Crochet Basics

Below you will find details and videos on fundamental crochet stitches, using the US terminology for crochet.

The Slip Knot

The slip knot is a fundamental technique in crochet that serves as the starting point for many crochet projects. When you read a pattern that starts with "ch the following number of stitches", it implies that you've started with a slip knot.

The purpose of the slip knot is to secure the yarn onto the crochet hook at the beginning of a project. You can easily adjust the size of the loop on the hook. Avoid a loop too small that you can't pull your crochet hook through, and avoid one too loose that it leaves a big loop at the start of your work.

How to:

Step 1: Start with a length of yarn. Create a loop by crossing the yarn over itself.
Step 2: Hold the loop in place where the yarn crosses.
Step 3: Pull a strand of yarn through the loop to form a new loop.
Step 4: Tighten the original loop by pulling on the ends of the yarn, creating a knot that slides up and down the yarn.

The Chain Stitch (ch)

Another fundamental technique in crochet, the chain stitch is used in almost every crochet project.

Its abbreviation is "ch".

Purpose

Foundation: Chain stitches are often used to create the foundation row for crochet projects.
Spacing: They help establish the initial width of your project.
Turning Chains: Chain stitches are used to turn your work and start a new row.

How to:

Start with a slip knot on your crochet hook.
Yarn over (wrap the yarn from back to front over the hook).
Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook, creating a new loop.
Repeat the yarn over and pull through process to create additional chain stitches.

Single Crochet (sc)

The single crochet stitch is one of the most essential and fundamental stitches in crochet. Its abbreviation is "sc". It is one of the simplest crochet stitches, and often the first stitch learned by beginners after learning the chain stitch.

How to:

Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook (for the foundation chain) or into the designated stitch indicated in the pattern for subsequent rows.
Yarn over (wrap the yarn from back to front over the hook).
Pull the yarn through the stitch. You now have two loops on your hook.
Yarn over again.
Pull the yarn through both loops on the hook. You will end with one loop remaining on the hook.

Half Double Crochet (hdc)

The half double crochet stitch falls between the single crochet and double crochet. It's a little taller than a single crochet and denser than the double crochet.

How to:

Yarn over (wrap the yarn from back to front over the hook).
Insert your hook into the third chain from the hook (for the foundation chain) or into the designated stitch indicated in the pattern for subsequent rows.
Yarn over again and pull through the stitch. You now have three loops on your hook.
Yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook. You will end with one loop remaining on the hook.

Double Crochet (dc)

The double crochet stitch is about twice as tall as a single crochet stitch. It can be used to create a more open fabric compared to single or half double crochets, also allowing you to work up projects a little more quickly.

How to:

Yarn over (wrap the yarn from back to front over the hook).
Insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook (for the foundation chain) or into the designated stitch indicated in the pattern for subsequent rows.
Yarn over again and pull through the stitch. You now have three loops on your hook.
Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook. You now have two loops on your hook.
Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook. You will end with one loop remaining on the hook.