You might know how to make a basic crochet stitch, but that doesn’t mean you know everything about it. In fact, there are many different techniques that make up the craft—some more complicated than others.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| There are a variety of crochet techniques and stitches available to beginners. |
| Starting with simple patterns can help you build your skills quickly. |
| Understanding basic concepts like reading patterns and selecting yarn is essential for beginners. |
| Tools like hooks and stitch markers can help you make the most of your crochet projects. |
| There are many resources available to help beginners learn and improve their crochet skills. |
Here are 15 things every beginner crocheter should know about their favorite hobby:
Chains
This is the first step in any crochet project.
The instructions for how to make a chain will depend on the stitch you’re using, but it’s usually as simple as making a slip knot and then wrapping the yarn over your hook and pulling through both loops on the hook.
To count chains, wrap your yarn around your fingers like this:
1 finger = 1 single crochet (sc) or half double crochet (hdc) rounds; 2 fingers = 2 sc or hdc rounds; 3 fingers = 3 sc or hdc rounds; 4 fingers = 4 sc or hdc rounds; 5 fingers = 5 sc or hdc rounds.
When adding chains to increase stitches, you can either add them by weaving them into existing rows of stitches below or by working into each chain individually.
Regardless of which option you choose, be sure that when counting how many times you’ve worked into each chain that you count each side separately one side counts as one stitch while two sides counts as two stitches!
This means if there are four sides per loop (as seen in this image), that’d mean 8 total counting sides!
Crocheting baby items can be a great way to get started with this fun hobby. We put together a list of the top crochet patterns for baby items to help you get some inspiration and start crocheting!
Slip Knot
Slip Knot (abbreviated Slipknot) is one of the first things you learn when starting to crochet. It’s used in almost every stitch, so it’s important to know how to make and use a Slip Knot.
The slip knot will be used to start your necklace or bracelet and then as you go along, you’ll use it for each individual stitch.
To make a slip knot:
- Make a loop with the yarn on top of your finger
Slip Knot Crochet Tutorial
| Step Number | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. | Start by making a loop in the yarn, leaving a long tail. |
| 2. | Hold the loop with your left hand, with your thumb and forefinger. |
| 3. | Take the tail end of the yarn with your right hand, and bring it up through the loop. |
| 4. | Twist the loop to form a figure 8, with the tail end still through the loop. |
| 5. | Slip the crochet hook under the loop on the right-hand side of the figure 8, and over the loop on the left-hand side. |
| 6. | Use the crochet hook to grab a portion of the tail end of the yarn and pull it through the loop from underneath. |
| 7. | Tighten the knot by pulling on the tail end of the yarn to create a loop that fits snugly around the crochet hook. |
Single Crochet (sc)
The single crochet stitch is one of the most basic stitches in crochet, and it’s used to make fabric. To begin this stitch, you will insert your hook into the next stitch. Draw up a loop, and then through the stitch.
Pull the yarn through to form a new loop on your hook; there are now two loops on your hook! You can then create another stitch by inserting your hook into that same space again, drawing up another loop from underneath both loops on your hook (that’s why it’s called “single crochet!”) and then pulling all three loops through together:
Slip Stitch (sl st)
The slip stitch is a very common crochet technique that can be used to join two or more crochet stitches. The slip stitch is always worked from right to left, so it goes in the opposite direction of regular crochet stitches.
To work a slip stitch, insert your hook into the first stitch and pull up a loop. Then insert your hook into the next stitch and pull up another loop. You now have two loops on your hook with one being pulled through both stitches!
To finish off your slip stitch, simply pull through all three loops on your hook at once instead of working each loop individually like you would do for normal crochet stitches.
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
The half double crochet (hdc) is a stitch that you can use to make a foundation chain and then work into the stitches of the previous row. This technique is popular for making hats, sweaters, and scarves, since it makes a thick fabric that provides warmth.
As with most crochet techniques, there’s more than one way to do this stitch: you can choose to work in front of or behind the post of your stitch.
Try both out! Work around any post by inserting your hook into it from front-to-back and pulling up a loop through both legs of the stitch together.
You may need to adjust how much yarn flows through as you do so; try tugging gently on each end until you get even tension along your working strand before starting again in another direction with no kinks or tangles left behind (see above).
