArchitect]

Gill, I just emailed the pattern to you. I sent you an email 3 weeks ago after you purchased the pattern, but you never replied. I hope the email address that I have for you is working. It's the same email that you used to pay for the pattern through PayPal. Please let me know if you receive the email with the pattern attached. Happy crocheting, Susan

[@obsessivecrochetdisorder3495]

@@TheCrochetArchitect Thanks Susan, I’ve received your email and have sent a confirmation reply 💛🧶🇬🇧