Textured crochet is where structure meets art. By adding depth and shadow to every stitch, you can turn a simple design into something truly dimensional. Whether it’s bold cables, soft puffs, or rhythmic ridges, texture invites the eye — and the hand — to linger.
This encyclopedia brings together my favorite textured stitches and free patterns, so you can explore technique by technique, project by project. Start small with a cozy hat, or challenge yourself with an intricate shawl or afghan — texture makes every stitch more rewarding.
The Core Textured Stitch Families
1. Post Stitches (Front & Back)
Post stitches create raised ribs and woven effects by working around the post of a stitch rather than into the top loops.
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Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC) – adds raised vertical ridges.
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Back Post Double Crochet (BPDC) – creates recessed lines for contrast.
Use them together for basketweave, ribbing, and cable foundations.
Front Post Double Crochet Video Tutorial
Back Post Double Crochet Video Tutorial
Hat Patterns featuring post stitches: Julian Hat, Shelia Hat, Kylar Hat
Shawl Patterns featuring post stitches:
Bag Patterns featuring post stitches:
2. Crochet Cables
Cables are built from combinations of post stitches that cross over each other to form braids and twists. They look complex but rely on simple stitch positioning.
Tip: Use a slightly larger hook or looser tension to prevent cables from pulling your fabric too tight.
Hat Patterns featuring cables: Kendra Hat, Siri Hat, Driftwood Horizon Shawl
Shawl Patterns featuring crochet cable stitches:
Bag Patterns featuring crochet cable stitches:
3. Puff, Bobble, and Popcorn Cluster Stitches
These stitches add playful, three-dimensional bumps that pop off the fabric. Perfect for adding personality to hats, blankets, and edging details.
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Puff Stitch: airy and rounded
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Bobble Stitch: compact and raised
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Cluster Stitch: grouped partial stitches forming one apex
5-Dc Popcorn Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial
3 Double Crochet Cluster Stitch Video Tutorial
Hat Patterns featuring puff, cluster, bobble or popcorn stitches: Hibiscus Hat, Josette Hat, Julie Hat
4. Crochet Waffle & Basketweave Textures
Built from alternating post and standard stitches, these create deeply ridged, geometric patterns that hold warmth and shape beautifully.
Great for blankets, scarves, and structured bags.
[Insert Crochet Basketweave Stitch video]
Patterns featuring waffle/basketweave: Shelia Hat, Pet Lovers Afghan, Coastal Tote
5. Ridge & Relief Stitches
Working in front or back loops only can form subtle texture — ideal for simple hats and garments that need drape with dimension.
Try alternating BLO and FLO rows for gentle ribbed texture.
Crochet Ribbed Stitch in BLO video tutorial
Hat Patterns featuring ridge stitches: Julian Hat, Parker Hat, Reina Hat,
Featured Free Textured Crochet Patterns
| Pattern | Technique | Yarn Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Julian Hat | Post + Ridge Stitches | #4 Worsted |
| Hibiscus Hat | Puff Stitch | #3 DK |
| Kendra Hat | Cables | #4 Worsted |
| Kylar Hat | Basketweave | #4 Worsted |
| Shelia Hat | Waffle | #4 Worsted |
| Siri Hat | Cables + Texture Mix | #3 DK |
(Add thumbnails linking to each free pattern page.)
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Kristin Omdahl patterns, books, handouts and videos are for your personal use only; additional, up to 10 items can be made to sell from one design. Commercially produced products made from my instructions are prohibited. All Kristin Omdahl patterns, books, handouts and videos are licensed for single use and remain the intellectual property of Kristin Omdahl. This pattern may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise.
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About Kristin Omdahl
Kristin Omdahl is a bestselling author, designer, and creative entrepreneur known for her “sensory storytelling” — weaving food, craft, and nature into unforgettable fiction and non-fiction. Her debut novel, The Sea Glass Journal, is a love letter to Florida’s Gulf Coast, exploring themes of healing, connection, and creative legacy.
When she’s not writing, Kristin shares crochet and knitting designs, recipes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her creative process with her global community on Patreon.
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