In order for this technique not only look good but also help prevent unwanted holes while finishing off edges between rows — especially if they’re tightly stretched — make sure not only when stitching at right angles but also when working vertically up/down or horizontally across using only one strand per color at any given time.”
If you’re new to crochet, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. Our guide on Crochet 101: the Basics You Need to Know will help you understand the foundational concepts of crochet and get started on your first project.
Double Crochet (dc)
For a beginner, the double crochet (dc) stitch is the most basic and easiest to learn. It’s made by wrapping the yarn around the hook, then pulling it through all three loops on the hook at once. Double crochet creates a dense, firm fabric that is used to make garments, blankets and other household items.
It’s a good idea to practice this stitch before moving on to more complicated ones in order to get comfortable with crocheting in general.
How to Crochet Double Crochet (dc)
| Step Number | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. | Chain the desired number of stitches for your foundation chain. |
| 2. | Yarn over the hook (yo), and insert the hook into the fourth chain stitch from the hook. |
| 3. | Yo again, and draw the yarn through the stitch. You should have three loops on the hook. |
| 4. | Yo again, and draw the yarn through the first two loops on the hook. |
| 5. | You should now have two loops on the hook. Yo again, and draw the yarn through the remaining two loops on the hook. |
| 6. | Repeat steps 2-5 across the row, inserting the hook into the top chain of the previous row. |
| 7. | Turn your work and chain three stitches (counts as your first dc stitch). |
| 8. | Insert your hook into the next stitch, yo and draw through a loop. |
| 9. | Yo and draw through the two loops on the hook. Repeat to the end of the row. |
| 10. | Turn your work and continue repeating steps 7-9, always making sure to chain three at the start of each row. |
Treble Crochet (tr)
‘Treble’ crochet is one of the most common techniques used in crochet. It’s also called “triple” or “treble” for short, and it’s a lot like double crochet except that instead of wrapping the yarn around once, you wrap it around three times.
This means that to make a treble stitch, you’ll need to insert your hook into the second chain from the hook (not through two strands like single) and pull up a loop.
Then you’ll have four loops on your hook. You’ll then yarn over and pull through all four loops at once—this forms one treble stitch!
Now let’s say there are ten stitches in this row…if we wanted to do another row of trebles right after this one, we would make sure our stitch marker was still on the last created st (or if not using markers), then count back 9 more chains away from where our marker is holding and slip stitch into 10th chain from here (in other words: skip past 8 chains altogether).
Then repeat Steps 1-5 above! This will give us another row of ten stitches: eight regular double crochets plus two extra rows of two *yarn overs* each before pulling through all six loops together at once with an extra draw through for good measure 🙂
Yarn Over (yo)
A yarn over (yo) is a technique that adds an extra loop to the crochet fabric. It is used in many crochet stitches such as the single crochet and double crochet, but also in many patterns.
- Single Crochet: Insert hook into next stitch and bring the yarn over your hook from back to front, then pull through both loops on hook. One stitch made!
- Double Crochet: Yarn over twice with the same color before inserting hook into work, then repeat this step one more time with another color.
Looking for easy crochet patterns to try out as a beginner? Our list of 10 Easy Crochet Patterns for Beginners provides simple yet beautiful projects that will help you build your skills and create handmade items you’ll be proud of.
Magic Ring/Circle/Adjustable Loop
The magic ring (also known as the adjustable loop) is a great way to start your crochet project. It’s basically invisible from the outside, so you can easily add or remove stitches at any time.
To make a magic ring/adjustable loop:
Using your yarn and hook, create an adjustable loop that is about 3 times bigger than you want your finished piece to be.
The last chain you make should be about 1 stitch short of being able to join into the ring with another chain stich; this will allow for some extra room in case you need it later on!* When working through this method, always pick up two loops at once on each post instead of one.* Work as normal throughout the rest of your pattern!
Foundation Chain & Foundation Stitches
First, let’s talk about how to make a foundation chain. When you’re working with a pattern, the most common way to start your project is by making a foundation chain and then doing the first row of single crochet stitches from there.
The foundation chain should be made using whatever stitch the pattern calls for and at least as long as required by that pattern.
Starting your work off with this sequence will allow you to see where each stitch goes before actually crocheting in them (which makes it much easier).
Here’s how:
- Make a slip knot on one end of your yarn and place it on top of two fingers with the tail facing toward you (your thumb should be pointing up). This can be done with either color or both!
