Once you learn to crochet, a world of crocheted creations will be open to you. Afghans, lapghans, sweaters, shawls, hats, mittens, and even fun stuff such as lace tablecloths and doilies will all be within reach. But your new hobby will necessitate some basic supplies.
First, you’ll need a pattern: you can find free crochet patterns online or you can purchase indivdual patterns or a even complete book of fun patterns.
You will also need:
- A set of crochet hooks. Be sure the size you need for the pattern is included in the set. If not, you’ll have to purchase that size separately. Because the larger sizes are less common, sets do not usually include them.
- Yarn. The pattern will tell you what type of yarn, e.g., baby yarn, 4-ply yarn, bulky yarn.
- Stitch markers.
- Scissors.
Just as important is to know two crochet basics: understanding what a “yarn over” is and creating a slip knot.
Understanding The Yarn Over
You will see the term “yarn over” with most stitches. When doing a yarn over, carry the yarn from the back of the hook over the top to the front of the hook. This sets you up for the next part of the stitch. You will always pull the yarn over through one or more loops on the hook.
After you get used to the action, as soon as you do the yarn over, the yarn will catch in the hook as you pull it toward you to go through the stitches on the hook.
Creating a Slip Knot
You will need to know how to start with a slip knot for each project.
- Create a loop with the yarn.
- Grab the short tail close to the loop and pull it through the loop to make a slip knot. You should have a long tail and a short tail. You can adjust the size of the loop by pulling on the short tail to make it smaller. Hold the knot and pull the top of the loop to make the loop larger.
- Pull the top of the loop to tighten the knot.
- Slide the loop onto a crochet hook.
- Pull the short tail, so the loop is just a tad larger than the hook. You do not want to pull it tight, as you won’t be able to work with it.
Getting To Know Your Crochet Hook
It helps to know the parts of a hook when learning how to crochet. The hook has a head, which you use to pull the yarn through the loop on the throat. Just above the throat is the shaft. The grip is the flat section of the hook and usually has the size and brand stamped on it. The rest of the hook is the handle.
Now that you’re familiar with crochet foundations, let’s move on to the stitches (so you can move on to the projects).
8 Basic Crochet Stitches
You can tackle many crochet projects with just the basic stitches. Often people create baby blankets or afghans with just a double stitch or half-double stitches — with or without crochet patterns. You could even use single stitches and treble stitches.
Worth noting — the taller stitches use more yarn, but they also work up faster, which can save you time.
The shortest stitch is the slip stitch, and the tallest stitch is the treble stitch. You can combine many basic stitches to create advanced stitches and create a specific pattern.
1. Chain Stitch (Ch)
The first stitch you need to learn is the chain stitch. One of the most universal beginner crochet stitches, you will see it abbreviated as “ch” in most patterns. The foundation of every crochet pattern is the chain stitch. Even a round ripple starts with chain stitches. To create the chain stitch:
Once you have the slip knot on the hook, hold the bottom of the knot near the bottom of the hook with a finger on the same hand that holds the hook.
a. Wrap the long tail over the top of the hook (yarn over).
b. Make sure the head catches the yarn and pulls it through the loop on the hook.
c. Tighten the stitch, but not too tight, as you won’t be able to work with it.
d. Repeat Steps 1 through 8 to create a chain. You can see how loose the stitches are – you’ll have to slip the hook into those stitches, so a good rule of thumb is to make them a bit larger than the thickest part of the hook.
Try to keep your stitches even. A trick to help with this is to use your index finger to pull the new stitch up on the shaft – the thick part of the hook just before the grip. As you start the next stitch, you can push the yarn back down onto the throat.
Working the First Row on the Chain
When working the first row, you can insert the hook in both loops of the stitch or only in one of the loops. Most patterns assume that you will use both loops unless otherwise stated. Your piece will have a different look based on the method you choose.
2. Single Stitch (SC)
The easiest stitch to learn is the single stitch. It is also the shortest stitch other than the slip stitch. You will see it abbreviated as “sc” in most patterns.
a. Insert the hook into a stitch (both top loops unless the pattern calls for front or rear loop only) and yarn over.
b. Pull the yarn through the first loop on the hook.
c. Yarn over and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.
d. Repeat across the row.
