What Is the Solomon’s Knot Crochet Stitch?
In crochet, “Solomon’s knot” refers to a lacy, open stitch — also commonly called the love knot stitch or lover’s knot stitch — built from elongated loops rather than standard-height stitches. Instead of working a normal stitch directly into the stitch below, you draw up a longer loop, yarn over, and pull through to lock it in place, then typically join pairs of these elongated loops with a single crochet. The result is an airy, mesh-like fabric with a distinctive, almost woven look, quite different from the denser fabric produced by basic stitches like single or double crochet.
Two Different “Solomon’s Knots” — Don’t Mix Them Up
It’s worth being clear about something that trips a lot of people up: the name “Solomon’s knot” is also used, separately from crochet, for a physical interlocking knot used in jewelry-making, macramé, and decorative or symbolic contexts. That knot is tied by hand from cord or wire, not crocheted, and its symbolism and tying method are unrelated to the crochet stitch covered in this article beyond sharing a name. If you searched for “how to tie a Solomon’s knot” expecting crochet instructions, you may actually be looking for that separate knot-tying technique, which this article doesn’t cover in detail since it isn’t a crochet technique.
How the Love Knot Stitch Is Built (General Technique)
Because this is a technique best learned by feel and by watching the loop lengths stay consistent, this article describes the general process rather than inventing specific loop-length or stitch-count numbers that aren’t grounded in a verified source:
- Start from a slipknot or short chain, as you would for most crochet projects.
- Draw up an elongated loop to a consistent length (rather than a standard-height stitch), then yarn over and pull through to lock that loop in place — this elongated loop is the core of the stitch.
- Work a single crochet to join the elongated loop to the next stitch or space, which stabilizes the mesh.
- Repeat, keeping each elongated loop as close to the same length as the ones before it, since consistency is what keeps the mesh looking even.
Because the exact loop length and stitch multiple used varies by designer and by project, it’s best to follow one complete, dedicated written pattern or video tutorial from a single source for your first attempt, rather than mixing instructions from multiple places.
Tips for Even Loops
Consistent loop length is the main technical challenge of this stitch. Many crocheters find it helpful to use a ruler, a popsicle stick, or even a specific finger joint as a consistent guide for how far to draw up each loop, rather than eyeballing it from memory. Working at a relaxed, even tension throughout also helps, since tight tension makes it harder to judge loop length consistently.
If you’re new to crochet generally, it’s worth being comfortable with the basic chain stitch before attempting Solomon’s knot, since the elongated loops in this stitch are an extension of the same basic motion.
Is This the “Prettiest” Crochet Stitch?
Whether Solomon’s knot (or any other stitch) is the “prettiest” is a matter of personal taste rather than an objective fact. It’s frequently mentioned in these conversations because of its distinctive, lacy, openwork appearance, which is quite different from the look of standard stitches — but plenty of crocheters would nominate other stitches, like shell stitches, bobble/popcorn stitches, or intricate lace patterns, for the same title.
What Does the Solomon’s Knot Symbol Represent?
This question is really about the separate, non-crochet Solomon’s knot referenced above — a design of interlocking loops that has historically been used as a decorative and symbolic motif in various cultures, often associated with themes like wisdom, unity, or eternity, owing to its continuous, interlocking form. Its symbolic meaning isn’t tied to the crochet stitch that borrows its name, and crocheters working the love knot stitch generally aren’t invoking that symbolism — they’re just using a common name for the technique.
FAQ
What is Solomon’s knot crochet stitch? It’s a lacy, open crochet stitch — also called the love knot stitch — made from elongated loops locked in place and joined with single crochet, producing an airy, mesh-like fabric.
How to tie a solomon’s knot? That typically refers to the separate, physical interlocking knot used in jewelry and decorative crafts, not the crochet stitch, so it isn’t covered step-by-step here.
What is the prettiest stitch in crochet? This is subjective. Solomon’s knot is often mentioned for its lacy look, but many other stitches are equally popular answers.
What does Solomon’s knot represent? As a symbolic motif (separate from the crochet stitch), it’s historically associated with themes like unity and continuity due to its interlocking design.