Today we are going to start with some of the most basic crochet stitches to get you started. They include the chain, single crochet, half-double crochet, and double crochet stitch.
Below I include written and video step-by-step tutorials plus explain the abbreviations for these crochet terms so you can recognize them when reading a pattern.
Don’t be overwhelmed, friend! If you want to follow along with me, I recommend a 5.5mm hook and worsted-weight yarn. Pro Tip: do not choose a dark colour of yarn as it may be difficult for you to see your stitches.
The Slip Knot
Before we start teaching you crochet stitches, you’re going to need to know how to make a slip knot.
- Leaving about 6 inches of yarn, also known as a tail, you are going to create a loop, similar to a u-shape, over your index finger.
- Cross the tail and the yarn loosely so they cross, making a loop.
- Insert your finger into the loop and grab the yarn that leads back to your ball of yarn (not your tail). You want to pull it through the original loop.
- You should now have one loop wrapped around your finger with the original loop now a knot off your finger.
- Slip the loop onto your crochet hook and pull both ends of the yarn to tighten the knot.
The Chain Stitch
When you are reading a pattern, the abbreviation for this stitch is “CH”. It is the foundation of most crochet pieces so very likely your first row or round of your project.
After you’ve made a slip knot and placed it on your hook, you will take your hook, wrap yarn around it once, and pull through the slip knot. This is your first chain stitch. You’ve just made one chain stitch.
The Single Crochet Stitch
When you are reading a pattern, the abbreviation for this stitch is “SC”. This stitch will give you a dense effect when you make a piece using it.
Take your hook and insert it into your next chain. Take your yarn and loop it over the hook. Then pull through the chain stitch and up onto the hook so that you have two loops on your hook.
Using your hook, wrap your yarn over the hook and pull it through both loops on your hook, leaving just one loop remaining. This is a single crochet stitch.
The Half-Double Crochet Stitch
When you are reading a pattern, the abbreviation for this stitch is “HDC”. As we continue with the stitches, we are building on the single crochet stitch and adding a step to make it slightly taller, or less dense.
Loop your yarn over your hook (also known as a “yarn over” or “yo” in a pattern).
Take your hook and insert it into your next chain or stitch and yarn over.
Pull through the stitch and up onto the hook so that you have three loops on your hook.
Yarn over and pull your hook through all three loops on your hook, leaving just one loop remaining. This is a half-double crochet stitch.
The Double Crochet Stitch
When you are reading a pattern, the abbreviation for this stitch is “DC”.
Loop your yarn over your hook. Take your hook and insert it into your next stitch. Yarn over and pull through the first two stitches so there are three loops on your hook.
Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook, leaving just one loop remaining. This is a double crochet stitch.
Unlock Infinite Possibilities with Basic Crochet Stitches
In wrapping up our exploration into the fascinating world of crochet, it’s clear that understanding and mastering these popular crochet stitches is key to unlocking the craft’s full potential.
From the foundational chain to the versatile double, each crochet stitch offers a unique texture and technique to enhance your projects.
Whether you’re just starting your crochet journey or looking to deepen your skill set, these stitches form the essential basics that every crafter should know.
Remember, practice leads to perfection, and with these stitches at your fingertips, the possibilities in crochet are endless. Embrace the challenge, and let your creativity flow stitch by stitch.
This post was originally published on February 14, 2020.