When using single crochet, always chain 1 sc at the end of the row and turn the work. When you start the new row, skip the chain and put the first stitch in the last stitch of the previous row.
3. Double Stitch (DC)
The double stitch is one of the most popular crochet stitches. It is the next tallest. You will see it abbreviated as “dc” in most patterns.
a. Yarn over, then insert the hook into the next stitch, then yarn over again.
b. Pull up a loop. You should have three loops on the hook.
c. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops.
d. Yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
e. Repeat.
At the end of each row of double crochets, ch 2 for the turning chain, then turn the work. Skip the two chains and dc into the last dc of the previous row to make the first stitch of the next row.
4. Half Double Stitch (HDC)
A half double crochet stitch is half the height of a double and twice the height of a single crochet. You will see it abbreviated as “hdc” in most patterns.
a. Yarn over and then insert the hook into the next stitch.
b. Yarn over and then pull up a loop. You should have three loops on the hook.
c. Yarn over and then pull the yarn through all three of the loops.
d. Repeat.
At the end of each row, ch 1 for the turning chain, then turn. Skip the ch 1 and hdc into the last hdc of the previous row for the first stitch.
5. Treble Stitch (TR)
The triple crochet stitch (or treble crochet stitch) is the tallest of the simple stitches. You will see it abbreviated as “tr” in most patterns.
a. Yarn over twice, keeping the yarn loose enough to grab.
b. Insert the hook into the next stitch.
c. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the first stitch. You should have four loops on the hook.
d. Yarn over and draw the yarn through the first two loops. You should now have three loops on the hook.
e. Yarn over and pull the yarn through two loops. You should have two loops on the hook.
f. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the last two loops on the hook. You should have one loop on the hook.
g. Repeat for the next treble crochet.
At the end of the row, ch 3 for the turning chain. Turn the work. Skip the three chains and tr in the last tr of the previous row for the first tr of the new row.
6. Slip Stitch
The slip stitch is the simplest crochet stitch, and it is also the shortest. Many patterns do not abbreviate slip stitch, but if you see an abbreviation, it is written as “sl” or “ss.” Some patterns may even use “sl st.”
To make a slip stitch, insert the hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch and loop. You will end up with one loop on the hook.
Generally, you won’t use the slip stitch in rows. Use this stitch to connect two sections or when you have an extra stitch you need to cover to get to the first stitch when working in the round.
7. Moss Stitch (Granite Stitch)
You might see the moss stitch called the granite stitch, linen stitch, or woven stitch. It uses chain stitches and single crochet stitches. You work the stitches into the chain stitches in the underlying row. This pattern uses several abbreviations:
- Chain: ch
- Skip: sk
- Stitches: sts
- Single crochet: sc
- Repeat: *
To make a practice square:
Chain 14.
Row 1: Single crochet in the 4th chain from the hook. *ch 1, sk 1 chain, sc in the next chain, repeat from * to the end of the row. The last stitch in the row should be a single crochet in the last chain.
Row 2: Ch 2, Turn your work. Sc in the ch 1 space from the previous row. *ch 1, sk 1 sc, sc in the next ch 1 space, repeat from * to the end of the row. The last stitch should be a single crochet in the space between the ch 2 turning chain and the sc in the previous row.
Row 3: Repeat Row 2 until the piece is as long as you want.
After two or three rows, you’ll start seeing the pattern show. This pattern is good for scarves, lapghans, afghans and is one of the better crochet stitches for blankets.
8. Decreasing (dc 5 tog)
You need to know how to decrease when working on certain patterns such as slippers or socks. Decreasing creates the shape you need, such as a toe. You can decrease by 2, 3, 4, or even 5, depending on the pattern, size of the yarn and hook, and the size of the item.
You can also use this with single and treble crochet stitches, but you’ll most commonly see it with double crochet. The abbreviations are as follows:
- Dc 5 tog (double crochet two together)
- Sc 5 tog (single crochet two together)
- Tr 5 tog (treble crochet two together)
To practice the dc 5 tog stitch:
Step 1. Ch 12.
