In this free step-by-step crochet tutorial I show how to make the arruga stitch. This stitch is a solid, textured crochet stitch. It is also a reversible crochet stitch that looks the same on both sides. It creates dense, thick, durable fabric and works great for potholders, washcloths, decorative pillow covers, laptop sleeves, blankets and other projects that need warmth, structure, and durability.
This crochet stitch tutorial includes detailed photo instructions. This stitch is quite easy to make. The arruga stitch consists of front post and back post single crochets (see detailed photo instructions below showing how to make these stitches) and double crochets.
Materials and tools
Yarn: For this tutorial I use Soft FRAYA Cotton 8/4 100% Organic cotton 50g – 180 m yarn, color: blue agave. However, you can use your favorite yarn depending on the crochet project.
Hook: I use a 2.0 mm hook. If you are using a different yarn, choose the hook size that is recommended on your yarn label.
Printable PDF and chart
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Photo instructions for the arruga crochet stitch
Row 1
1. Start by chaining an even number of chains.
2. In the fourth chain from your hook make a double crochet.
3. Continue making double crochets in every stitch until the end of the row.
4. Then chain one.
Row 2
5. Turn your work around. Chain one does not count as a stitch, so you will start working in the very first stitch.
6. Make a single crochet in the first stitch. Next you will make a back post single crochet around the post of the second double crochet in the previous row.
7. So, insert your hook bringing the post of the double crochet to the back.
8. Yarn over.
9. Pull the yarn through. Now you have two loops on your hook.
10. Yarn over.
11. Pull the yarn through both loops on your hook. You have just made a back post single crochet!
12. Next you will make a front post single crochet in the next stitch. So, insert your hook bringing the post of the next double crochet to the front.
13. Yarn over.
14. Pull the yarn through. Now you have two loops on your hook.
15. Yarn over.
16. Pull the yarn through both loops on your hook. You have just made a front post single crochet!
17. Then make a back post single crochet in the next stitch.
18. Make a front post single crochet in the next stitch.
19. Continue alternating back and front post single crochets until the end of the row.
20. At the end of the row make a single crochet in the turning chain.
21. Then chain two.
Row 3
22. Turn your work around. Chain two counts as a stitch, so you will start working in the second stitch of this row.
23. So, make a double crochet in the second stitch.
24. Continue making double crochets in every stitch until the end of the row.
25. Then chain one.
26. Turn your work around. Chain one does not count as a stitch, so you will start working in the very first stitch.
27. Make a single crochet in the first stitch. Next you will make a front post single crochet in the second double crochet of the previous row.
28. So, make a front post single crochet.
29. Then make a back post single crochet in the next stitch.
30. Make a front post single crochet in the next stitch.
31. Then make a back post single crochet in the next stitch.
32. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
33. At the end of the row make a single crochet in the turning chain.
34. Then chain two.
35. Turn your work around. Chain two counts as a stitch, so you will start working in the second stitch.
36. Make a double crochet in the next stitch.
37. Continue making double crochets in every stitch until the end of the row. For the rest of the pattern repeat rows 2-5.
Finished arruga crochet stitch
38. Done!
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