Learn how to create the beautiful, textured Bean Stitch. Perfect for cozy blankets, scarves, and home décor!
The Bean Crochet Stitch is a favorite among crocheters who love rich texture without the complexity of advanced stitches. It creates a dense, reversible fabric that looks like rows of tiny, interlocking beans. If you’re looking to add a “squishy” feel to your next project, this is the stitch for you.
Why You’ll Love the Bean Stitch
- Reversible: It looks identical on both sides.
- Warmth: The overlapping loops create a thick fabric, perfect for winter gear.
- Simple Rhythm: Once you finish the setup row, it’s a meditative one-row repeat.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Any weight works! (This tutorial uses soft Milk Cotton Yarn).
- Hook: Use the size recommended on your yarn label (in this case 4.0mm).
- Essentials: Scissors and a tapestry needle for weaving in those ends.
Crochet Stitch Key (US Terms)
- ch: Chain
- st: Stitch
- sc: Single Crochet
- yo: Yarn Over
- Bean Stitch (BS):
Step-by-Step Bean Stitch Pattern
- The Foundation
Start by making a foundation chain in multiples of 2. For a practice swatch, chain 22.
- Row 1: The Base Row (Single Crochet)
To give your work a sturdy edge:
- Skip the first chain from the hook.
- Work one sc in every chain across.
- Note: You should have one less stitch than your starting chain (e.g., 21 sc).
- Chain 2 and turn your work.
- Row 2: Starting the Bean Pattern
- The First Bean: In the very first stitch, complete a Bean Stitch:
- Insert hook into the first stitch, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
2. Yarn over, insert hook back into the same stitch, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).
3. Yarn over, insert hook again, pull up a loop (6 loops on hook).
4. Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops.
5. Chain 1 to close and lock the stitch.
NB: Remember to ch 1 to close it.
- The Skip: Skip the next stitch.
- The Pattern: Work a Bean Stitch into the next stitch, then skip the next.
- Repeat the “Bean, Skip 1” pattern until the end of the row.
- Chain 2 and turn.
- Row 3: The One-Row Repeat
This is where the magic happens! From now on, you won’t work into the top of the stitches. Instead, look for the small triangular space located on the left side of each Bean from the row below.
- Work one Bean Stitch into each of those left side spaces across the row.
- Chain 2 and turn.
- Repeat Row 3 until your project reaches your desired length.
How to Finish Your Project
To make your top edge match the bottom:
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Work a row of Single Crochet (sc) across the top, placing one sc into the top of each Bean and one sc into each chain space.
- Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Bean Stitch
- The Tension Secret: If you pull too tight, getting your hook through 6 loops will be a struggle. Keep your “pull-ups” loose and consistent.
- The “Extra Puff” Variation: Want even more texture? Repeat the “yarn over, insert, pull up” one extra time to finish with 8 loops on your hook for a Chunkier Bean.
- Hook Choice: If you tend to crochet tightly, try going up half a hook size (e.g., from 4.0mm to 4.5mm).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bean Stitch the same as the Puff Stitch?
They are similar, but the Bean Stitch is worked slightly differently (starting with a loop pull-up before the first yarn over), which makes the “beans” lean slightly for that signature woven look.
What is the best yarn for this stitch?
Smooth yarns like cotton or acrylic blends show off the stitch definition best. Variegated yarns also look stunning with this texture!
If you enjoyed this tutorial, be sure to check out Mirrymascrochet on YouTube for more visual inspiration!