Step 2. Dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in next 9 ch. Ch 2. Turn work.
Step 3. Dc 2. Insert hook into next step. Yarn over, pull up a loop and draw through first two loops. Repeat for each of the next four stitches. You should have six loops on the hook.
Step 4. Yarn over and pull through all six loops.
Step 5. Dc in last three stitches.
10 Advanced Stitches
Advanced crochet stitches are usually a combination of basic stitches. Some are more difficult than others. Before working on a large project, make a swatch to practice the stitches before diving into more complex crochet stitch patterns. As you are learning, you will make many swatches. If they are all the same size, you can use the slip stitch or a single crochet stitch to put them together into a lapghan.
1. Bobble Stitch
The bobble stitch uses chains and double crochet stitches. It does use quite a bit of yarn. Always start with an even number of chains.
Chain 14.
Step 1. Starting in the second chain from the hook, single crochet (sc) in each chain for 13 stitches. This creates the base.
Step 2: Chain 1, turn the work. * sc in first stitch after the chain. Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull through, then yarn over and pull through two stitches. Repeat 5 times in the same stitch, ending with 6 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all six loops. You may see this written as “dc 5 tog in same st.”
Step 3: Sc into the next stitch. Repeat bobble stitch from * in Step 2 to the end of the row. End with a single crochet in the last stitch.
Step 4: Chain 1 and turn the work. Single crochet in each stitch across the row (13 sc).
Step 5: Chain 1 and turn the work. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 from * in Step 2.
2. Waffle Stitch
The waffle stitch requires a multiple of 3 chains plus 2 additional chains. For a swatch, chain 21 plus chain another two for a total of 23. This stitch uses a lot of yarn. It also uses a front post double crochet (fpdc).
Front Post Double Crochet
To create this stitch:
Yarn over, insert hook from the front to the back and then back to the front around the post of the next stitch.
Yarn over and pull up a loop.
Yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook. Yarn over, then pull through the two remaining loops.
Start the Waffle Stitch
Step 1. Chain 23.
Step 2. Dc in the third ch from the hook and in each ch to the end for 21 stitches.
Step 3. Ch 2. Turn the work. Dc in the very first stitch. *Fpcd around the post of the next stitch. Dc in each of the next two stitches. * Repeat from * to * until you have two stitches remaining. Fpdc in the second-last stitch and dc in the last stitch.
Step 4. Ch 2. Turn the work. Dc in the first two stitches. * Fpdc around the next two stitches. Dc in the next stitch. * Repeat from * to * until you have one stitch left. Dc in the last stitch.
Step 5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until you reach the length you want, ending with Step 3.
3. Cluster Stitch
The cluster stitch uses chains, single crochet and double crochet stitches. You will also need to use double crochet together, usually abbreviated as dc tog. To complete a project using only the cluster stitch, you’ll need an even number of chains to start.
Create the Cluster Stitch Pattern
Step 1. Chain 22.
Step 2. Sc in the 2nd stitch from the hook. Sc in the next stitch. * Ch 1, sk st, sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * to the last stitch. Sc in the last stitch. Turn the work.
Step 3. This row creates the clusters. You will start a double crochet, but not finish it right away. In the first space, start a double crochet, but only pull the yarn through the first two loops. Start the next stitch with two loops on the hook. Pull the yarn through the first two loops. You’ll have thee loops. Repeat this for each cluster until you have five loops on the hook. Once you get the fifth loop, yarn over, then pull through all five loops to create the cluster.
Chain 4. Cluster in the first chain space, ch 1. Repeat in each chain space . For the last two stitches, ch 1 and double crochet in the last stitch.
Step 4. Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until you get the length you want.
4. Popcorn Stitch
The popcorn stitch uses single crochet and double crochet to create a more textured crochet stitch. You will be working 5 full double crochets in one stitch to create the popcorn stitch.
Step 1. Chain 20. Turn the work, then chain 1.
Step 2. Sc across Row 1. Turn the work, chain 1.
Step 3. Single crochet one in each of the first two stitches.
