Crochet is easy once you have mastered the basic stitches. There are only five basic stitches while others are just combinations of them. If you are just starting with crochet or want to explore other stitches, here in this blog post we’ll discuss the basic crochet stitches and the steps to complete them.
So, let’s begin.
Supplies you’ll need
Crochet hook: To start with crocheting, you will of course require a crochet hook. But, then you will be wondering how to choose? Crochet hooks are available in different types of materials, sizes and types. Before you dive in, take a look at the beginner’s guide to crochet hooks.
While choosing the type of crochet hooks, you can either choose the single-ended crochet hooks or even the interchangeable Tunisian. The single-ended are perfect for almost all kinds of stitches. Tunisian crochet is a niche of the craft that uses Tunisian crochet hooks also known as Afghan hooks. These special tools are longer than regular crochet hooks and connected with an interchangeable cable or with hooks on both ends. The double-ended crochet hook is also a kind of special with different sizes of hooks on both ends. These are specialty tools to crochet with colours and different patterns.
Understanding crochet hook sizes is also important for the craft. We have a blog discussing everything you need to know about crochet hook sizes. You’ll be needing this information when you plan out your own projects rather than following any particular pattern.
Yarn: Size 4 medium-weight yarn is recommended to practice with. You can easily see the stitches you make. You can practice the basic crochet stitches with any yarn in your collection as long as it is comfortable for you.
Now getting back to the basic stitches, crochet is based on five. We will be exploring them below.
1. Chain stitch (ch)
After the slip knot, almost all crochet starts with the basic stitch or mostly a row of chain stitches that become the foundation of other stitches. This is the equivalent of ‘casting on’ in knitting.
Step 1: Wrap the yarn over the hook in an anticlockwise direction. Or, hold the yarn still and manoeuvre the hook.
Step 2: Draw the yarn through to form a new loop without tightening up the previous one
2. Double crochet (dc)
Known as the Double crochet in UK patterns while known as the single crochet in others, this is one of the first steps to learning crochet. You will need to make a slip knot on the crochet hook and then make chain stitches. To make a double crochet stitch, you need to follow:
Step 1: Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook and draw the yarn through the chain only.
Step 2: Wrap the yarn again and draw the yarn through both loops on the hook and one double crochet stitch is made.
3. Half Treble Crochet (htr)
This stitch is just the continuation of our first basic stitch. This is known as double crochet in US patterns. Here too, begin with a slip knot and chain, then follow the below steps.
Step 1: Wrap the yarn over the hook and insert the hook into the third chain from the hook.
tep 2: Wrap the yarn over the hook, draw through the chain only and wrap the yarn again.
Step 3: Draw through all three loops on the hook and one half treble crochet stitch is made.
4. Double Treble Crochet (dtr)
The double treble crochet stitch in UK patterns is known as Treble crochet in other patterns. This stitch is the longest of the basics. Here too, start with a slip knot and a chain stitch row. Follow the other steps:
Step 1: Wrap the yarn over the hook twice and insert hook into the fifth chain from the hook.
Step 2: Wrap the yarn over the hook, draw through the chain only and wrap the yarn again.
Step 3: Draw through the first two loops only and wrap the yarn again.
Step 4: Draw through the next two loops only and wrap the yarn again.
Step 5: Draw through the last two loops on the hook and one double treble crochet stitch is made
5. Slip stitch (sl st)
The slip stitch is a basic but foundational technique. This will help all through your crochet craftwork. Whether it’s completing a round, fastening off the yarn, joining two pieces of fabric together, or moving within a pattern, the slip stitch is well worth mastering.
Step 1: Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook. Draw the yarn through the chain and the loop on the hook in one movement and one slip stitch is made.
Step 2: Repeat this last step.
Longer basic stitches are made by wrapping the yarn multiple times over the hook at the beginning and by wrapping and drawing through two loops more times to complete the stitch.
Hopefully, we have guided you through the basic stitches used in crochet. The key to success is practice and the right tools. When you move on to creating projects you can refer to our blog on what crochet hook to use with what yarn? For your beginner projects go for blankets, scarves, afghans, etc.
Till then, happy crocheting!
