Beginner's guide to crochet: Basic Stitches & Techniques

A timeless art passed down through generations, crochet offers a unique blend of creativity, relaxation, and functionality. Whether you're looking to create a cozy blanket, a cute stuffed animal, or a stylish accessory, mastering the basics of crocheting is the first step. In this Beginner's Guide, we'll cover the essential techniques and stitches that every budding crochet enthusiast should know. From holding the hook correctly to understanding the nuances of each stitch, this article will give you a solid foundation to begin your crocheting journey.

Holding the hook

If you're having trouble crocheting, it may be because of the way you're holding your hook. When you wrap the yarn around your hook, the front of the hook should be facing you. When it's time to pull the yarn through the loop on the hook, turn your hook downward. This will allow the hook to slide easily through the loop instead of getting caught.

 Also make sure you have a comfortable hook, I usually recommend one of these - 1.75mm, 2mm, 3mm, 3.5mm
Remember to choose the right size hook for your work.

You can visit this page for an accurate selection of yarn, crochet hooks and other materials you will need to make my patterns.

SLIPKNOT

There are two methods you should try for making slipknots. The standard slipknot is great for all projects, but sometimes it leaves a little hole in the middle when you work in the round. To avoid this hole, try a sloppy slipknot. Try both and see which one you like best.

Standard slipknot. The standard slipknot is easy to make and starts your work with a solid knot. To work, make a loop about 3" from the end of the yarn. from the end of the line. Insert the hook into the loop and pull the the working thread through the loop. Pull the tail to and you're ready to go.

Sloppy slipknot. To work, wrap the yarn around your your hook and simply twist the yarn once around your around your hook.

Hold the twisted yarn under the loop on the under the loop on the hook with your left fingers and chain (usually two stitches) as shown in the pattern. Here's the best part: when you're done with the first round, just just pull the tail and your hole will close. Because you don't start with a knot, the starting loop is easy to easily closed.

This is the basic knot that is the starting point for most crochet projects. Whether it's a woman's purse or a baby's booties. 

 

Chain (CH)

Each pattern specifies the number of chains needed to start. To make a chain, wrap the yarn over your hook. Use your hook to pull the yarn through the loop on the hook. This action pulls the new loop onto the hook and makes a chain. Repeat to make the desired number of chains.

 

This stitch is the foundation of most crochet work. It is often used to create a first row or to lift at the beginning of a new row.
I think it's hard to find a piece of crochet that doesn't use this type of stitch. In my patterns it is used in baby sneakers and women's bags, as well as in other patterns.

  

SLIP STITCH (SL ST)

 To work a slip stitch, insert the hook into the next stitch and wrap the yarn over the hook. stitch and wrap the yarn over the hook. Pull the thread through both loops on the hook.

 

Used to join rows or create flat patterns. It can also be used to finish the work. I use it all the time in my crochet patterns, from baby booties to amigurumi toys.

 

SINGLE CROCHET (SC)

Single crochet is the most common stitch used in this book. It creates a thick fabric that's especially useful for stuffed animals because it keeps the from poking through. To work, insert your hook into the next stitch and wrap the yarn over the hook. over the hook. Pull the thread through the stitch.

 

There are now two loops on the hook. Wrap the thread over the hook again and pull through both through both loops on hook.

 

 

One of the tightest stitches, perfect for making toys so the stuffing doesn't come out. It is also often used to crochet baby shoes, as the density of this stitch is needed to create a highly detailed sneaker.

 

DOUBLE CROCHET (DC)

To work, wrap the yarn over your hook; then insert the hook into the next stitch. the hook into the next stitch.

Wrap yarn over your hook and pull through the stitch, leaving three loops on the on the hook. Wrap yarn over your hook and pull through through the first two loops on the hook.

Wrap the thread over your hook again and pull through the through the remaining two loops on the hook.

 

This stitch creates a more airy and flexible fabric and is often used for shawls, plaids and garments.

 

 

HALF DOUBLE CROCHET (HDC)

 To work, wrap the yarn over your hook; then insert the hook into the next stitch. the hook into the next stitch.

Wrap yarn over your hook and pull through the stitch, leaving three loops on the on the hook. Wrap the thread over your hook again and through all three loops on the hook.

 

Medium density stitch that combines the properties of SC and DC. Good for hats, clothing, and baby blankets. I also use it a lot in my patterns.

 

LOOP STITCH (LP ST) 

The loop stitch, as the name suggests, creates a loop. This is an excellent stitch to know for making fluffy alpacas or furry parts of other animals. To work, insert your hook into the next stitch, loop the yarn around the index finger of your left hand, and Wrap the yarn on the near side of your index finger over the hook. over the hook; then catch the yarn on the back side of your finger and pull both threads through the stitch. through the stitch.

Remove your index finger and you'll see the loop. Wrap the thread back over the hook and pull it through all the through all the loops on the hook.

 

Notice that the loops are forming on the wrong side of the of your work. Therefore, when you assemble using the loop stitch, the wrong side (with the loops) should be (with the loops) should be facing out.

 

 

LOOP STITCH DECREASE (LP ST2TOG)

A decrease is created by working two loop stitches together. To work, insert your hook into the next stitch, loop the yarn over your index finger as described for the as described for the standard loop stitch and pull through the stitch. Then insert the hook into the next stitch, loop the yarn over your index finger and pull through the stitch, and pull through the stitch. Then wrap the yarn over your hook and pull through all the stitches on the hook.

 

SINGLE CROCHET DECREASE (SC2TOG)

Working two single crochet stitches together is a very common is a very common decrease. To work, insert your hook into the next stitch, wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through the stitch, and pull through the stitch. Insert your hook into the next stitch, wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through the stitch. through the stitch - that's not a typo, do it twice! You now have three loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook again and pull through all three through all three loops on the hook. You now have one stitch where there were two.

 

 

 

In conclusion, crocheting is a versatile and rewarding skill that can bring endless joy and satisfaction. With the techniques and stitches outlined in this guide, you're now equipped with the basic knowledge to begin your own crochet projects. Remember, as with any craft, practice is the key. The more you crochet, the more comfortable and proficient you'll become. For a more visual understanding, you can also watch the video examples of crocheting the most important stitches below. Whether you're making gifts for loved ones or crafting for yourself, the world of crochet awaits.

Happy crocheting!