One of the amazing things about crochet is its versatility; the ability to create completely different looking swatches by simply changing the stitch types you use.

Reversible crochet has the ability to look stunning, providing you pick your colours well! It enables contrasting and complementary colours to come together in a vibrant stitch pattern.

By working two colours over the top of each other to make interesting shapes beneath, it is achieved without cutting either yarn when you move to work with the new colour. By turning or flipping the work you are able to continue to build your swatch into whatever you desire. One thing to note is make sure you chose your yarn carefully for the design you are making. Because you are working two yarns together it can become quite dense.

However, if you get it right the final outcome is without a doubt fabulous!

The basics

Reversible crochet can be used in any way you desire to create simple yet fabulous designs. While it might seem a little confusing it uses simple techniques that even if you're relatively new to crochet you should be able to do it! This pattern works by creating a series of loops and shells, changing colours each row to make the reversible design.

Let's have a go

Step 1:

Starting chain

Using your main colour (orange), chain multiples of 5 plus 2 to the desired size

Step 2:

Loops

In the second chain of the foundation row [*dc 1, 5 ch, 1 dc in 5th ch-sp], repeat from * 4 times more to create 5 loops. Pull up yarn to leave a loose loop (to prevent your stitches unravelling). Do not cut yarn and do not turn work.

Step 3:

Attaching contrasting colour

At the opposite end of your work attach the contrasting colour (blue). Secure yarn in place and chain 4.

Step 4:

Shells

Working in CC, [*2 tr in 3rd ch-sp of row below, 1 ch, 2 tr], repeat from * 4 times. To finish off dtr into the last dc of row below. Do not cut yarn.

Step 5:

Joining the two colours together

Turn work to use loop left from MC, insert your hook into the loop you left for the MC, 4 ch, bring MC loops up to cover CC shells, [*2 tr into centre of MC 5 ch and ch-sp of CC behind, 1 ch, 2 tr] repeat 4 times.

Step 6:

Finishing the row

In the last dc of the row below make 1 dtr through both MC and CC.

Step 7:

Second loops

Flip your work upside down (so CC is at top) and pick up CC loop on right hand side of work, 5 ch, dc in space between shells of CC. this can be a little tricky to see, but be careful not to pick up the MC behind, [5 ch, dc in space between shells] to the end. With final dc make sure you go through both colours

Step 8:

Second shells

turn work so that row you've just worked is at the bottom with MC shells at top. [*2 tr in 3rd ch-sp of row below, 1 ch, 2 tr], repeat from * 4 times. To finish off dtr into the last dc of row below.

Step 9:

Repeat pattern to desired size

Project Inspiration

Kim Guzman's Reversible Ripple Afghans is a great example of working two patterns on one item!