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Double sided crochet

Double sided crochet is fabric made to be seen from both sides. It comes in two kinds. A reversible fabric is a single layer whose two faces look the same, or equally finished. A double fabric has two layers, which can match or can show a different color or pattern on each side. This page sorts the ways to make each kind and points to the pages that teach them.

How to work it

  1. One layer: a stitch that looks alike on both sides

    A reversible stitch pattern has no right side and wrong side to speak of: it looks the same, or as good, from the front and from the back. Plain stitches worked back and forth in turned rows are reversible, because every other row shows its back, and so are many stitch patterns built on them. This is a single layer, so it takes no more yarn than usual.

  2. One layer in two colors: tapestry crochet

    When a pattern is worked in two colors, the yarn not in use can be carried inside the stitches. Nothing lies loose on the back, so the pattern is tidy on both sides.

  3. Two layers: make two pieces and join them

    Two layers of crochet held one behind the other with their top edges level. The edge of the back layer, in a second color, shows just above the edge of the front layer. A row of stitches in a third color is being worked along the top from the right: each stitch reaches down through both edges at once, and four are made. One loop is on the hook.

    Make two pieces of the same size and shape. Hold them together with their wrong sides facing each other, so that a right side faces outward on each side. Then join the edges with a round of single crochet (UK double crochet), putting the hook through the edge of both pieces for every stitch.

  4. Two layers in one: thermal stitch

    Thermal stitch hooks every row into the row below as well as the one being worked: the hook goes into the back loop of the next stitch and into the loop left unworked in the row below. The result is one fabric that is double thick.

  5. Two layers woven together: interlocking crochet

    Interlocking crochet works two layers of open mesh at the same time and passes them through each other as they grow. The layers are not stitched to each other; the weaving holds them together. The fabric is reversible.

At a glance

Also called
reversible crochet
Used for
blankets and throws that are seen from both sides; scarves, cowls and wraps; dishcloths and scrubbies in two layers
Reversible
One layer whose two sides look the same or equally finished.
Double
Two layers, alike or different on each side.
Two pieces joined
Wrong sides together, edges crocheted through both.
Thermal stitch
One fabric, double thick.
Interlocking crochet
Two layers of mesh woven through each other.
Yarn
Two joined pieces take the yarn of both pieces.

Which kind to choose depends on what the piece is for. For a blanket or a scarf, where both sides are seen, a reversible stitch is the simple answer. Two layers make a thicker piece.

Two layers cost yarn. Two joined pieces take the yarn of both pieces, so plan for about twice what a single layer of that size needs, and treat any figure as an estimate.

Not every stitch pattern is reversible. A pattern with a clear front and back is better kept for something with an inside and an outside.

When it goes wrong

My two pieces do not match at the edges.
Count the stitches round the edge of each piece before you join them. The joining round takes the two edges together, a stitch of each at a time, so both pieces need the same number.

Left-handed

The pictures show the hook held in the right hand. For the left hand, read each picture as its mirror image.

Variations

Questions

What is a reversible crochet stitch?
One whose fabric looks alike from the front and from the back, or as good, so there is no wrong side to hide.
How do I crochet two layers together?
Hold the two pieces with their wrong sides together and work a round of single crochet through both edges at once.
Does double sided crochet use more yarn?
A reversible stitch uses no more than usual. Two layers do: two joined pieces take the yarn of both, about twice a single layer, as an estimate.
Is thermal stitch the same as double sided crochet?
It is one kind of it: a single fabric that is double thick. Two joined pieces and interlocking crochet are other kinds.

Where to go next

Stitches

Guides