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There are many different styles and techniques for crochet. If you’re looking for something new to try you might enjoy exploring these many different types of crochet!
When I first learned how to crochet, I had no idea just how many different kinds of crochet exist. While all of them rely on the basic concept of creating loops of yarn to hook through, there are a LOT of different ways to go about it!
In this post, we’ll cover all of the many different styles and types of crochet so you can check them out and explore something new!
1. Amigurumi Crochet
If you love the idea of making all sorts of plush creatures and critters with crochet, amigurumi is for you!
Amigurumi crochet comes to us from Japan and originates from the Japanese words “ami” which means to crochet or knit and “nuigurumi” which means stuffed doll.
Amigurumi crochet is typically worked in cotton yarn using single crochet stitches. It is a great form of crochet to start with for beginners because it only requires knowing a couple of stitches (primarily the single crochet stitch and slip stitch) and gives you plenty of practice working in the round with increases and decreases.
2. Tapestry Crochet
Tapestry crochet is a type of crochet that uses crochet stitches to create different designs. You can use tapestry crochet to write letters, create Fair Isle patterns or even use a wide variety of different colors in your work.
Tapestry crochet is usually worked with several strands of yarn at a time for quick and easy color changes. It’s best to work in only two colors as a beginner but as you practice you’ll soon be making all kinds of designs with multiple colors. While you could technically use any stitch, single crochet stitches are the most common as this is a denser stitch that makes it easier to see the patterns.
One of my favorite things about tapestry crochet is it is very simple to create your own designs. All you need is a piece of graph paper and some colored pencils and you can easily plan your own designs!
3. Granny Square Crochet
The classic granny square is what many people envision when they picture crochet in their mind. While it wasn’t formally introduced until the late 1890’s, it has since become a popular enough style and technique that an entire subculture has been created around designing and using different granny squares!
The “original” granny square pattern is worked in a series of double crochet and chain stitches to create the square. Of course, there are many variations to the basic granny square, such as the starburst granny square.
Granny squares are very versatile and can be used in almost any kind of project, so it’s not surprising they are worthy of their very own crochet genre. You can use granny squares to make blankets, pillows, and even sweaters!
My favorite thing about granny squares is they are a great way to use up scrap yarn since you only need a very small amount of yarn for each color. They’re also easy to join together to make all kinds of things.
4. Freeform Crochet
Freeform crochet is perhaps one of the most artistic forms of crochet and is worked by creating different motifs and then joining those motifs together to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece of art!
You can do freeform crochet in a similar way as Irish lace, though of course, it uses a lot more color and you are not limited by what weight of yarn you use since it does not have to be lace.
Once you get the hang of creating and joining together freeform crochet motifs, you can then move on to create all sorts of creative things – from stuffed plush to one-of-a-kind unique clothing.
5. Hyperbolic Crochet
Hyperbolic Crochet was created by mathematician Daina Taimina in the 1990’s to demonstrate the concept of the hyperbolic plane in geometry.
While mathematical in its origins, you don’t have to be a mathematician to appreciate its beauty and texture.
In hyperbolic crochet, crochet stitches are used to create interestingly textured ruffles which then form a cluster. Hyperbolic crochet is popular in sculpture and other works of art, though you can also use it to make interesting things such as Christmas ornaments and other hanging decorations.
6. Irish Lace Crochet
Irish lace crochet originated in Ireland and was an important part of helping the people of Ireland survive through the famine.
Irish lace is created by working a number of different crochet motifs and then joining the motifs together with chain stitches and picot stitches to create a design.
7. Hairpin Lace Crochet
Hairpin lace crochet requires using a hairpin lace loom along with your crochet hook and yarn.
In this type of crochet, crochet stitches are worked around the loom to create an open and elegant piece. Hairpin lace was originally used for creating elaborate trims and edges and it is certainly beautiful enough to incorporate into a number of different projects.
If you enjoy using art yarns, hairpin lace crochet is also a beautiful way to show off all the different textures and colors of the yarn. Stacey Budge-Kamison has a wonderful video here of how to use hairpin lace crochet and art yarn to make a wonderful scarf.
8. Cro-Tatting
Tatting is a vintage method of making lace using knots to create elaborate designs and patterns. With cro-tatting, one uses basic crochet stitches in combination with knots to create intricate designs.
Cro-Tatting typically uses very fine crochet thread and also uses long, thin crochet hooks usually less than 3mm in size.
