7 Fast Crochet Stitches (And Why They Work So Well for Blankets)
Sometimes a crochet project grows slowly and deliberately. At other times, it is very satisfying to choose a stitch that works up quickly and lets you see progress row by row.
When I am designing blankets or planning a relaxing crochet project, stitch choice plays a big role in how quickly the fabric grows. Some stitches simply cover more ground with each row, while others create texture without requiring complicated stitch placements.
In this article, I’ll walk through seven crochet stitches that tend to work up particularly quickly. Many of these are stitches I use regularly in blankets and beginner-friendly projects because they combine speed with a pleasing texture.
If you enjoy projects that build steadily and visibly, these stitches are well worth exploring.
You might also like to explore my growing stitch library for crochet blankets, where I collect step-by-step tutorials and videos for blanket-friendly stitches.
In this article I use US crochet terminology, with the UK equivalents indicated for each stitch.
The 7 Fastest Crochet Stitches
These stitches work up quickly for slightly different reasons. Some are taller stitches that cover more height per row, while others are worked into chain spaces rather than the tops of stitches, which can make the rhythm easier on your hands.
1. Double Crochet (dc)
UK: Treble crochet (tr)
Double crochet is often the first “tall” stitch crocheters learn, and it remains one of the quickest stitches to work.
Because each stitch is relatively tall, rows build height quickly. The movement also becomes very rhythmic once you get used to it.
In many blankets I design, double crochet forms the structural base of the pattern because it produces a balanced fabric that is neither too dense nor too open.
Basic steps:
1. Yarn over
2. Insert hook into stitch
3. Pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
4. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops
5. Yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops
👉 Watch the full video tutorial for working double crochet in rows.
2. Half Double Crochet (hdc)
UK: Half treble crochet (htr)
Half double crochet sits between single crochet and double crochet in height, but it often works up surprisingly quickly.
Many crocheters find this stitch particularly satisfying because the motion becomes very smooth once you develop a rhythm.
When worked in the back loop only, it also produces a subtle ribbed texture which I often use in blanket designs.
Basic steps:
- Yarn over
- Insert hook into stitch
- Pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
- Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops
👉 Watch the tutorial for half double crochet worked in the back loop only.
3. Treble Crochet (tr)
UK: Double treble crochet (dtr)
Treble crochet is taller again than double crochet. Although each stitch involves a couple of extra yarn overs, the height gained in every row means the fabric grows quickly.
This stitch produces a very open, airy fabric, which can be particularly useful for:
- Lightweight blankets
- Summer garments
- Shawls and wraps
If you want a project that grows visibly from row to row, treble crochet is a nice option.
Basic steps:
- Yarn over twice
- Insert hook into stitch
- Pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops
- Yarn over, pull through final 2 loops
4. V-Stitch
The V-stitch combines double crochet and chains to create a very open, rhythmic pattern.
Each repeat covers quite a lot of width, which means rows build quickly. Because the stitches are worked into chain spaces rather than stitch tops, many crocheters also find the movement very smooth and relaxed.
I’ve used V-stitch in blanket designs before, particularly when I want something that works up quickly but still looks decorative.
A V-stitch is worked as:
V-st = (1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc) in the same stitch
Rows are then worked into the chain spaces of the previous row.
👉 Watch the full V-stitch tutorial here.
5. Moss Stitch
Also known as linen stitch.
Moss stitch alternates single crochet and chain stitches. The stitches are worked into chain spaces of the previous row, rather than directly into previous stitches.
This makes the rhythm extremely gentle and repetitive, which is one reason many crocheters find it both fast and relaxing.
It creates a beautifully balanced fabric with:
- Excellent drape
- Very even texture
- Minimal curling
It is one of my favourite stitches for relaxing blanket projects.
👉 Watch the moss stitch tutorial here.
6. Granny Stitch
The classic granny stitch is made from clusters of three double crochet stitches worked into spaces.
This stitch works up quickly because:
- The clusters cover width efficiently
- Stitches are worked into spaces rather than stitch tops
- The pattern quickly becomes rhythmic
It is most commonly associated with granny squares, but it can also be worked in rows to create striped blankets with a very satisfying pace.
👉 Watch the granny stitch tutorial here.
7. Shell Stitch
Shell stitch creates groups of stitches that form curved, scalloped shapes.
