Basic Crochet Stitches For Beginners

Crochet is a fun pastime that anyone can enjoy, but before you jump in and start your first project, you need to know these basic crochet stitches for beginners first.

As a beginner, you need to know how to do some basic crochet stitches because these are common to almost every crochet pattern. 

These 6 basic crochet stitches for beginners to learn are chain stitch, single crochet, slip stitch, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet. 

Also, in this article, you will find a list of some of our favorite advanced crochet stitches to try after you have mastered the basics to keep things interesting.

Getting Started With The Basic Crochet Stitches

When learning anything new, you will need to start with the basics. So take some time to learn these common crochet stitches, and you will have a solid foundation to crochet many different things.

And once you become familiar with these stitches, and crochet terms, and abbreviations, you will find it easy to read crochet patterns.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make,

1. A slip knot - A slip knot is not a stitch, but every crochet project will start with this or the modern version of it, called a "magic circle".
2. A chain stitch (ch) -  This is the most basic of crochet stitches and chain stitch crochet is used to create the foundation of crochet projects, and to create spaces between stitches.
3. Slip Stitch (sl st) - This basic crochet stitch is used to join the ends of a chain to create a starting ring for crochet patterns that are worked in rounds like doilies and granny squares. It is also used to join the start and ends of rows when working in a circular pattern, this will keep each row even hight rather than going in a spiral. 
4. A single crochet stitch (sc) - This basic stitch is short and creates a dense and sturdy fabric. It is often used in amigurumi (Japanese crocheted small stuffed toys), or easy single crochet blankets (making these are a great way to practice this stitch).
5. A half double crochet stitch (hdc) - This is a little taller than single crochet and creates a slightly looser fabric that drapes a little and can be used to create items where warmth is required. Use this stitch to make items like this crochet infinity scarf pattern.
6. A double crochet stitch (dc) - is taller than the half double crochet stitch and creates open and lacy fabrics and can be used to make lightweight shawls, sweaters, and other items where warmth is not important. 
7. A treble crochet stitch (tr) - is even taller than the double crochet and creates open and lacy fabrics like double crochet. Use treble crochet stitch to make delicate-looking shawls, doilies, and other decorative crochet projects. 

Once you know how to do these basic crochet stitches, you can make many easy crochet patterns, like simple hats, scarves, coasters, blankets, pot holders, and more.

These stitches are easy to learn, but if you want more information on how to crochet, read our page on learn how to crochet for beginners. 

The guide shows you all the basics, from how to hold a hook, how to tie a slip knot, how to yarn over, how to make a starting chain, how to work in rows, how to count stitches, and more.

Crochet Supplies For Beginners

Before you can start practicing these basic crochet stitches, you will need a few basic crochet supplies. 

For a first-time crocheter learning these stitches, I would recommend that you select a:

Light-colored worsted weight yarn (about 10 -12 ply) because using a light color yarn that is thick will make it easier to see the stitches as you work.

You will also need a suitable-sized crochet hook to form the stitches. You should check the yarn label to see if it gives a hook size. 

If the label does not state a hook size, you could use a US J-10 hook or a UK 6 mm hook for a worsted weight yarn (10-12ply yarn), or check our crochet hook sizes page for more information about selecting the right one.

Easy Crochet Stitches to Learn

Now that you have your yarn and hook, it is time to learn how to crochet some basic stitches.

And the first thing that you must learn is how to make a slip knot because this is the first loop to create on your hook to start a crochet project.

After that, you will learn the first of the six basic stitches, the chain stitch, because these are the foundation of many crochet patterns.

And once you get familiar with chain stitches and are comfortable holding and working with the hook and yarn in your hands, you can learn the other stitches.

With each stitch group below, you will also find links to crochet stitch tutorials for more detailed instructions.

We also show you how to make a practice swatch so you can learn each of these basic crochet stitches.

How to Make A Crochet Slip Knot 

1. Unwind a length of yarn from the ball and hold the yarn in your right hand between your thumb and first finger about 10 inches (26 cm) from the start of the yarn, this will leave a tail hanging down.  
2. With your left hand pick up the yarn tail between your thumb and first finger about 4 inches (10 cm) down from the yarn in your right hand.
3. Next, bring the tail yarn in your left hand to meet the yarn in your right hand crossing the yarn at the top to form a circle. 
4. Pinch the crossover point between the fingers in your right hand and let the tail fall behind the formed circle.
5. Use your thumb and first finger on your left hand to pull the tail through the circle to form a loop (but don't pull it all the way through).
6. Gently pull the yarn in your right hand to tighten the yarn around the loop in your left hand.
7. Then slip the loop from your left hand onto the hook and gently pull on the tail to tighten the loop on the hook.

Check out our page on how to do a crochet slip knot for more ways to make make a slip knot for crochet.

1. Crochet Chain Stitch (Starting Chain or Foundation Chain)

Chain stitch is one of the first basic crochet stitches you should learn because it forms the foundation of almost every crochet pattern you will see. 

The chain stitch is the base to build other stitches it is also used at the start of rows to ensure the evenness of the design and to create spaces between stitches.

When reading a US pattern chain stitch is abbreviated to ch.

How to make a starting chain 

1. Make a slip knot and place it on the hook.
2. Hold the hook in your right hand and the yarn in your left hand.
3. YO (yarn over hook) turn your crochet hook slightly and catch the yarn under the hook as you slide it back through the loop. You have now created one chain stitch (ch).
4. To make a foundation chain, repeat step 3 as many times as needed to make the number of chain stitches you need to make the pattern you are using.

