What is the sedge stitch in crochet?

The sedge stitch is a simple yet beautifully textured crochet stitch made by working a small group of stitches into the same space. This creates a gentle, woven look with a fabric that feels soft, flexible, and comforting.

Technically crochet speaking, the sedge stitch is [1 single crochet, 1 half-double-crochet, and 1 double crochet] all in one stitch, the matter of which and where to make the stitch, is all you need to find out below. This stitch is a 1 row repeat.

In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to crochet the sedge stitch clearly and confidently. I’ll walk you through the stitch pattern, help you maintain even tension, and share tips for achieving a neat, consistent texture—perfect for both beginners and more experienced crocheters.

Step by step instructions

Materials you’ll need

• Yarn: DK (light worsted) yarn
  I recommend using a smooth, light-coloured yarn when learning this stitch, as it helps the ribbed texture stand out clearly. DK yarn works particularly well for practice swatches, scarves, and blankets. I can recommend West Yorkshire Spinners for this tutorial as it shows the ribbed texture clearly.

• Crochet hook: 4.0 mm
  I used a 4.0 mm hook for this tutorial. Ergonomic hooks like Tulip Etimo Murasaki crochet hook are especially helpful for textured stitches like this one, as they keep your tension even and reduce hand fatigue during longer sessions.

• Scissors
  For cutting yarn neatly at the end of your work.

• Yarn needle
  To weave in your ends once your swatch or project is complete.

Tip: If you tend to crochet tightly or loosely, don’t be afraid to adjust your hook size slightly to achieve a fabric you’re happy with.

To crochet the overlapping shell stitch, you don’t need a specific brand of yarn. A smooth DK yarn works best, as it helps the texture and stitch definition stand out clearly.

Yarn options:

• UK gentle readers: A beginner-friendly DK yarn from Laughing Hen

• International readers: A wide colour selection of DK yarns from LoveCrafts

Crochet skills required

Crochet stitches standard: I am using the US / International standard crochet terms.

This stitch is suitable for confident beginners and above. Before starting, it helps to be comfortable with the following basic crochet skills:

• How to make a slipknot (youtube video)

• How to crochet a foundation chains

• How to crochet the single crochet

• How to crochet the half-double crochet

• How to crochet the double crochet stitch

Let’s get started

Tension is very important. The yarn must glide smoothly from your tension hand to your working hand — not too tight, not too loose — and follow the gauge of your hook.

Foundation Chains

This stitch requires multiples of 3 stitches + 1, plus an additional 2 chains for the base chain.

For your tension: If you are making 21 stitches, add 1 extra chain and another 2 chains for the base, giving you a total of 24 chains to begin with.

Row 1 (Right side)

Skip the first 2 chains from the hook (this counts as 1 single crochet). Work [1 half double crochet, 1 double crochet] into the next chain. * Skip the next 2 chains and work [1 single crochet, 1 half double crochet, 1 double crochet] into the next chain. Repeat from * until the last 3 chains. Skip the next 2 chains and work 1 single crochet into the last chain. Turn.

Row 2 (Wrong side)

Chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet). Work [1 half double crochet, 1 double crochet] into the first stitch. * Skip 1 double crochet and 1 half double crochet, then work [1 single crochet, 1 half double crochet, 1 double crochet] into the next single crochet. Repeat from * until the last 3 stitches. Skip 1 double crochet and 1 half double crochet, then work 1 single crochet into the top of the turning chain. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 to continue.