How To Crochet: Chain Loop Mesh Stitch
By Robin Beers – 31 Comments| This lacy stitch is a open crochet stitch made with loops of chains. It is very easy to crochet. You just need to know the single crochet stitch. Here is a refresher on that stitch, see the single crochet tutorial. Use this stitch to make an interesting scarf, a pretty table runner, or even a poncho. The photo at the right is a poncho that I made with this stitch using ribbon yarn. You can also use this stitch for a market bag using cotton yarn! | ![]() |
Note: If you are left handed, just put your mouse over the photo for a left-handed view.

Start with a foundation row of a multiple of 4 chains, plus 2 extra.
I chained 22 here.

Row 1: Make a single crochet in the 6th chain from the hook.

*Chain 5.

Skip next 3 chains and make 1 sc in the next chain.

Repeat from * to the end of row 1, turn.

Row 2: **Chain 5.

Make a single crochet in the next 5-ch loop.

Repeat from ** and continue in this pattern across entire row.

Repeat Row 2 until desired length is made.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.


These tutorials you provide are so helpful–thank you!
This is right on time!!! I’ve been wondering how this stitch was done. Now that I know, I’m gonna try it. Thank you so much
))
You’re welcome!!
What a lovely stitches! I love it! I hope I can try this.
this stitch is VERY nice…i can’t wait to try it…i like how its shown in the ribbon and regular yarn…any chance you’ll be sharing the poncho pattern? happy crocheting…
Thank you for this, and all other tutorials, this site has taught me so much.
I would just like to know if it’s possible to get the name of the yarn used in this tutorial, it’s so pretty.
You’re very welcome, Emma. Glad you are enjoying the site! I do not remember what the yarn was from my tutorial, can you believe it? I know it is worsted yarn in a variegated pastel colors, but I have had it so long in my stash as a remnant from a previous project, that I cannot say the brand name. I also am pretty sure I bought it at Michael’s! I do know that the ribbon yarn for the poncho in the first photo was lionbrand Incredible yarn in Rainbow color!
Well, it’s really pretty anyway.
And all the stiches I have learned from here are great, thank you so much for all the work you do here.
Another beautiful new stitch to try! Thank you so much for your tutorials, Robin. I really love learning from you ladies! Love the yarn colours, too! So colourful — cheerful and spring-like! : D
Thank you Robin. I have a market bag made with this stitch and was wondering how to create a copy! I am like Danette above and would love to see the pattern for the poncho, please?
Many thanks for this wonderful site! Jeanette
Here’s the link to the pattern book, Danette and Jeanette:
http://www.leisurearts.com/poncho-pizazz.html
It is the second pattern in the book – Variegated Ribbon Poncho.
And if you want to buy the already made poncho – I have it for sale on my website:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/22954004/rainbow-ribbon-poncho
Do you have any ideas for a market bag using this stitch?
Valerie, here’s a link to the pattern info for the market bag http://www.crochetspot.com/store/?pattern=69
I just made a beautiful orange shawl using this stitch! Will take some pics of it
Great Rene!
This would make a nice necklace in any colors you choose as well as the variegated. I love it. With my old neck, I prefer very light weight necklaces that look airy and soft. Thank you.
i love the yarn u use here!!! awesome job!!
Thanks, Bella!
I plan to use this stitch to make a light weight baby blankie for preemie’s
here in FL we cannot use heavyweight stuff
I am using this stitch to make a sarong for my daughter’s Miami trip. Hopefully the link will post http://www.flickr.com/photos/33594007@N06/5704680145/ I’m using an egyptian cotton and boy is it difficult to work with, but the colors are so vivid!
Here is the stitch a bit more open:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33594007@N06/5705246616/
Wow Rene, Gorgeous work! I love the colors of that yarn!
Is there any way to work this in the round? I want to make a pointe shoe bag for this summer, and it needs to have smaller stitches. Any ideas?
Sure! Try starting out with a ring you make with a few chains, then make some of these loop stitches into it so that you make a circle and you’re working in the round. When you get back to the beginning of the round, make your stitches in the loop stitches on the previous round. If you want to increase, just make more than one loop stitch into a loop stitch on the previous round. Have fun and experiment!
Can you explain how to do the ends to keep them straight? there has to be a way to anchor each end.
Tried this stitch using other websites and u have explained it the best. Thank you
i ll try this its beautiful
How do I make this stitch in a long triangle shawl shape?
Actually a ponchos… not like a water type but like a crochet “ponchos”.
Do you have a free pattern for the poncho? I made one years ago but have since lost the pattern. Thanks for your help.
Hi robin,
How do I do turning at the end of each row when I want to do multi layers of chain.
Twen
Hi Twen, at the start of row 2 (and in each row after row 1), you’ll start by chaining 5, then turning your work to work across the row you already made. If you look at the photo at the start of row 2, it may help you get an idea of what to do.