At first, you might find it awkward to learn this, but give it some time and practice, and it will soon become second nature. 

And after you have the feel of holding the hook and yarn, you will find it easier and quicker to learn the other stitches.

Check out our page on how to crochet chain stitch for more information on chain stitch and step-by-step pictures.

2. Crochet A Slip Stitch

A crochet slip stitch is a versatile stitch, and it can be used in many different ways. 

• Slip stitch can be used to join rounds together when working on circular crochet projects such as hats, bags, and amigurumi.
• It can be used to create an edge along your project to create a neat border.
• You can use slip stitches to create an interesting texture in your crochet project.
• Slip stitches can be used to decrease the number of stitches in a row or round.
• And you will see it written in US patterns as slst.

How to make a crochet slip stitch

1. Insert the hook into a designated stitch or space.
2. YO (yarn over hook) and then pull the yarn through the stitch or space and at the same time through the loop on your hook.

3. Single Crochet Stitch 

Single crochet in US patterns is abbreviated as sc. Single crochet stitches are great for making blankets, scarves, hats, and bags because it creates a thick fabric that is strong and warm.

How to single crochet

• YO (yarn over hook) and insert the hook from the front to the back of a designated stitch or space.
• YO (yarn over hook) and pull the yarn through the stitch or space to form a loop. You will have two loops on the hook.
• YO (yarn over hook) and pull through both loops on the hook. You will have one loop on the hook and have made a single crochet stitch.

Check out our page on how to single crochet for more details.

4. Half Double Crochet Stitch 

The half-double crochet stitch is slightly taller than the single crochet and shorter than the double crochet. 

Like single crochet can be used to make scarves, blankets, hats, bags, pot holders, and washcloths.

When reading US crochet patterns, you will see the half-double crochet stitch written as hdc.

How to half double crochet

• YO (yarn over hook) and insert the hook from the front to the back of a designated stitch or space.
• Then YO (yarn over hook) to pick up a loop as you pull the hook back through the designated stitch or space. There will be three loops on the hook.
• Next, YO (yarn over hook) to pick up another loop as you draw the hook back through all three loops on the hook to leave one loop on the hook.

Check out our page on how to half-double crochet for more information.

5. Double Crochet Stitch

The double crochet stitch works up quickly and creates a fabric that is taller and more open than single and half double crochet stitches. 

It's great for projects that require a bit more drape and movement, such as shawls or sweaters. In US crochet patterns you will see it written as dc.

How to make a double crochet stitch

• YO (yarn over hook) and insert the hook from the front to the back of a designated stitch or space.
• Then YO (yarn over hook) to pick up a loop as you pull the hook back through the designated stitch or space. There will be three loops on the hook.
• Then YO (yarn over hook) as you pull the hook through the first two loops, there will now be two loops on the hook.
• Next, YO (yarn over hook) again and pull the hook through the two loops on the hook, leaving you with one loop on the hook.

Check out our page on how to make a double crochet stitch for more information.

6. Treble Crochet Stitch

The treble crochet stitch, sometimes referred to as triple crochet stitch, is taller than double crochet and creates a lacy and open fabric. 

It is perfect for projects that require a lot of drape, such as shawls or tablecloths. In US crochet patterns, it is referred to as tc.

How to crochet a treble stitch

• Yarn over your hook twice, by wrapping the yarn over the hook from back to front twice.
• Next, insert the hook from the front to the back of a designated stitch or space.
• Then YO (yarn over hook) as you pull the yarn through the stitch or space. You will have four loops on the hook.
• Next, YO (yarn over hook) again, and pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. Now there will be three loops on the hook.
• Again, YO (yarn over hook) and pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. Now there will be two loops on the hook.
• Finally, YO (yarn over hook) and pull it through the two loops on the hook to leave you with one loop.

Check out our page on how to crochet a treble stitch for more information.

How To Read A Crochet Pattern For Beginners

Once you have mastered these basic crochet stitches, take the time to learn how to read a crochet pattern because you can go on and crochet so many different things.

For more detailed information, read our how to read a crochet pattern for beginners page.

Advanced Crochet Stitches

Now that you know how to do these basic stitches, you can try your hand at different crochet stitches, because many unique crochet stitches are formed on these, like:

Lemon peel stitch 

Lemon peel stitch is made with a combination of single and double crochet to create a textured pebble effect. This design worked in alternating rows of single and double crochet.

Moss stitch crochet

Moss stitch is made with single crochet and chain stitches worked across alternating rows and an alternating sequence.

Shell stitch crochet

A shell stitch is a group of stitches worked into the same stitch or chain space to create a shell shape. 

The most common shell stitch is the double crochet shell, which involves working a specified number of double crochet stitches into the same stitch or chain space.

Cluster stitch crochet

Cluster stitches are made by working a group of stitches into the same stitch or chain space, then joining them together at the top to create a single stitch. 

The most common cluster stitch is the double crochet cluster, which involves working a specified number of unfinished double crochet stitches into the same stitch or chain space, then completing them all at once.

Puff Stitch

Puff stitch is made by working a group of loops into the same stitch or chain space, then pulling the last stitch through all the loops on the hook to create a puffy stitch. 

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