What is an X-Shaped Single Crochet Stitch?
An X-shaped single crochet stitch is a variation of one of the first stitches most crocheters learn. It is exactly the same as a normal single crochet stitch, but instead of looking like a ‘V’ your stitch will look like an ‘X’.
The X-shaped single crochet stitch is a hugely popular style of stitch for making amigurumi because it can make your stitches look that little bit neater. It can also help make your tension tighter, which is great for ensuring the stuffing can't be seen through your stitches.
The only downside is that it can take some time to get used to. But once you get the hang of it, it can even help you crochet that tiny bit faster!
What's the difference between an X and V single crochet stitch?
The difference between an X and V single crochet is the shape of the stitch when looking at the right side of your work.
To show you how it looks, here's an example from my amigurumi design, Ruben the Red Panda.
In this design, I used the X-shaped single crochet stitch. You can see how the appearance of the stitch looks like a little X. It's also creates a tighter tension in the stitch and looks very uniform.
For a comparison, let's look at the standard single crochet stitch which I used for Kira the Koala.
You'll notice that the right side of these single crochet stitches look like a V. Now, this is the traditional Single Crochet and one of the stitches most crocheters learn first.
Keep in mind, Kira the Koala’s head is crocheted from the top down, so the V’s appear upside down.
Here's a close-up of both stitches so you can compare the two.
How to crochet the X Single Crochet stitch?
To crochet the X Single Crochet stitch, all you need to do is ‘yarn under’ instead of ‘yarn over’.
Let me show you what I mean in a photo tutorial.
Here are the steps to crochet an X-shaped Single Crochet stitch:
1. Insert crochet hook into the next stitch
2. ‘Yarn under’ instead of yarn over (YO) to get the X-shaped stitch
3. Pull yarn back through the stitch so there are now 2 loops on your crochet hook.
4. ‘Yarn under’ again instead of YO to get the X-shaped stitch.
5. Pull yarn through the two loops on your crochet hook. This is the X-shaped Single Crochet stitch now complete.
It is extremely simple, but don't let the simplicity fool you - it can take some time to pick it up.
Why can the X-shaped Single Crochet stitch be so difficult to master?
While the steps to achieve an X-shaped Single Crochet stitch are super simple, mastering the stitch can be quite difficult because you’re fighting against your muscle memory. But don't let that stop you!
I personally found it quite challenging when I first tried this stitch technique because my hand would automatically move the hook to ‘yarn over’ instead of ‘yarn under’. I had to keep undoing and redoing stitches in the beginning, but it became a lot easier with practice.
Long story short, if I can master this stitch and fight my own muscle memory, you can too! The key is not to give up.
Now I like the X-shape single crochet stitch so much that I’ll definitely be using it for more of my makes in the future.
The benefits of an X-shaped Single Crochet stitch
Here are just a few of the benefits I've come across when using the X-shaped Single Crochet Stitch for crocheting amigurumi.
The stitches tend to look more defined and neater.
It can help make your tension even tighter which is ideal for crocheting amigurumi (to avoid any of that stuffing appearing through your stitches).
I found that once I'd battled through the uncomfortable phase of getting used to the X-shaped Single Crochet stitch, it did make me crochet slightly faster than normal because there is slightly less movement when you hook onto the yarn (e.g. yarn under vs yarn over).
I hope this post helps you give the X-shaped single crochet stitch a try!
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to reach out by commenting below. I’d love to hear from you.
Until next time, happy crocheting,
Cilla x
