Types of Crochet: A Simple Guide to Every Crochet Style

By Fozia Mirza · 31 October 2026

Crochet daisy vine bucket bag with trailing green leaves and white daisies

From Fozia

I learned crochet at the age of five by watching my mother. Over the years I have fallen in love with many crochet styles, and here are the ones every crochet lover should know.

Fozia Mirza, crochet artist, Sukkur

Crochet is one craft, but it has many beautiful styles. With just a hook and yarn, people around the world have created everything from tiny stuffed toys to delicate wedding lace and warm winter blankets. Each style uses the same basic stitches in a different way, and each one gives a completely different look.

In this guide we list the main types of crochet, with a short introduction to each, so you can recognise them, find the one you would love to learn, or choose the style you want for a custom piece.

Main types of crochet

1. Standard crochet

The everyday crochet most people know. Rows or rounds of basic stitches such as chain, single crochet, half double and double crochet are used to make clothes, bags, blankets and almost anything else. Every other style grows from here.

2. Amigurumi

A Japanese style of crocheting small stuffed toys and characters, such as animals, dolls and food. It is worked tightly in continuous spirals with a small hook so the stuffing does not show through.

3. Granny squares

Small square motifs made in rounds, often in many colours, which are then joined together. Granny squares are a classic for blankets, cardigans, vests and bags, and are very popular again today.

4. Tunisian crochet

Also called Afghan crochet. It uses a long hook and keeps many loops on the hook at once, a bit like knitting. The result is a thick, firm fabric that looks woven or knitted.

5. Filet crochet

A grid of open and filled squares made with chains and double crochet. By filling certain squares, pictures and patterns appear in the lace. It is often used for curtains, table runners and decorative panels.

6. Thread crochet

Crochet worked with very fine cotton thread and tiny steel hooks. It creates delicate pieces such as doilies, edgings, bookmarks and fine lace collars.

7. Irish crochet lace

A luxurious lace style from Ireland. Separate motifs such as roses, leaves and shamrocks are crocheted first, then joined with an open mesh background. It was traditionally used for wedding dresses and collars.

8. Broomstick lace

Also called jiffy lace. Loops are pulled up and slipped onto a large stick or knitting needle, then worked off in groups, creating airy, eye-shaped clusters. Lovely for shawls and wraps.

9. Hairpin lace

Made on a special U-shaped tool called a hairpin loom. Long lacy strips are worked first and then joined together, giving a light, flowing fabric for scarves and stoles.

10. Bruges lace

A Belgian lace made from narrow crocheted ribbons that curve and join to form flowing, elegant shapes. It is used for doilies, collars and decorative edgings.

11. Tapestry crochet

Colourwork where two or more colours are carried along inside the stitches and swapped to draw pictures and patterns. It creates a sturdy fabric, ideal for bags, baskets and wall hangings.

12. Mosaic crochet

A clever colourwork technique that uses only one colour per row, with long stitches dropping down into earlier rows to create bold geometric patterns.

13. Corner to corner (C2C)

Small blocks of stitches are worked diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner. Because the blocks act like pixels, C2C is perfect for picture blankets and graphs.

14. Overlay crochet

Raised stitches are worked over the top of a base fabric, creating textured, three-dimensional designs. It is popular for mandalas, coasters and colourful cushions.

15. Bavarian crochet

Thick, dense clusters are worked in rounds and alternating colours, giving a rich, almost woven look. It is often used for blankets and shawls.

16. Freeform crochet

There is no fixed pattern. Small shapes, textures and colours are crocheted and joined freely, like a painting made of yarn. Each piece is truly one of a kind.

17. Double-ended crochet

Also called cro-hook. A hook with a head on both ends lets you work two colours from both sides, making a soft, reversible fabric that is great for baby blankets.

18. Finger and arm crochet

Crochet without a hook, using your fingers or arms with very chunky yarn. It is quick, fun and perfect for big cosy blankets, scarves and baskets.

Which type of crochet is used for baby clothes?

Most crochet baby dresses, cardigans and booties are made in standard crochet, often with lacy stitches, granny squares or small crochet flowers added on top. Softer styles such as double-ended crochet are lovely for blankets, while amigurumi is perfect for baby toys.

Want to learn more? Read our guide to crochet hooks, our yarn ply guide and the best yarn for baby clothes.

Handmade crochet at Mazagia

Every Mazagia piece is crocheted by hand, stitch by stitch. If you love a particular style, tell us on WhatsApp and we will gladly create something special for you.