August 1, 2026
Most of us start our crochet journey with the same foundations – a chain, a double crochet, and maybe a treble crochet – and before long, a simple scarf or granny square takes shape. But crochet is a remarkably broad craft, and those basic stitches are really just the tip of a very colourful iceberg.
What many people don’t realise is just how many distinct techniques exist within crochet, each producing a completely different fabric, texture, and result. Some use specialist tools. Some borrow from other crafts like tatting or knitting. Some have been around for centuries under half a dozen different names. And some you might have heard of without ever knowing quite what they involve.
This month, we are laying them all out. Whether you’re a curious beginner wondering what on earth “witchcraft lace” means, or an experienced crocheter looking for your next challenge, the table below gives you an overview of the wonderful variety that exists within our craft. You might just spot a technique that sends you down a very enjoyable rabbit hole. (All terminology is UK.) And by no means is this list complete!
| Type of Crochet | Tools, Technique | Description/Uses |
| Tunisian – also known as Afghan, tricot, fools crochet, shepherd’s knitting, hook-knitting |
Long crochet hooks with a knob on the end | Creates a knitting look. Used in afghans, clothing, hats, shawls and more. |
| Broomstick – also known as Jiffy lace, lattice loop, peacock eye, and witchcraft lace | Uses a large knitting needle with a regular crochet hook | Lacy and delicate for airy shawls and flowing garments. |
| Hairpin – also known as ‘forche’ work, ‘fork’ work, ‘krotchee’, and ‘Portuguese lace’. | Uses a prong or specially designed loom with a regular crochet hook |
Forms lacy strips that are joined together for flowing lacy clothing, shawls or scarves or used to embellish other work |
| Crochet-on-the-double – also known as ‘crochenit’ | Uses a long double-ended crochet hook and two balls of yarn at the one time |
Same technique as Tunisian but with two colours to create reversible fabric. Great for sturdy household items and warm afghans. |
| Irish Crochet – also known as Carrickmacross, clones lace, Celtic crochet, Irish lace, Kenmore lace, limerick lace |
Combination of crochet and weaving | Delicate and 3D motifs are crocheted – usually with fine thread – and then joined together with crochet mesh. Makes beautiful accessories and lace tops |
| Tapestry crochet | Work several different coloured yarns at the same time, usually with a double crochet stitch. |
Create graphic designs that are reversible. Great for baskets, bags, afghans and more. A variation to this is mochila crochet, where you work into the back loop only. |
| Filet crochet | Grid-like fabric created with only two stitches: chain and trebles. | Doilies, curtains, table runners, and tablecloths. More modern-day patterns use this in clothing and blankets |
| Hyperbolic crochet | Creates negatively curved fabric resembling coral |
Ornaments, accessories and embellishments. |
| Aran | Heavy textured patterns—primarily cabling | Creates a heavy fabric for jumpers and afghans. |
| Knooking | Uses a crochet hook with a hole in the end to create a mesh-like structure with yarn that resembles a knitted fabric. | Can make anything – garments, accessories, household items |
| Cro-tatting | Uses a crochet hook with a long straight neck. | Cro-tatting is an intriguing fusion of crochet and tatting. |
| Clothesline crochet | Crochet stitches are worked over a core line/cord to add body, thickness and durability | Clothesline crochet is a technique used to create baskets, rugs, coasters, chair pads, placemats, etc. body. |
| Overlay crochet | Uses simple stitches which are worked into the back loop leaving the front loop free to work additional stitches over the top of completed rows. |
Mandalas, blankets, cushions, wall hangings, jewellery |
| Bullion crochet | Uses a crochet hook with a long straight neck. The stitch is formed with multiple wraps of yarn around the long hook to form a ‘roll’ stitch. | Usually used for motifs rather than fabric, it results in a thick, uniform motif-style piece. |
| Rag crochet | Uses strips of fabric and a large-sized hook. | Old sheets, T-shirts and fabric scraps can be combined to create floor rugs, bags and more. |
| Mosaic crochet | Using colours and a combination of double crochet and treble to create patterns. | Work one row (or round) in each colour, and use taller stitches that go over the previous row to create vertical lines. The back gives you horizontal rows. There are variations that create reversible mosaic patterns. |
| Interlocking crochet | Using colours and chains and treble stitches to form an interlocking mesh to create patterns. | Like mosaic, work one row of mesh in each colour, but you work through the spaces in the mesh of the previous row to create patterns. |
| Waterfall crochet | Uses multiple colours and uses chains to create a lattice which is worked around to create patterns. Often need a long, straight hook for large patterns | Colours are used in blocks when working in rows or rounds. The lattice created is then filled in with a second colour, working long stitches around the chains. |
| Embossed crochet | Uses a combination of front and back post stitches – primarily trebles. | Creates a textured fabric resembling leaves or vines. |
Check out all the resources below for working on these techniques.
To get you started on a new technique you may not have tried before, here is a free pattern for a Broomstick Lace Scarf designed by Naztazia. The pattern is designed for a 10 ply yarn (Fiddlesticks Finch or Queensland Collection Coastal Cotton Ocean Mist), a 6.5mm crochet hook, and a 19mm knitting needle (to be used as the ‘broomstick’).
Or you can make this with finer yarn for a lighter scarf – 4 ply or 8 ply. If you need help selecting a suitable yarn or tools, reach out to us.
Happy learning!
