Crochet Bean Stitch

Crochet Bean Stitch by Janice Jones

Have you added the crochet bean stitch to your crochet bag of tricks?  If not, let me convince you to do so for several reasons:

• It’s highly textured like the crochet puff stitch, just offset to make it interesting
• It’s reversible, unlike the other crochet bobble stitches
• It’s very beginner-friendly
• It works quickly and is suitable for a wide variety of projects.

Why the Crochet Bean Stitch?

The bean stitch is a favorite among crocheters of all levels for its beautiful texture, versatility, and surprising simplicity.

Whether you're brand new to crochet or looking for a fun and easy stitch to add to your repertoire, the bean stitch is a winner. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the basic steps to creative project ideas.

What Makes the Bean Stitch so Special?

• Easy to Learn:  The bean stitch only uses single crochet (sc) and half double crochet (dc) stitches, making it perfect for beginners.
• Reversible Texture: The stitch creates a beautiful, textured fabric that looks identical on both sides, making it ideal for blankets, scarves, and other projects where both sides will be visible.
• Dense and Warm: The tight weave of the bean stitch creates a warm and cozy fabric, perfect for cold-weather accessories and home décor items.
• Versatile for Projects: The bean stitch can be used for a wide variety of projects, from blankets and scarves to bags and washcloths. My favorite is a simple cowl worked entirely with these “slanted Puff Stitches.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Crocheting the Bean Stitch Swatch Tutorial

Materials

• Crochet hook (size will depend on your yarn weight; refer to yarn label) (For this tutorial, I am using an inexpensive acrylic yarn and a number H/5.0 mm hook.
• Yarn in your desired color and weight
• Scissors
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Abbreviations

ch - chain

sc - single crochet

hdc – half double crochet

Sts – stitches

BC – Bean Stitch

Skills Needed for the Crochet Bean Stitch

• How to hold the hook and crochet yarn
• Slip stitch and chain
• Single Crochet Stitch
• Half double Crochet
• Weave in ends

Instructions for the Bean Stitch

• Insert your hook into the stitch where you want to create your bean, yarn over, and pull up a loop (2 loops on the hook).
• Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).
• Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop (6 loops on hook).
• Yarn over, pull down through all loops on the hook, and Ch 1 to complete the stitch.

Notes

• All instructions are written in US Terms.
• The half-double crochet stitches at the beginning and end of the row provide a border that makes the edges tidy.

Practice Swatch Instructions

I like to add a row of single crochet, but that is optional but  if you want to jump right into the bean stitch, chain an odd number of stitches.

Chain 20 or an even number of chains.

Row 1:  Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and then in each chain across the row.  (19 Sc sts).  Ch 2 and turn.

Row 2:  One hdc in first st from hook.  *Sk the next st.  One BS in next st. Repeat from * to end of row. End with one half double crochet in top of the ch-2 space.

Row 3: (This row is repeated for the pattern.)  Hdc in First St.  Skip to the space between the Bean Stitches.  I looks like a bit of triangle space (see photo).  Work one BC in this space.  *Work BC into each sp across the row to the end.  Hdc into the top of the ch-2 space.  Ch 2 and turn.

Repeat row 3 until you reach your desired length.  Finish with one row of single crochet stitches; fasten off, and weave in the ends.

Tips for Success

Tension:  Each bean stitch will look best if you pull up loops that are identical in size.

Counting Stitches: Counting your stitches at the end of each row will help you stay on track and avoid mistakes.

Practice Makes Perfect: Don't be afraid to experiment and practice the stitch until you feel comfortable. As the saying goes, if you don’t succeed first, try again.  This is particularly important if you plan to make a large project such as a blanket.

Project Inspiration

The bean stitch's versatility makes it suitable for a wide array of projects:

Blankets and Afghans: Its dense texture provides warmth and comfort.

Scarves and Cowls: The reversible design looks great from every angle.

Bags and Purses: The stitch creates a sturdy fabric that holds its shape well.

Washcloths and Dishcloths: The textured stitch is perfect for scrubbing, especially if you want a little soft texture on your face.

Pot Holders and Trivets:  The dense fabric provides insulation. Still, combining this stitch with a flat textured crochet pattern, such as the single crochet stitch, is recommended for a fully insulated potholder that won’t burn your hands.

Beyond the Basics

Once you've mastered the basic bean stitch, you can explore variations and combinations to create unique textures and designs.

May I suggest you try the half double crochet puff stitch, bobble stitch or popcorn stitch. All of these patterns offer texture and design elements to your project.

FAQ: The Crochet Bean Stitch

What is the crochet bean stitch?

The bean stitch is a textured crochet stitch that creates a bumpy, raised surface — perfect for blankets, scarves, and other cozy projects. It's made by inserting your hook into the same stitch multiple times to create a "bean"-shaped puff.

Is the bean stitch beginner-friendly?

Yes! While it looks advanced, it’s actually simple once you get the hang of it. If you’re comfortable with basic stitches like single crochet and yarn over, you can master the bean stitch with a little practice.

What yarn works best for the bean stitch?

Soft, smooth worsted-weight yarns work best. Avoid super fuzzy or novelty yarns, as they can make it harder to see the stitch texture. Cotton or soft acrylic blends show off the texture beautifully.

Can I use the bean stitch for a baby blanket?

Absolutely! The bean stitch creates a plush and snuggly fabric, perfect for baby blankets. Just be sure to choose a soft, machine-washable yarn and use a gentle, non-scratchy fiber.

What’s the difference between the bean stitch and the puff stitch?

While both are textured stitches, the bean stitch uses fewer yarn-overs and has a more compact, oval shape. The puff stitch is generally puffier and more open. They each create unique textures, so it depends on the look you want!

How do I fix a mistake in the bean stitch?

Unravel gently to the row before the mistake. Bean stitches can be “frogged” just like regular stitches, but take it slow to avoid splitting the yarn. Use stitch markers to help keep your place as you rework.

How many chains do I need for a bean stitch project?

The bean stitch typically works in a multiple of 2 + 1 chain. For example, if you want a small swatch, you might start with 21 chains (20 + 1). Always check your pattern to confirm.

Pin Now, Crochet Later

Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from one of these links I will get a small  commission.

Hi, there, I'm Janice, the voice behind this website and avid knitter and crochet enthusiast. I want to share my passion with you and help you learn how to knit or crochet, smarter.

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