Step 4. Five double crochet in the next stitch. Pull the loop on the hook, so it is a bit larger. Slide it off the hook. Insert the hook under the top two strands of the first double crochet. Grab the loop you just slid off the hook. Pull the loop through the first double crochet. Popcorn stitch made.
Step 5. Single crochet in the next two stitches.
Step 6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the end of the row.
Step 7. Turn the work, Chain 1.
Step 8. Repeat Steps 3 through 7 until you reach the desired length.
5. Lemon Peel Stitch
The lemon peel stitch uses single and double crochet stitches. It works on a chain of an odd number of stitches. As you alternate rows, you will place double crochet stitches in the single crochets of the previous row.
Step 1. Chain 21 stitches.
Step 2. Single crochet in the second chain from the hook.
Step 3. Double crochet in the next stitch.
Step 4. Single crochet in the next stitch, double crochet in the next stitch.
Step 5. Repeat Step 4 until the end of the row. You will always end with a double crochet.
Step 6. Chain 1 and turn the work.
Step 7. Single crochet in the first stitch, double crochet in the next stitch.
Step 8. Repeat Step 4 until the end of the row. Ch 1 (if continuing with more rows).
Step 9. Repeat from Step 2 until you reach the desired length.
6. Shell Stitch
The shell stitch uses single crochet and double crochet stitches. You need a chain that is a multiple of six plus one additional chain. For a small swatch, chain 36 plus 1 for a total of 37.
Step 1. Sc in the second ch from the hook.
Step 2. Skip two stitches. Dc into the next stitch. Dc four more times in the same stitch for a total of 5 double crochets in the stitch. Shell created.
Step 3. Skip two stitches. Sc in next stitch. This step anchors the shell.
Step 4. Skip two stitches. 5 dc in the next stitch. Sk 2 stitches, single crochet in next stitch. Repeat until you reach the end of the row, ending with a sc.
Step 5. Chain 3. Turn the work. The ch 3 counts as the first double crochet in the next row.
Step 6. Two dc in the first stitch. Counting the chain 3 from the previous step, you now have 3 dc at the start of the row.
Step 7. Skip 2 stitches. Sc in the next stitch, which will be a double crochet.
Step 8. Skip 2 stitches. 5 dc in the next stitch until the end of the row. For the last stitch, 3 dc instead of 5 in the last stitch.
Step 9. Repeat from Step 5 until piece is as long as you want.
7. Puff Stitch
The puff stitch is one of those unique crochet stitches that needs a base to work on. The moss stitch makes a perfect base, and it’s easy to find the stitches you need. The puff stitch needs an even number of stitches.
Step 1. Chain 22.
Step 2. Sc in 4th chain from the hook. * Ch 1, sk next ch, sc next stitch. Repeat from * to finish the row. End with 1 sc in the last chain. Ch 2. Turn.
Step 3. 1 sc in the first chain stitch (not the turning chains). * Ch 1, sk st, sc into next ch 1 space. Repeat from * to the end. 1 sc in the last stitch and turning chain. Ch 2. Turn.
Step 4. Repeat Step 3.
Step 5. * Yarn over, insert hook into first chain space (not the turning chains) and pull up a loop. Repeat from * three times, using the same space. Yarn over, pull through all nine loops. Ch 1. (Puff stitch done).
Step 6. Repeat Step 5 across the row. End with 1 sc between the last stitch and turning chain. Ch 2. Turn.
Step 7. 1 sc in the first ch. * Ch 1, sk st, sc in ch 1 space. Repeat from * across the row. End with 1 sc between the last stitch and the turning chain. Ch 2. Turn.
Step 8. Repeat Step 7.
Step 9. Repeat Step 7.
Step 10. Repeat Steps 5 through 9 until you reach the desired length.
8. V Stitch
The V stitch uses multiples of three chains plus one extra chain. It uses double crochets and chains to create the V.
Step 1. Chain 22.
Step 2. Dc in the 4th chain from the hook. The first 3 chains and the dc create the first V.
Step 3: Skip two chains. Dc in the next chain. Ch 1, dc in the same stitch as the first dc. (Second V made).
