The anatomy of a stitch is something that I love to experiment with. Stitches have posts, loops, bars, etc.. And sometimes it’s a bit tricky to figure out where you’re supposed to be inserting your hook for your next move, this most often happens when you’re reading a pattern and you come across something like this, “Insert hook into back bar of stitch and chain1. . . ” Um, what the heck is a ‘bar’ in a stitch?
Different types of stitches create different types of bars. Uh oh, don’t get discouraged, it’s really quite simple. Simple stitches will often only create a horizontal bar, it can be found hiding on the back of the stitch, just below the back loop. Some stitches, usually ones that require an additional YO, will also produce a vertical (really diagonal) bar stitch as well.
I love using all the ignored loops and bars in the back of a stitch to create texture. Here is a quick tutorial to show you how the yellow edging for my Bavarian blanket was made. I really like the way the two levels of chains nestle against each other. (This is similar to a Camel stitch, except you are working this with the Right Side facing).
The picture below shows just a swatch of crocheted material from the Right Side.
Here is the same swatch of fabric with the Wrong Side showing, here you will see your bar.
Here, you will see the tip of my hook inserted into the bar. The bar is found just below the back loop (don’t forget, you are looking at the back side).
Turn your work back to the Right Side, you want the chains to lay on top of each other so you have to work from the right side. Insert your hook in the bar (just reach around with your hook and find the bar right behind/underneath the back loop), chain1 into the bar. Continue all the way across/around, making a chain1 into each bar.
When you are finished, you will have this little extra row of chains for added texture and detail. Enjoy!
How cute! It never even occurred to me to do anything like that. I’ve made a few projects that crochet around the posts, but not the bars. I’ll have to remember this. 🙂
Amazing colors!! I’m new to crocheting and I just found this blog.
Would love to know if there is a pattern for this and what yarn you used.
Very good article. I always get the back and front loops confused.
In the very early stages of setting up to sell my crochet.
What an interesting and unusual way to end a project. I’m going to use this on my current work to set it off a bit. Thank you so much for the idea.
Hello. How wonderful you are – as you are teaching an old “Woman” (DOG!;) new tricks!! Brilliant. I have been crocheting for a long time – but – I have leared more going on line in the past few years – than ever before. I am very grateful for your kindness to share these wonderful stitches.
May you have a most lovely holiday. Happy crocheting.
This is why I love the internet, there is no end to learning more and perfecting your craft. Merry Christmas Julie and thank you for stopping by.
I also love to crochet and your blog is always a pleasure to come visit!! Gorgeous work!!
What a great post! I didn’t even know what a bar was.
I love using the Camel Stitch, love the texture of it!
yes! this is just like the camel stitch except you are working on the right side of the fabric.
Thank you so much…… excellent pics and instructions!