The Limpet stitch isn’t seen very often, but adds interesting detail to your projects. This stitch needs extending double crochets to give your limpets the height needed to curl.

This pattern is written in US terms, but the UK translation is below.

UK Translation

Double crochet (dc) = treble crochet

Extended double crochet (edc) = extended treble crochet

The Pattern

You can chain any number of stitches for the Limpet stitch and place the limpets anywhere to suit your tastes. I do recommend leaving at least 4 double crochet between each limpet though to make sure there is enough space that they don’t smush against each other

For this pattern I’m making a swatch 30 stitches across. My turning chain counts as my first stitch, so I’m starting with a chain of 32.

Row 1. In the 4th chain from your hook make a dc (your turning chain counts as your first stitch) dc in each stitch across (30 stitches)

Turn

Row 2. Chain 1 and make the alternate turning chain in the first stitch. Dc in the next 4 stitches.

In the next stitch make a Limpet stitch. 

The Limpet needs you to use extending double crochet (edc) This is where you yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through the first loop only, yarn over and pull through 2 loops, then yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops.

To make your limpet – All in the same stitch make (2edc, chain 1, edc, chain 1, edc, chain 1, edc, chain 1, edc, chain 1, 2 edc) 

then take your hook out of the loop and insert it into the top of the 1st edc of the Limpet. Hook back into the working loop and slip stitch. 

This will join both sides of your limpet together. You may have to fold the limpet under to form the shape.

Dc in the next stitch (this will be hidden under the sides of the Limpet). Dc in the next 17 stitches, then make another Limpet. Dc in the last 5 stitches.

Turn

Row 3. Chain 1 and make the alternate turning chain in the 1st stitch. Dc in each stitch across – 30 stitches

Turn

Row 4. Chain 1 and make the alternate turning chain in the 1st stitch. Dc in the next 11 stitches. In the next stitch make a Limpet. Dc in the next 4 stitches then make a Limpet. Dc in the next 12 stitches.

Turn

Row 5. Chain 1 and make the alternate turning chain in the 1st stitch. Dc in each stitch across – 30 stitches

Turn

Repeat rows 2 – 5 until the required height is reached.

You can find more crochet stitch guides in the stitch vault. Why not follow us on Facebook for more crochet tips and useful info from around the crochet world