The thermal stitch is a very dense thick stitch. It is perfect for projects which require a sturdy fabric. It also works great for projects that you want to keep you warm.
This stitch can be a little tricky to get used to at the beginning, but once you get it started it will become very easy.
The fabric that results from this stitch is very thick and stiff. I plan to use this stitch in a hat pattern I will be releasing soon.
How to crochet the thermal stitch
Begin by chaining any number of chains.
In the second chain and each chain across make a single crochet in the back loop only of the chain. Chain one and turn.
On the second row place your hook through the back loop only of the first single crochet and the unused loop from the chain below it. Pull up a loop of yarn and complete the single crochet stitch. This is the first thermal stitch. Repeat this across the row of stitches.
In every row after this you will make the stitch using both the back loop only and the unused loop from the stitch below. You will keep repeating this pattern until you have reached your desired height.
To finish the thermal stitch, you will need to make one last row of stitches that are slightly different than the previous rows. For this row you will need to insert the hook through both loops of the stitch, and the loop left from the stitch in the row below. Pull up a loop and complete the single crochet. Once you have finished the last row this way you will be finished.
Increasing the thermal stitch
Increasing the thermal stitch is done across two rows. In the first row you will make an increase, and in the second you will adjust the stitch count.
For the first row you will place two stitches in the back loop only and the unused loop from the stitch before. This will give you your increase.
When you get to the second row you will notice that you have two stitches on the top, but only one unused loop on the row before your increase.
You will make your first stitch through the back loop only of the first stitch and the unused loop from the row before.
The next stitch will be made through the back loop of the second stitch, and the same lower loop as you used in the first stitch.
After this you will have the correct number of loops for each stitch as you continue to crochet the thermal stitch.
Decreasing the thermal stitch
Decreasing is also worked across two rows. The first row will make the decrease, and the second will correct the stitch count.
To begin the decrease place your hook through the back loop only and the unused loop from the row below. Pull up a loop.
Next, insert the hook through the back loop of the next stitch and the unused loop from the row below. Pull up another loop.
Complete the single crochet through both of the loops on your hook.
In the next row you will have one stitch with two unused loops in the row below.
You will place the first stitch through the back loop of the first stitch and the first unused loop below.
When you place the second stitch you will need to skip the second unused loop from the row before where you make your decrease. Place your hook through the back loop only of the second stitch, and the third unused loop below. This will fix your stitch count from the decrease in the row before.
I hope this tutorial was helpful. It takes a little practice to get started, but once you get going this is a very easy stitch. I look forward to using it in several projects in the future.
