Crochet Mesh Stitch Tutorial Step By Step

The crochet mesh stitch is an elegant and versatile stitch pattern that creates a fabric with an openwork, net-like appearance. This characteristic open, airy structure makes it a superb choice for lightweight and breathable summer garments, market bags, and shawls. The simplicity of the stitch - alternating treble crochets and chain spaces - lends itself beautifully to beginners looking to try something new, as well as experienced crafters seeking a quick and satisfying project.

Crochet Mesh Stitch Tutorial

Due to its repetitive nature, it's also incredibly meditative and can be worked up without requiring intense concentration. Furthermore, the mesh stitch can be easily customized in terms of yarn and hook size to suit a variety of projects, ensuring that each work is as unique as its maker.

Materials Needed:

• Yarn of any type
• Crochet hook (suggested: 5 mm hook for this tutorial, but a hook size bigger than recommended for a flowy fabric)

Starting the Crochet Mesh Stitch:

1. Create a Slip Knot: Begin with a slip knot on your hook.
2. Chain Stitches: Chain an even number appropriate for your project. For this tutorial, chain 30.
3. Initial Chain: After completing your chain, place your finger behind the last chain to block it off. This helps keep track of your chains.
4. Chain Four More: From the blocked point, chain four more. This counts as one treble crochet plus chain one.

Working the First Row:

1. Prepare for Treble Crochet: Yarn over twice.
2. First Treble Crochet: Insert the hook into the sixth chain from your hook and complete a treble crochet (yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, repeat until one loop remains).
3. Skip and Chain: Skip the next chain (below your completed treble), then chain one.
4. Continue the Pattern: Yarn over twice, skip the next chain, and perform a treble crochet into the following chain.
5. Repeat: Chain one, skip the next chain, and treble crochet in the chain after that. Continue this pattern until you reach the end of the row.

Ending the First Row:

1. Last Stitch: Ensure you end the row with a treble crochet in the last chain space.

Starting the Second Row:

1. Chain Four: At the end of the first row, chain four (this will count as the beginning treble crochet and chain one for the new row) and turn your work.
2. Yarn Over: Prepare for a treble crochet by yarning over twice.
3. Treble Crochets: Skip the chain one space from the previous row and place a treble crochet into the top of the next treble crochet from the previous row.
4. Repeat the Pattern: Chain one, then place a treble crochet on top of each treble crochet from the previous row, skipping the chain one spaces in between.

Continuing the Pattern:

• Repeat the process of chaining four at the start of each row, skipping chain one spaces from the previous row, and placing treble crochets on top of the treble crochets from the previous row.
• Chain one between each treble crochet to maintain the mesh pattern.

Finishing Rows:

1. Last Stitches: At the end of each row, make sure to place your last treble crochet in the correct chain space from the initial chain four of the previous row.
2. Turn and Repeat: After completing a row, turn your work, and continue the established pattern. Remember to chain four at the beginning of each new row.

Tips:

• It may be easier to identify the correct chain spaces for placing the final treble crochet as you gain more practice.
• Always skip the appropriate chains to maintain an even and open mesh pattern.

Conclusion:

This tutorial covers the basics of creating a crochet mesh stitch pattern. It's a simple repeat once you understand the initial setup and pattern flow. Experiment with different yarns and hook sizes to see how it affects the fabric you create. Enjoy your crocheting!