There are a few crochet stitches out there that prompt exclamations of amazement and the baffling questions of, "How did they do that?"

One of those stitches for me has always been the bullion stitch. This intriguing stitch creates spirals of yarn and great texture to a crochet pattern.

The construction of the bullion stitch is really quite simple with a little bit of practice. In no time you will be whipping out fabulous projects like the Bullion Beach Blanket by Donna Kay Lacey (at right) and the Art Nouveau Bullion Necklace (below). Sharon Zientara, Interweave Crochet's Assistant Editor Sharon Zientara, joins us to walk you through the steps of creating a bullion stitch and offer a few helpful tips.

1. MULTIPLE YARN OVERS

The bullion is a series of yarn overs that are drawn together in the final stitch. The best hook to complete the bullion stitch effectively is a long, slender, in-line hook. The best yarn to use is a tightly plied one.

To begin the stitch, loosely yarn over the number of times called for in the pattern. Working the yarn overs loosely is key to easily drawing the hook through all the loops. If you can't get your loops loose enough, hold the handle of another smaller crochet hook alongside your hook and wrap the yarn over both. Slide the second crochet hook out after wrapping before completing the stitch.

2. YARN OVER AND PULL UP A LOOP

Yarn over and draw through all the loops on the hook. As you draw the hook through, firmly hold the loops in place with the hand that is not holding the hook. If the loops do not slide easily, pick up each loop and pull it off the hook as you draw through.

3. FINISHED BULLION

To close the bullion, yarn over and draw through the last loop on the hook before working the next stitch.

	Art Nouveau Bullion Necklace by Donna Kay Lacey

If you get this right away, that's terrific! Most people new to the stitch have to do a bit of ripping out before getting it right. The key to the bullion stitch is to practice it until your hands become familiar with the tension required when making the yarn overs and drawing the hook through.

- Sharon

Grab some yarn and a hook and practice a few of your own bullion stitches before beginning one a beautiful textured bullion crochet project. Subscribe today to Interweave Crochet for more great how-to articles on unique crochet stitches and in-depth articles on crochet techniques and project construction. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to continue your crochet education.

Best wishes,

P.S. Do you have any tips for working bullion stitches?