This is a fantastic type of crochet to explore if you are interested in making your very own doilies and lace for other projects!
9. Broomstick Crochet
There is not a lot of information about the origins of broomstick crochet although most sources site that it originated in America in the 1800’s.
In broomstick crochet, the yarn is worked around a broomstick or other wide and long object, such as a wooden dowel. This gives the work a soft and lacy look to it and is a great choice for making quick afghans and using it in sweaters, shawls, and scarves.
10. Bruges Crochet
Bruges crochet is a technique used to make ribbon-like lace. If you ever wanted to create your own lace doilies to use for other projects {like junk journals and fabric books!} Bruges crochet is a technique worth learning!
In Bruges crochet, one creates a long flat strand of tape/ribbon which is then connected to create interesting and intricate designs.
Worked in crochet thread with small hooks, it does take a bit of practice to master but the results are beautiful, making this one crochet technique to explore!
11. Filet Crochet
Filet Crochet is a type of crochet that uses negative space to create different patterns and designs in the work. It is a popular choice for making fine linens such as tablecloths and curtains although of course it can be used for a number of different projects! Many people like to use filet crochet for mesh bags.
In filet crochet, the work is created in double crochet and chain stitches. Using chain stitches, one can “skip stitches” to create different patterns that use negative space in the design.
12. Tunisian Crochet
I first stumbled across Tunisian crochet when I was looking for a way to achieve a knitted look with crochet.
In Tunisian crochet, you are able to make both knit and purl stitches to create a number of different effects. It creates a thick and opaque cloth that is perfect to use for afghans, washcloths, dishcloths, and clothing.
One of the distinguishing features of Tunisian crochet is that it uses a very long crochet hook. This is because the loops of crochet are carried on the hook as you make your stitches.
There are a number of stitches you can make with Tunisian crochet, with one of my favorites being the Tunisian Crochet Honey Comb stitch.
13. Shepherd’s Knitting {Bosnian Crochet}
Shepherd’s knitting, also known as Bosnian crochet, is a form of crochet that primarily only uses the slip stitch. The work often has a knitted appearance and is a great choice for hats, mittens, and socks.
Bosnian crochet uses its own special types of crochet hooks which are much flatter and wider than traditional crochet hooks. Most Bosnian crochet patterns require you to change hook sizes throughout the work.
While Bosnian crochet-specific hooks are ideal for this type of crochet, it can be hard to find them. Fortunately, it is possible to use standard crochet hooks in a variety of sizes to achieve the same result.
14. Cabled Crochet
For those who love the look of cable knit clothing, it’s exciting to know you can get very similar results with crochet cables!
Cable crochet uses a lot more yarn than traditional crochet, but the results are so lovely that it is usually worth it!
It can take some practice to get the hang of making cabled crochet patterns so it is a great choice for intermediate and advanced crocheters to explore.
15. Cro-Hooking Crochet
Cro-Hooking uses a special double-ended crochet hook that makes it possible to achieve a knitted look to your project.
Most projects created with a double-ended crochet hook are reversible, meaning the front and back of the work are equally beautiful.
16. Finger Crochet
With finger crochet, you ditch the crochet hook and instead use your fingers. While it takes a bit of coordination to master, the nice thing about finger crochet is the only thing you need is yarn.
Because our fingers are considerably larger than most crochet hooks, finger crochet is best used when you want to achieve a loose and flowing project or when using bulky yarns.
In finger crochet, you use your finger as the hook and can use the same basic stitches as you would in regular crochet.
17. Clothesline Crochet
Clothesline crochet is pretty much exactly what it sounds like – crocheting over clothesline!
In Clothesline crochet, one works their yarn over a long clothesline. This makes the finished work thicker and sturdier, making it an excellent choice for crochet rugs and baskets.
If you ever tried to make crochet baskets but found they flopped around a bit too much for your liking, using the Clothesline crochet technique can help give it some strength to stay upright.
This is also a wonderful technique to use for making crochet rag rugs – simply use strips of old fabric instead of yarn.
18. Micro Crochet
Micro crochet is adorable! In micro crochet, one uses very small crochet hooks {Under 3mm in size!} to work their favorite crochet patterns in miniature using cotton crochet thread or even embroidery thread.
It is very popular for many people to combine micro crochet with Amigurumi to create a wide variety of adorable miniature crochet characters.
