How to Crochet the Clawfoot Stitch

TL YARN CRAFTS TAKEOVER – The Clawfoot Stitch is an easy technique that anyone can learn how to master. In this blog post, Toni Lipsey guides you through the must-try stitch used in the On The Go Bag Pattern.

This blog post was written by Toni Lipsey, crochet designer and educator of TL Yarn Crafts.

If you’re looking for a simple crochet stitch that makes a big impact, then the Clawfoot Stitch is for you! It’s a take on a cluster stitch that’s easy for beginners and works for virtually any crochet project.

In this blog post, I’ll share exactly how to do the Clawfoot Stitch. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is!

What is the Clawfoot Stitch?

The Clawfoot Stitch is a take on a half double crochet cluster stitch. Three stitches are worked together to create a forked stitch with a very unique look and texture.

Beginners just learning crochet will appreciate the challenge of the Clawfoot Stitch. Keep your gauge loose when practicing to ensure you can pull your hook through the loops.

Crochet Techniques to Know First

The Clawfoot Stitch is an easy stitch to pick up. There are a few basic techniques that you’ll need to learn first to understand this stitch:

Yarn Over: Bring the yarn over the top of the hook and down the front, creating a circle around the hook.
Pull Up A Loop: Insert the hook into the indicated stitch, yarn over, then pull the hook out of the stitch, being sure to catch the loop of the yarn over. Keep all loops on the hook until instructed otherwise.
Chain: Yarn over the hook, pull the hook through the loop to create a chain.

Changing Colors with the Clawfoot Stitch

I love to play with color using the Clawfoot Stitch. If you’re planning to do stripes, complete Rows 1-2 in the same color before changing color. This ensures that the full pattern repeat is in the same color and gives a smooth transition to the next color.

Here’s an easy way to change colors at the end of a Row 2 repeat: Complete the last single crochet until there are 2 loops left on the hook. Drop the color currently in use, yarn over the hook with the new color. Pull the hook through the last 2 loops on the hook to complete the stitch and the color change. Proceed with the new color.

FREE: Are you also in love with the look of the Clawfoot Stitch? Then the On The Go Bag is definitely something for you. Get the pattern here.

Crochet Clawfoot Stitch Tutorial

Are you ready to take on the Clawfoot Stitch? Be careful - this stitch is addicting and beautiful!

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Starting Chain: Any multiple of 2

Supplies: Yarn, crochet hook, stitch markers (optional), scissors, tapestry needle

Abbreviations

Ch = chain
Dc = double crochet
Dec = decrease
Hdc3tog = half double crochet 3 together
Sc = single crochet
Sk = skip
Sp = space
St = stitch
Tch = turning chain
Yo = yarn over

Notes:

Ch 4 at the beginning of the row counts as dc + ch 1
Special Stitch - Half Double Crochet 3 Together (hdc3tog): Yo, pull up a loop in the last st of the previous dec, (yo, pull up a loop in the next st) 2 times, yo, pull through 6 loops, yo, pull through remaining 2 loops.

Sooo beautiful! 😍

Clawfoot Stitch Pattern

Chain any even number.

SETUP ROW: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and each ch across the row, turn.

ROW 1: Ch 4, sk the st at the base of the ch, (yo, pull up a loop in the next st) 3 times, yo, pull through 6 loops, yo, pull through remaining 2 loops , ch 1, (hdc3tog, ch 1) across row to last st, dc in last st, turn.

ROW 2: Ch 1, sc in the first st, sc in each ch-1 sp and st across row to tch, sc in tch-sp, sc in 3rd ch of tch, turn.

Repeat Rows 1-2 to your desired length. Fasten off and weave in all loose ends. Consider steam-blocking your finished piece to improve the drape and definition of the Clawfoot Stitch.

Thanks for joining me to try out the Clawfoot Stitch! Use this stitch when making the On The Go Bag, a new pattern designed exclusively for TL Yarn Crafts x Hobbii’s Happy Place yarn. Get the full details and download the free pattern here.

This blog post was written by Toni Lipsey, crochet designer and educator of TL Yarn Crafts. Toni is known for her easy-to-follow crochet patterns for crocheters of all skill levels, and she loves to share her knowledge, experience, and favorite products on her blog, YouTube, and Instagram. Recently, she collaborated with us here at Hobbii to create Happy Place, a wonderful yarn made of 50% cotton and 50% wool.