Ready to start learning the crochet craft, but not sure where to start? These basic crochet stitches will help you conquer your first crochet creation!
After years of crochet ‘hiatus,’ I did not remember even the most basic stitches. I was eager to pick up where I left off but did not know how to get ‘re-started’. Thankfully, one of my closest friends took me under her wing and had me happily hooking in no time!
Basic Crochet Beginnings….
To get started, make sure you the necessary supplies; check out my back to basic tools post to help you get what you need.
Slip Knot: Once you have your supplies, make a simple slip knot by forming a loop, pulling through the loop and tightening the resulting slip knot on your hook.
Chaining: To create your foundation chain you will yarn over and pull your loop formed by your slip knot. Each time you yarn over and pull through you complete an individual chain. Chain the number of times required by the pattern you are following before turning.
Turning: Once you have your foundation chain, you will turn your work to complete your first row of stitches. The chain you turn into will vary based on the type of stitch you will be using. For single crochet, you will insert your hook into the second chain from your hook to make your first stitch. TIP: Check your pattern to verify which chain you will use to start your foundation row.
Slip Stitch (Sl St): The slip stitch is the smallest crochet stitch, but is incredibly versatile. It can be used to carry your yarn across your row or to work your circular rows in a round project. For a slip stitch, you will insert your hook into the foundation stitch, yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook, leaving you with one loop.
Basic Crochet Middles…
Single Crochet (SC): To complete a single crochet stitch, insert your hook into the second chain from your hook, yarn over and pull through the stitch, leaving two loops on the hook. Yarn over again, and pull through both loops, leaving 1 loop on the hook. Repeat for the remainder of your row.
Half Double Crochet (HDC): For half-double crochet, yarn over BEFORE you insert your hook into your foundation stitch. Yarn over again and pull through the stitch, leaving three loops on the hook. Yarn over again, and pull through all three loops, leaving 1 loop on the hook.
Double Crochet (DC): For Double Crochet, you will yarn over and insert your hook into your foundation stitch. Yarn over and pull through leaving three loops on your hook. Next, you will yarn over, and pull through the first two loops ONLY, leaving two loops on your hook. Yarn over again and pull through both loops.
Triple Crochet (TC): For Triple Crochet, yarn over TWICE before you insert the hook into your foundation stitch. Yarn over again, and pull through the stitch leaving four loops on the hook. Yarn over again, and pull through the first two loops, leaving three loops on the hook. Yarn over again, and pull through two more loops, leaving two loops on the hook. Yarn over a final time and pull through both loops to complete the stitch.
Tying up Loose Ends…
When you finish your last row, you will tie off your yarn and secure the stitch to prevent unraveling! To tie off cut your yarn of a few inches from the hook and pull the tail through the last loop on the hook. Remove the hook and pull until tight. Once complete, you will use your hook or a yarn needle to weave your tail back into your project to hide it and to anchor your stitch.
These are just a few of the crochet basics but are more than enough to help you conquer your first crochet project. Still not confident you’ve got it? Leave me a comment below with your questions, and don’t forget to print it or pin it for reference as you work. Trust me, it DOES get easier and will become second nature, but it is helpful to refer back often while you are learning. Happy Hooking!
your explanation photos are really great, good job
I love teaching others how to crochet, which is part my purpose for this Blog. Thank you for visiting, I appreciate the feedback.
Great explanation- would like to try this. What’s the best yarn to use?
I have an in depth yarn post coming up in the next week. But when you first start look for a basic 4-ply yarn (There is a picture of what to look for on the label in my post from 9/5). Any brand will do, but avoid anything that is really shiny or fuzzy which can be harder to work with when you first start. Feel free to comment, or message if you have more questions! Thanks.