Every crochet project, from a simple coaster to a large blanket, is built from a small family of basic stitches. Once you know the chain, the slip stitch, the single crochet, the half double crochet and the double crochet, you can make a huge range of projects. The stitches are not difficult, but they need patience and practice, especially at the beginning.
This guide teaches each stitch step by step, with clear instructions on where to put your hook and how to count your stitches. At the end, you will find a practice sampler pattern that lets you work all the stitches in one small piece. All instructions use US terms.
Before You Begin
- Choose suitable yarn and a hook. A smooth, light-colored worsted-weight yarn and a 5.0 to 5.5 mm hook are a good starting point. See our guides to the best yarn for beginners and crochet hook sizes.
- Hold the hook comfortably. Many people hold it like a pencil, with the thumb rest between the thumb and the first finger. Others hold it like a knife. Use whichever is comfortable.
- Control the yarn. Hold the work in one hand, and let the yarn pass through the fingers of the other hand to create tension. It helps to wrap it around a finger.
- Left-handed crocheters can mirror every instruction or hold the hook in the left hand.
Slip Knot
The slip knot is the first loop on your hook.
- Make a loop in the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 in (15 cm).
- Reach through the loop with the hook and catch the working yarn.
- Pull the working yarn through the loop.
- Place the loop on the hook and pull the ends to tighten, so that the loop fits snugly but can still slide.
Chain (ch)
Chains form the foundation of most projects.
- With a slip knot on your hook, bring the yarn over the hook from back to front (yarn over, abbreviated yo).
- Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook. This is one chain.
- Repeat to make as many chains as the pattern asks for.
How to count chains: Do not count the loop on your hook, and do not count the slip knot. Count each V-shaped stitch on the front of the chain.
Tip: Keep your chains loose enough to work into, because tight chains make the first row difficult. If your first row feels tight, try a larger hook for the foundation chain.
Slip Stitch (sl st)
The slip stitch is a very short stitch used to join rounds, move across stitches and make edges.
- Insert the hook into the stitch indicated by the pattern.
- Yarn over.
- Pull the yarn through both the stitch and the loop on the hook in one motion.
You now have one loop on the hook.
Single Crochet (sc)
Single crochet is the most common beginner stitch. It makes a firm, dense fabric.
Working into a foundation chain: Skip the first chain next to the hook and insert the hook into the second chain from the hook.
- Insert the hook into the stitch (under both loops of the V).
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have 2 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through both loops. You now have 1 loop on the hook.
Repeat in each stitch across. At the end of the row, chain 1 (this usually does not count as a stitch) and turn your work.
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
The half double crochet is taller than a single crochet, and it makes a slightly softer fabric.
Working into a foundation chain: Insert the hook into the third chain from the hook.
- Yarn over.
- Insert the hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have 3 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. You now have 1 loop on the hook.
At the end of the row, chain 2 and turn. Patterns differ on whether this chain counts as a stitch, so follow the notes.
Double Crochet (dc)
The double crochet is tall and works up quickly, so it is used in many blankets and decorative patterns.
Working into a foundation chain: Insert the hook into the fourth chain from the hook.
- Yarn over.
- Insert the hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have 3 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops. You now have 2 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops. You now have 1 loop on the hook.
At the end of the row, chain 3 and turn. This chain usually counts as the first double crochet of the next row.
Treble Crochet (tr)
The treble crochet is even taller than the double crochet, and it is used for open, airy fabrics.
Working into a foundation chain: Insert the hook into the fifth chain from the hook.
- Yarn over twice.
- Insert the hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have 4 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops. You now have 3 loops.
- Yarn over and pull through the next 2 loops. You now have 2 loops.
- Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops. You now have 1 loop.
At the end of the row, chain 4 and turn.
Turning Chains and Counting
A turning chain brings your hook up to the height of the stitch in the new row. The common lengths are shown below.