- Wrap yarn around index finger once more than usual so that when put down onto hook there will still be enough room between thumb and index finger while still holding onto base loop created by wrapping yarn around index finger twice before putting down onto hook; this allows us both hands free so no need for scissors until after project finished!
Crochet is a fun and versatile hobby with endless possibilities. Our guide on The Ultimate Guide to Crochet for Beginners covers the basics, tools and materials, and even includes some of our favorite patterns to help you get started
Turning Chain (tch)
Turning Chain (tch)
Turning chains are used at the end of a row to create a neat edge. They are made in multiples of 2, and can be made by chaining 2 or the number of stitches you need.
To begin a turning chain:
- On your last stitch, finish off with a slip stitch instead of tying off with an overhand knot or tail. This will make it easier to work into later on when you’re going back to start another row.
Back and Front Loops Only (BLO, FLO)
- Back loops only (BLO)
When you work in back loops only (BLO), you’re creating a textured fabric that has a ribbed effect. It’s great for making scarves and hats, as it can be used to create a uniform look.
- Front loops only (FLO)
Working in front of the post stitches means that the stitches are taller than normal, which creates points similar to the ones in lace patterns.
Increasing and Decreasing Stitches
In crochet, increasing stitches are used to make a piece bigger and decreasing stitches are used to make a piece smaller. Increasing stitches involve adding a stitch into the same space. Decreasing stitches involve removing one or more stitches from your work.
Increasing and decreasing can be done at the beginning or end of rows or rounds, on both sides of a project (when you need to make it wider), and at any point in between! You can also use increases when working in rounds instead of flat pieces like blankets or scarves because they help shape your fabric without making it bulky from too much bulkiness all at once (if you catch my drift).
Decreasing is so important because it allows us to create nice shaped edges for our projects without having uneven tension levels all around due to constant “tightening” throughout each round/row/rowlet–or whatever else we’re working on 🙂
This will ensure that our work looks even throughout its entire length while also leaving room for some interesting designs along each edge line as well…so look out world: here comes one awesome looking blanket!
Tunisian crochet is a unique and beautiful form of crochet that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced crocheters. If you’re curious about this technique, our guide on A Beginner’s Guide to Tunisian Crochet provides step-by-step instructions and tips for learning this fun and rewarding craft
Conclusion
If you’re just starting out with crochet, these tips will help you on your way. They’re all easy to learn and remember, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
As long as you practice often and have patience with yourself, you can make great progress in no time at all. We wish you luck on this journey!
Further Reading
Must Know Crochet Tips for Beginners: Check out this article from Sigoni Macaroni for more beginner crochet tips that will take your skills to the next level!
Basic Crochet Stitches: Sarah Maker provides a great resource for a variety of basic crochet stitches, complete with step-by-step instructions and helpful images.
Crochet for Beginners: Easy Crochet has a comprehensive guide for absolute beginners, providing guidance on everything from how to hold a crochet hook to reading patterns.
FAQs
What are some basic crochet techniques that beginners should know? Some basic crochet techniques that beginners should know include chaining, single crochet, double crochet, and slip stitching. These are the foundational stitches used in a wide variety of crochet patterns.
What kind of yarn is best for beginners? Texture and weight are the most important factors to consider when choosing yarn for beginners. Look for a smooth, worsted weight yarn in a light color to make it easier to see your stitches.
How many different types of crochet hooks are there, and do I need them all? There are various types and sizes of crochet hooks, designed for different weights of yarn and stitch styles. You will likely only need a few sizes of hooks to get started, such as 4mm, 5mm and 6mm.
What is the difference between UK and US crochet terms? The main difference between UK and US crochet terms is the name given to each stitch. For example, what is known as a single crochet stitch in the US is called a double crochet in the UK.
How can I fix a mistake in my crochet work?
Depending on the type of mistake you made, you may be able to simply “frog” (rip out) the stitches back to where the mistake was made and start again. For more advanced errors, do a quick YouTube or Google search on the type of fix needed.
My name is Hellen James, and I’m a crochet and knitting expert. I’ve been crocheting since I was just a kid, but I started taking it seriously when I realized that it was a great way to de-stress and relax. Now that I have kids of my own, I love teaching them how to do it too!