Eccentric Crochet: How to Make Wavy, Off-Center Stitches
Learn to work stitches off-center to create wavy, textured fabric for scarves, blankets, and more.
Eccentric crochet looks complicated, but it's just single crochet worked in a different spot.
You've probably seen it on Pinterest: rows of wavy, almost braided-looking crochet. It's called eccentric crochet, and it's easier than it looks.
The name sounds fancy, but the stitch is just single crochet. The difference is where you put your hook. Instead of working into the top loop, you go into the row below. That shifts the stitch, and the fabric starts to wave.
Eccentric crochet is a technique where you insert your hook into the row below the usual loop, creating a wavy, textured fabric. It's simple once you know the trick, and you can use it with any yarn.
What you need
Yarn
Any weight works, but worsted weight is easiest for learning. Use a smooth, light color so you can see the loops.
Crochet hook
Use the size recommended on your yarn label. For worsted weight, a 5mm hook is typical.
Stitch marker
Helps you mark the first stitch of each row. This stitch is easy to lose.
What is eccentric crochet?
Eccentric crochet is a variation of single crochet. You work the stitch into the loop below the one you'd normally use. That pulls the yarn from a different angle, which makes the fabric bend and ripple.
The result looks like a woven or braided texture. It's great for scarves, cowls, and blankets because it's thick and squishy.
If you can do a single crochet, you can do this. The only new thing is finding the right loop.
What you'll need
Any yarn works, but a smooth, light-colored yarn makes it easier to see the loops. A worsted weight yarn and a 5mm hook is a good place to start.
You'll also need a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each row. It's easy to lose count with this technique.
Use a yarn that's not too fuzzy. You need to see the V-shaped loops clearly.
How to read the stitch
In regular single crochet, you insert your hook under both loops at the top of the stitch. In eccentric crochet, you insert your hook into the loop that is one row below and slightly to the left (if you're right-handed).
That loop is the top of the stitch from the previous row, but you're going into it from the front, not the top. It's like you're hooking the yarn from underneath.
Look for the horizontal bar that runs across the front of the stitch. That's the loop you want.
Step-by-step: How to work eccentric crochet
Start with a foundation chain. The number of chains doesn't matter much, but keep it even for a cleaner edge.
Work one row of regular single crochet. This gives you a base to work into.
After the first row, you'll be working into the loops from the row below. It feels weird at first, but you'll get the hang of it.
Common mistakes and fixes
The most common mistake is working into the wrong loop. You might end up with a regular single crochet row instead of a wavy one. If that happens, you're probably inserting the hook too high.
Another issue is the fabric curling. That's normal for this stitch. Blocking helps, but you can also just let it curl if you like the look.
If you lose your place, look at the front of your work. The loop you need is the one that looks like it's behind the vertical bar.
Step
Make a foundation chain
Chain any number of stitches. For a practice swatch, chain 20.
Work a base row
Single crochet in the second chain from hook and in each chain across. Turn.
Start the eccentric stitch
Insert your hook into the loop that is one row below the first stitch, from front to back. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
Complete the single crochet
Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook. You've made one eccentric single crochet.
Repeat across the row
Work one eccentric single crochet in each stitch across. Turn.
Continue the pattern
Repeat steps 3-5 for each row. The fabric will start to wave after a few rows.
Ways to change it
Use a different yarn weight
Bulky yarn makes a chunky, warm fabric. Lace weight makes a delicate, drapey one.
Alternate rows
Work one row of regular single crochet, then one row of eccentric. This creates a different texture.
Work in the round
Eccentric crochet works for hats and cowls. Just join each round with a slip stitch.
Try a different hook size
A larger hook makes a looser, more drapey fabric. A smaller hook makes it denser.
Stripes
Change colors every few rows to highlight the wavy pattern.
The short version
- Eccentric crochet is a variation of single crochet worked into the row below.
- The stitch creates a wavy, textured fabric that's thicker than regular single crochet.
- You only need to know single crochet to learn this technique.
- Use a smooth, light-colored yarn to see the loops clearly.
- The fabric may curl; blocking helps if you want a flat piece.
- It works for scarves, blankets, cowls, and hats.
Questions people ask
Is eccentric crochet the same as waistcoat stitch?
No. Waistcoat stitch is worked into the center of the stitch below, while eccentric crochet is worked into the loop from the row below, off to the side. The look is different.
Can I use eccentric crochet for a blanket?
Yes. It makes a thick, warm fabric. Just keep your tension even and use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch.
Why is my fabric curling?
Curling is normal with this stitch. You can block it flat, or just let it curl if you like the look.
Try a small swatch first, then make something you love
Eccentric crochet is a simple way to add texture to your projects. Start with a small swatch to get the feel, then try a scarf or cowl. You'll be surprised how easy it is. Happy hooking!