Step 4: Repeat Step 3 across the row. The last stitch holds the last V stitch.
Step 5. Ch 3. Turn. Dc in the first chain 1 space of the previous row. First V made of the next row.
Step 6. Dc in the next ch 1 space. Ch 1, dc in the same ch 1 space. Repeat to end of row.
Step 7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until you reach the desired length.
9. Elizabeth Stitch
This Elizabeth stitch needs multiples of two plus an additional 4 chains.
Step 1. Chain 24.
Step 2. Insert hook into the 4th chain from the hook.
Step 2a. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over. Insert the hook into the same stitch. Yarn over and pull up another loop. Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops on the hook.
Step 3. Ch 1. Sk 1. Insert hook into next stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops on the hook.
Step 4. Repeat Step 3 until the end of the row.
Step 5. Turn. Ch 3. * Insert the hook into the first ch 1 space. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and insert the hook into the same space. Yarn over and pull up another loop. Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops on the hook.
Step 6. Ch 1. Repeat from * in Step 5.
Step 7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until you reach the desired length.
10. Ripple Stitch
When you see beautiful afghans and scarves with a chevron pattern, the crocheter used the ripple stitch. Some call it the chevron stitch. You will need to know how to decrease to get the peaks and valleys for this stitch. The ripple stitch uses a multiple of 12 stitches plus 3 at the end.
Step 1. Create a foundation. Ch 15, dc in 4th chain from hook, dc in next 3 ch. The chain counts as the first dc.
Step 2. Dc 2 tog in the next two stitches to create the first peak.
Step 3. Dc in the next 3 stitches.
Step 4. 2 dc in each of the next three chains.
Step 5. Ch 3, dc in the next four stitches.
Step 6. Dc 2 tog in next two stitches twice (2 sets of 2) dc in next three stitches, 2 dc in each of the next three stitches.
Step 7. Repeat pattern for the needed length.
Crochet FAQs
What is the hardest crochet stitch?
The hardest crochet stitches are the front post double crochet and the back post double crochet.
For the front post double crochet, yarn over, insert the hook from front to back between the posts of the next stitch. Push the hook from the back to the front around the post. Yarn over. Pull up a loop. You should have 3 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through first two loops. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
For the back post double crochet, yarn over and insert the hook from the back to the front between the posts of the next stitch. Push the hook from the front to the back around the post. Yarn over. Pull up a loop. You should have 3 loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through the first two loops. Yarn over, pull through two loops.
What is the easiest stitch to crochet?
The slip stitch is the easiest stitch to crochet. Insert the hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull the loop through the stitch.
Do you need stitch markers to crochet?
If you are crocheting something simple, you could do it without stitch markers as long as you watch the ends to ensure they stay even. If you are crocheting a large afghan, even if it’s the same stitch, it’s easier to count by 10s or 20s. Insert a stitch marker every 10th or 20th stitch. That way, if you lose count while making the chain, you won’t have to rip out the entire chain.
For more complicated patterns, such as ripples, beginners might want to use stitch markers to show where the pattern changes are for each row. Once you become more experienced, you can tell just by looking at your work where you are and could do it without stitch markers.
Even those who have been crocheting for many years use stitch markers for difficult patterns.
How do you make your own crochet markers?
You can use safety pins for crochet markers. If you want to make them easier to see, paint them with brightly colored spray paint. In a pinch, you could also use a different color yarn. Just thread a piece through the stitch you need to mark. Hold it in place with a loose overhand knot.
Tying It Off
You can make something using just one stitch, or you can use two or more stitches to create patterns. A more advanced beginner pattern is the round ripple, like you see in the background of the photos. It uses single crochet, double crochet, slip stitches and chains.
You can also use several stitches to make a piece with a lot of texture. Or, you can use the popcorn stitch for something with a lot of texture.
Before you pick up a hook, make a habit of reading the pattern all the way through. That way, you’ll know if you need to learn a new stitch or if you might need stitch markers. Before you know it, you’ll be working your way through projects and even creating your own patterns.
Good luck and have fun!