Miniature crochet can also be enjoyable if you enjoy making miniatures as you can make a wide variety of things for dollhouses and other miniature scenes such as miniature afghans, miniature rugs, and even miniature clothes for dolls.
19. Stained Glass Crochet
Stained glass crochet is a relatively new term to describe crochet that is worked to create motifs that resemble stained glass.
In stained glass crochet, black yarn or thread is used to create an outline of different colors. The result is stunning and often times stained glass crochet cloth is worthy of framing.
20. Color Pooling Crochet
Color pooling crochet is a relatively newer type of crochet that involves using variegated yarn and planning your stitches so that the colors of the yarn will appear to create a distinct pattern.
Color pooling is most often used in creating argyle patterns along with checkered patterns, although of course, you can work a number of different designs in your work simply by changing the type of stitch you use.
With this crochet technique, it is common to need to adjust your tension or even your hook size as you go along to ensure that the colors will line up to create a design or pattern. It’s also important to make sure the variegated yarn you choose to use has the right repeat length to work in your design.
21. Entrelac Crochet
Entrelac crochet comes as a variation of Entrelac knitting, where one creates diamonds of different colors to achieve all sorts of interesting pattern designs.
Entrelac crochet begins by creating your first square or diamond in the center. Additional diamonds and squares are then worked in a round along the edges as you complete the design.
22. Mandala Crochet
Mandalas are circular geometric patterns that are often used in meditation and other spiritual practices. Mandala crochet can be a very relaxing way to create different designs using a variety of colors for stunning results.
Mandalas in crochet are usually worked in rounds, with a set amount of repeats in the pattern. There is no limit for what types of stitches you can use, making this is a great way to experiment and practice different stitches.
One thing that is important when doing mandala crochet is taking care to properly increase your work so that your finished mandala will lay flat.
Finished mandalas can be joined together to create a blanket or you can use them for making mandala bags, drink coasters, or even hanging on your wall as a work of art.
23. Reversible Crochet
Reversible Crochet is typically worked in shell stitch in 2 colors to create a 2-sided project. It’s a popular type of crochet for blankets and makes it so the front of the work is just as interesting and beautiful as the back.
It can take a bit of practice to get the hang of reversible crochet, so this technique is best for intermediate and advanced crocheters.
24. Wire Crochet
Wire crochet is exactly what it sounds like – crocheting with wire instead of yarn. In wire crochet, one uses wire just as they would yarn to create different stitch patterns.
If you like the idea of making things such as crocheted jewelry or metal baskets, wire crochet is a great art form to explore.
You can use wires of all sorts of different materials although copper, aluminum, and silver wire are the most popular choices.
Wire can be rough on your hands to work with especially if your tension is too tight. Wearing protective work gloves can help reduce the risk of being cut on the wire.
25. Beaded Crochet
Beaded crochet is a lot of fun if you love everything related to beads and beadwork!
In beaded crochet, one starts by stringing all of the beads they want to use on their thread. Typically you cannot add or remove beads very easily once you start!
As you crochet your stitches, you will pull up a bead through the work. This is a great technique to add different textures and designs to your project! You can also create beaded crochet rope which is great to use for necklaces, bracelets, and handles for bags.
26. Plarn Crochet
Plarn crochet is another kind of crochet that ditches the yarn for an interesting material – plastic bags!
Plastic bag yarn, known as plarn, is made by cutting plastic bags {typically the kind you find at grocery stores} in a way that creates one long continuous strand. The plastic bag yarn can then be used just as you would use any kind of yarn for crocheting your project.
Plarn is a great choice for those who love upcycling and you can make a wide variety of things. Baskets are a popular choice because plarn is quite thick and sturdy strong when worked in single crochet.
Another way many people use plarn is to make reusable plastic tote bags. Not only does this keep plastic bags out of landfills but also helps reduce the need of using disposable plastic bags.
27. Rag Crochet
Another great choice for those who love to upcycle, rag crochet uses long continuous fabric strips instead of yarn to create different projects.
With rag crochet, you can use all sorts of different materials – from wool suits to t-shirts to even old bedsheets and tablecloths. Thrift stores and rummage sales are a great way to get all sorts of materials for rag crochet.
Rag crochet results in a very thick material, making this an excellent choice for rugs, bags, and baskets.
I hope learning about all the different types of crochet out there inspires you to try something new!
What kinds of crochet have you tried? Which from this list are you most interested in learning? Do you have a favorite type of crochet? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!