Experienced crocheters have this down... so this video is for all the newbies! Skipping stitches is super easy - but if you've never done it before, reading it in your crochet pattern instructions might give you pause. So here's a quick video tutorial to fill you in on how to skip stitches in crochet!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.
How to Skip Stitches in Crochet: Video Tutorial
As seen in the video (click to purchase your own!):
So as you saw in the video... "skip X sts" literally means to skip over than number of stitches! When you see skip in a pattern, it might be spelled out, or it might be abbreviated "sk." Usually you'll make some number of chains before you start crocheting into the previous row or round again, but not always - so be sure to always read your instructions carefully.
Chaining and then skipping stitches is a great way to make button holes (skip just a few), clutch handles (skip a few more), tote bag straps (skip a whole bunch) - and armpits in top down yoke sweaters (click here to see the tutorial for that technique).
If you're new to crochet, I hope this video has helped you out! I've gotten several emails recently asking me how to skip stitches, so you're not alone if this instruction has tripped you up. And now you can take on even more amazing crochet projects - one step at a time!
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Clotilde/Craftybegonia says
Great tutorial for beginners, will pin it to Pinterest.
dawn roll says
i do know how to crochet
Lori K. Johnson says
I'm loving this COL!!!! Another in 2015, yes please. 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you Lori!
Rozanna says
Hi,
Thank you for all the information. Unfortunately I'm still stuck. I am not a beginner crocheter nor am I an expert either lol. I have a pattern that I am completely stuck on. Its probably very simple but I just can't figure out the proper way to do this stich.
The pattern involves skipping but with chains. That is where I am stuck on making the correct stitch. I do know how to skip, but the way the pattern is written with chains, this is where I am drawing a blank.
If anyone could please tell me the correct way to insert the needle and make these stitches, I would be so very grateful. Please don't laugh lol.... I know this is probably the most easiest stitch but my brain is just not working correctly to figure it out.
The pattern is as follows
With next color, ch 1, sc in 1st sc, *sc in next sc, hdc in next sc, dc in next 5 sc, hdc in next sc, sc in next sc, ch 1, sk 1 sc, ch 1, sk 1 sc, rep from*
I am stuck on the ch 1, sk 1 sc, ch 1, sk 1 sc. How do I do the ch stitch?
Thank you for any help that you can give.
Sincerely greatful,
Rozanna
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Rozanna! The chaining is always yo and pull through - a standard chain. But this pattern you've quoted seems like it might be missing some instruction. Can you link the pattern so I can see a bit more in context?
Christine Hanley says
I've got one I completely cannot figure out what they mean. Please if some could help. I'm desperate. Here's how the pattern reads exactly:
Divide for sleeve openings
1st row: Pat across 42 sets. Chain 6. Miss next 46 sets, pat across 67 sets. Chain 6. Miss next 46 sets. Pat across....and so on.
Please someone explain how you miss 46 after the chain 6. Do I detach the yarn? Do I carry it somehow? Please, I don't understand. This is a "cap sleeve open cardigan" I found on Revelry by Yarnspirations and is worked in one piece from the neck down.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Christine! It sounds like that ch 6 becomes the underarm of the sleeve opening. After chaining 6, you just skip over those 46 sts and start crocheting your stitch pattern again in stitch 47. This video might clarify what's happening: https://stg-moogly-etsy.kinsta.cloud/tutorial-armholes-top-down-crochet-baby-sweater/
cARLENE says
I am at a lost on how to do the 3rd &4 row were you skip a sc can you make a short video on this for me or draw me a photo demonstrating how to this I would greatly appreciate I am just learning how to crochet.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Carlene! (I removed the pdf link just in case the designer doesn't want it linked here.)
I have a tutorial that I think will help you here: https://stg-moogly-etsy.kinsta.cloud/crossed-stitches/ 🙂
Brenda says
After I do the beginning chain the pattern skip 1chain and dc I’m the next chain. I am having difficulty finding the chain I skip. Appreciate any help.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Brenda!
The chain that you skip is not the one that is on the hook, but the very next one closest to the hook. This skipped chain acts as a "turning chain" that gives your first stitch it's height. Does that help? It sounds like this video might help: https://stg-moogly-etsy.kinsta.cloud/single-crochet-sc/