Learn the Basic Crochet Stitches: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re new to crochet, getting started can feel a little overwhelming at first. All those hooks, loops and unfamiliar stitch names can seem confusing, but once you learn the basic stitches, crochet quickly becomes a wonderfully relaxing and rewarding hobby.
The good news is that most crochet projects are built from just a few simple stitches. Once you’ve mastered these basics, you’ll be ready to make everything from blankets and scarves to adorable amigurumi characters.
Here’s a simple guide to the basic crochet stitches every beginner should know.
Before You Start
To begin, you’ll need:
- a crochet hook
- yarn
- a pair of scissors
- a yarn needle for finishing
If you’re completely new, it’s often easiest to start with a medium-weight yarn and a larger hook, as this makes it easier to see your stitches.
1. The Slip Knot
Every crochet project begins with a slip knot.
This is the loop that goes onto your hook before you start stitching.
To make one, create a loop with your yarn, pull a strand through the middle, and gently tighten it onto the hook. Make sure it is snug but still able to move easily.
2. The Chain Stitch
The chain stitch is the foundation of most crochet projects.
Once your slip knot is on the hook, wrap the yarn over the hook and pull it through the loop already on the hook.
That’s one chain stitch.
Repeat this to create a row of chains, often called the foundation chain.
This is usually the first step for scarves, blankets and many beginner projects.
3. Double Crochet (UK)
The double crochet stitch is one of the most commonly used stitches, especially in toys and amigurumi projects.
Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull the yarn through. You should now have two loops on the hook.
Yarn over again and pull through both loops.
That’s a double crochet stitch.
This stitch creates a tight, neat fabric, which makes it perfect for crochet toys and decorative items.
4. Treble Crochet (UK)
The treble crochet stitch creates a slightly taller and looser stitch.
Yarn over before inserting the hook into the stitch.
Pull the yarn through so that you have three loops on the hook.
Yarn over and pull through the first two loops, then yarn over again and pull through the final two loops.
Treble crochet is lovely for blankets, scarves and clothing because it works up quickly.
5. Slip Stitch
A slip stitch is often used to join rounds, move across stitches or finish off a piece neatly.
Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull straight through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
It’s one of the simplest stitches but incredibly useful.
Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t worry if your first few rows look a little uneven — every crocheter starts there.
Like any craft, crochet becomes easier with practice. After a little time, your stitches will become more even and your hands will naturally find a rhythm.
Starting with small projects such as coasters, simple squares or beginner kits is a lovely way to build confidence.
Once you feel confident with these basic stitches, a simple granny square is a wonderful next project to try. Granny squares are one of the most popular beginner crochet projects and are a brilliant way to practise your stitches while creating something useful. They can be turned into blankets, cushions, bags or even scarves, and because they are worked in small sections, they’re perfect for building confidence stitch by stitch.
Before long, you’ll be creating beautiful handmade pieces to enjoy or gift.