Although the clusters contain multiple stitches, they are all worked into the same space, which means the motion becomes very efficient.
This stitch adds texture and decorative interest while still allowing the fabric to grow fairly quickly.
A typical shell is:
Shell = 5 double crochet in the same stitch
It’s a nice option when you want something a little more decorative but still reasonably fast to crochet.
👉 Watch the shell stitch tutorial here.
Fast Crochet Stitches for Blankets
If you’re making a blanket, choosing the right stitch can make a big difference to how quickly the project grows.
In my own blanket projects, I often choose stitches that either:
- create taller rows, or
- work into chain spaces rather than stitch tops
Both of these features help the fabric grow steadily without feeling fiddly or slow.
Many of the stitches shared here work particularly well for blankets, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing project that builds quickly.
What Makes a Crochet Stitch Fast?
Stitch choice is important, but it isn’t the only factor that influences how quickly a project grows.
From my experience designing blankets and teaching crochet, a few practical details can make a surprising difference.
Yarn Weight
Thicker yarns naturally create larger stitches.
For example, a blanket made with DK yarn may take roughly twice as many stitches as the same blanket worked in bulky yarn.
Sometimes simply choosing a slightly thicker yarn can make a project grow noticeably faster.
Another option is holding two strands of yarn together, which effectively creates a thicker yarn.
Yarn Texture
Smooth yarns tend to glide more easily on the hook.
Fibres such as:
- Mercerised cotton
- Wool blends
- Bamboo blends
often allow stitches to move more smoothly than very fuzzy or textured yarns.
Hook Comfort
Many crocheters find that ergonomic hooks help reduce hand fatigue.
Features that can help include:
- Soft handles
- Lightweight materials
- A hook shape that suits your crochet style
Comfort makes a real difference when you are working on large projects like blankets.
Lighting and Yarn Colour
Good lighting helps you see stitches clearly and reduces eye strain.
Yarn colour matters too. Very dark yarns can slow you down because the stitches are harder to see.
When speed matters, lighter yarn colours are often easier to work with.
Tips for Crocheting More Efficiently
If you want your projects to move along smoothly, a few small habits can help.
Keep your workspace organised
Having your yarn, hook, and pattern within easy reach reduces interruptions.
Use stitch markers
Markers help you track repeats or row starts, which prevents mistakes that might require undoing work later.
Choose projects with simple repeats
Simple, repeating stitch patterns often become very rhythmic and relaxing.
Set small milestones
Completing a certain number of rows or motifs each day can keep a project moving steadily.
Final Thoughts
When a project needs to grow quickly, stitch choice can make a real difference.
Some stitches build height quickly, while others create efficient patterns that cover width with fewer stitches.
If you are looking for stitches that tend to work up quickly, these are all good options to explore:
- Double crochet
- Half double crochet
- Treble crochet
- V-stitch
- Moss stitch
- Granny stitch
- Shell stitch
Each of them produces a different texture and feel, so it’s worth trying a small swatch to see which one you enjoy working with most.
Often the fastest stitch is simply the one that feels comfortable and rhythmic in your hands.
More Crochet Tips (Plus Two Free Patterns)
If you enjoy learning new stitches and exploring crochet techniques, you might like to join my email list.
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When you sign up, you’ll also receive two free crochet patterns as a welcome gift.
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About Catherine
Catherine is a crochet designer based in Surrey in the UK. She specialises in thoughtful, colour-led crochet patterns, with a particular focus on blankets and tapestry crochet.
Her designs have appeared in publications including Simply Crochet, Crochet Now, and the book 100 Crochet Tiles. She has also designed for yarn companies such as Sirdar, Hobbii and WeCrochet.
Through her blog, YouTube tutorials and in-person workshops, Catherine teaches crocheters how to build confidence and create beautiful projects one step at a time.
You can explore more of her patterns here.
She also maintains a growing collection of blanket resources, tutorials and stitch guides designed to help crocheters plan and complete satisfying blanket projects.
How do I get the V-Stitch pattern.
Hi Annette, thanks for your question! You can find instructions for working the V-stitch here: https://catherinecrochets.com/what-is-a-v-stitch-in-crochet/ Hope that helps!
It’s here click on link . Or goggle it