- Single crochet: ch 1 (usually does not count as a stitch)
- Half double crochet: ch 2 (counts in some patterns and not in others)
- Double crochet: ch 3 (usually counts as the first stitch)
- Treble crochet: ch 4 (usually counts as the first stitch)
When the turning chain counts as a stitch: You skip the first stitch of the row, and at the end of the row you work your last stitch into the top of the previous row's turning chain. This keeps the stitch count the same.
Counting rows: Count the V-shaped stitches along the top edge of a row. Counting after every row is the best way to avoid your edges growing or shrinking.
For more on how patterns use these chains, see our guide on how to read a crochet pattern.
Fastening Off and Weaving in Ends
- Fasten off: Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 in (15 cm). Pull the tail through the last loop and tighten.
- Thread a yarn needle with the tail.
- Weave in the end: Run the needle through several stitches along the back of the work, then turn and go back in the other direction.
- Trim the remaining end close to the fabric.
Practice Sampler Pattern
This small sampler uses four stitches in one piece, so you can compare them side by side.
Materials: Light-colored worsted-weight yarn, a 5.0 mm hook, a yarn needle and scissors.
Approximate size: About 4.5 in (11 cm) wide and 5 in (13 cm) tall. Your size will vary.
- Ch 21.
- Row 1 (sc): Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (20 sc)
- Rows 2 to 4 (sc): Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn at the end of Rows 2 and 3. At the end of Row 4, ch 2 and turn instead, to prepare for the taller stitch. (20 sc)
- Rows 5 to 8 (hdc): The ch 2 at the start of each row does not count as a stitch, so work hdc in every stitch of the previous row, including the first one. Ch 2, turn at the end of Rows 5 to 7. At the end of Row 8, ch 3 and turn instead. (20 hdc)
- Row 9 (dc): The ch 3 counts as the first dc. Skip the first stitch, then dc in each of the next 19 sts. Ch 3, turn. (20 dc)
- Rows 10 to 12 (dc): Skip the first stitch, dc in each of the next 18 sts, and dc in the top of the turning chain. Ch 3, turn at the end of each row, except Row 12. (20 dc)
- Fasten off and weave in the ends.
What to look for: Count your stitches at the end of each row. All rows should have 20 stitches. Notice how each stitch is taller than the last, and how the fabric changes from dense to open.
Tips for Beginners
- Practice every day for a short time. Ten to fifteen minutes is enough to build muscle memory.
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of a row if you lose track.
- Do not worry about perfection. Your tension will improve with practice.
- Learn one stitch at a time. Make a swatch of single crochet before moving on.
- Count often. It prevents the most common problems.
- Watch a video if you need to see it. Moving hands are often easier to understand than a written description.
- Move on to a project. Try our crochet coasters or gift tags.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
The piece gets narrower. You are probably missing the last stitch of the row. Make sure you work into the last stitch or the top of the turning chain.
The piece gets wider. You may be adding an extra stitch at the start. Check whether the turning chain should count as a stitch.
The stitches are too tight. Relax your grip on the yarn, or use a larger hook.
The stitches are too loose. Hold the yarn more firmly, or use a smaller hook.
You cannot find the loops of the first row. Use a lighter yarn, and work the foundation chain loosely.
The yarn splits. Use smoother yarn, and slow down when you insert the hook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stitch should I learn first?
Learn the chain first, then single crochet. They are the foundation of most projects.
How long does it take to learn crochet?
It varies. Many people can make simple items within a few days of practice, while smoother tension and speed develop over weeks or months.
What is the difference between US and UK stitch names?
The same stitch has a different name in US and UK patterns. For example, a US single crochet is a UK double crochet. Always check which terms your pattern uses.
Why does my work curl?
Curling can come from uneven tension, or from adding or losing stitches. Counting your stitches and blocking the piece may help.
Do I always insert the hook under both loops?
Usually yes. Some patterns tell you to work in the front or back loop only for a textured effect.
How do I fix a mistake?
Pull the loop off the hook and gently unravel the work back to the mistake. This is called frogging, and every crocheter does it.
Final Thoughts
Basic stitches are the building blocks of every crochet project. Take your time, practice each stitch until it feels natural, and enjoy the process. Soon you will be reading patterns and making projects with confidence. Happy crocheting!
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