Learn everything you need to know about the crochet thermal stitch – how to work it, what types of projects to use it for and more.
Common Questions about the Thermal Stitch
There are several that produce a lovely thick stitch, but the crochet thermal stitch definitely ranks as one of the thickest crochet stitches out there. The act of working through the back loop of the row below produces a fabric that is almost a double thickness. In my opinion it’s the warmest crochet stitch.
This crochet stitch is amazing for anything that you want to be warm and squishy. It can be used for a hat, oven mitt, crochet potholder, baby blanket, scarf, headband, mitten, and more. It is one of the thickest stitches out there.
This can also be called the thermal single crochet stitch, because it is just single crochet, you just adjust where you place your hook.
You want to pick a yarn that is not going to melt – so acrylic and yarns that like that are not the best. When making a potholder, use wool or the more common cotton yarn. Both of these are good choices because they can hold up to the heat.
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Thermal Stitch Video Tutorial
In this video tutorial, I will teach you step by step how to crochet the thermal stitch. The skill level for this stitch is advanced beginner. This is an easy stitch that uses only single crochet, so if you can single crochet and chain you can work this stitch – you just adjust where you place your hook.
Check out this video tutorial for help and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for weekly video tutorials!
How to Crochet the Single Crochet Thermal Stitch
Yarn: Any weight yarn works for this stitch. It’s especially thick with a chunky yarn or super bulky yarn as you will see in the video and photo tutorials.
Crochet Hook: Use any hook that is appropriate for your yarn. Check the ball band if you are unsure what size hook to use.
Stitch Abbreviations
Chain (ch)
Single Crochet (sc)
Back Loop Only (blo)
Thermal Stitch Tutorial
Chain any number of stitches you would like, plus one for the turning chain. (In the video it says an even number, but it really can be worked over any number of stitches).
Row 1: Working in the blo of the chain, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across; turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, *insert hook into blo of first st and into missed front loop of chain, yarn over, draw through 2 loops, continue as a regular sc into these loops; repeat from * for each st.
Row 3: Ch 1, *insert hook into blo of first st and into missed front loop two rows below, work a regular sc into these loops; repeat from * for each st.
Repeat row 3 for stitch pattern.
**Please see video tutorial if you need help!
Tips for a Perfect Thermal Stitch
While working this stitch, it does feel strange as it leans to one side or the other. The first few rows look strange, but the stitch pattern begins to appear as you keep working row 3.
Some people think this looks like the knit linen stitch, so it’s a great option for something that you would like to look a bit like knitting.
Working the very last row of this stitch to finish off the top is very similar but has one small difference to straighten the stitch.
When working the last row, instead of inserting your hook into just the back loop of the sts in the first step, insert your hook into the full stitch (under both loops), and then into the front loop two rows below. You will have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over, draw through all 3 loops, then finish off like a regular single crochet.
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Final Thoughts on the Crochet Thermal Stitch
That’s it! In this easy crochet tutorial, we learned how to crochet the single crochet thermal stitch, a wonderfully thick textured stitch. It’s created by working into the back loop of the row below and the unworked loop of stitches two rows below. No special crochet skills needed for this easy stitch!
It’s the perfect stitch for a crochet potholder pattern, as it makes a sturdy fabric that is thick and durable. It’s also great for crochet bags (both the body of the bag and strong crochet straps) or any other crochet project that you need a thick crochet fabric. It’s not a good choice for larger projects that need some drape.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial! See below for a quick printable version of this tutorial.
Happy Crocheting!
Amanda
Crochet Thermal Stitch (Easy Tutorial)
Learn everything you need to know about the crochet thermal stitch – how to work it, what types of projects to use it for and more.
Materials
- Yarn: Any weight yarn works for this stitch. It’s especially thick with a chunky yarn or super bulky yarn as you will see in the video and photo tutorials.
Tools
- Crochet Hook: Use any hook that is appropriate for your yarn. Check the ball band if you are unsure what size hook to use.
Instructions
Chain any number of stitches you would like, plus one for the turning chain. (In the video it says an even number, but it really can be worked over any number of stitches).
- Working in the blo of the chain, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across; turn.
- Ch 1, *insert hook into blo of first st and into missed front loop of chain, yarn over, draw through 2 loops, continue as a regular sc into these loops; repeat from * for each st.
- Ch 1, *insert hook into blo of first st and into missed front loop two rows below, work a regular sc into these loops; repeat from * for each st.
