Crochet Basics

 

There are a handful of simple techniques you'll need to know for most basic crochet patterns.  Just remember to keep a loose hold on the yarn, don't worry about mistakes, and have fun!

Making a Foundation Chain

The chain is the first stitch in any crochet. A group of chain stitches is called a foundation chain. 

Begin with a slip knot on the hook.

Wrap the yarn around the hook from back to front. 

Draw the yarn through the loop on the hook.   

 

Slip Stitch

Begin with a stitch on the hook. Insert your hook under both branches of the V.   

Wrap the yarn around the hook from back to front, then draw the yarn through both the V and the stitch on your hook.   

Single Crochet

Begin with a foundation chain.  Insert the hook into the center of the third stitch in the foundation chain (the one next to the one next to the one on the hook). You now have two stitches on the hook.

Wrap the yarn around the hook from back to front, and draw the yarn through both stitches, pulling them off the hook. 

Repeat for each stitch in the chain.  At the end of the row, lift the last remaining stitch off the hook and turn the work around.  Place the stitch back on the hook, chain 1, and start the new row. 

For all following rows after the first row, insert the hook underneath both branches of the V shaped stitch, rather than through it.

Double Crochet

Begin with a stitch on the hook.  If you are at the beginning of a row, chain 3.

Wrap the yarn around the hook from back to front, then insert the hook underneath both branches of the V of a stitch in the fabric or row.  Wrap the yarn around the hook again, then draw the yarn through the stitch. 

You know have three stitches on the hook. 

Wrap the yarn around the hook, then draw it through the two stitches closest to the end of the hook.  You now have two stitches on the hook:  one old stitch on the right and one brand new one on the left. 

Wrap the yarn around the hook once again and draw it through both stitches on the hook. Now there is only one stitch remaining. 

 

Half Double Crochet

Begin as you would for double crochet, so that you have 3 stitches on the hook.

Wrap the yarn around the hook and draw it through all three stitches at once. 

 

Treble Crochet

Begin with a stitch on the hook.  Wrap yarn twice around hook, then insert the hook into a stitch in the fabric or row.  Wrap yarn around hook, draw hook back through stitch. 

You now have four stitches on the hook. 

Wrap yarn around the hook, draw hook through two stitches closest to the end of the hook. Now there are three stitches remaining. 

Wrap yarn around the hook again, draw hook through two stitches closest to the end of the hook. Now there are two stitches remaining.

Wrap yarn around the hook one more time.  Draw the yarn through the two remaining stitches.