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Crocheting can be both fun and relaxing, and learning the basic stitches is a great way to get started. You will be surprised how many projects you can make knowing only 2 crochet stitches! Below, I will give you a full overview of the needed crochet stitches and show you how to start.
Same as for any new skill, crocheting needs practice, but I know that repeating stitches just for the sake of repeating them is boring! I’m convinced that many amateurs and crochet enthusiasts have died from boredom at that point… What a pity, eh? So, after each stitch, I will give you examples of full projects you can make using only that stitch. So let’s get started!
To start your crochet journey, you will need:
- a crochet hook (medium size, e.g. 4 mm G-6 will be perfect)
- yarn (Here let me interrupt: each yarn has it’s own a recommended hook size, but anything which looks like a typical yarn size to you will be good to go).
What are the Basic Crochet Stitches?
Basic Crochet Stitches are the ones you’ll start when learning how to crochet. Here are some of the fundamental crochet stitches:
- Chain Stitch (ch): This is the foundation of most crochet projects
- Slip Stitch (sl st): This is used for joining or moving within a project
- Single Crochet (sc): basic stitch, used in many crochet projects
- Half Double Crochet (hdc): Taller than a single crochet, but shorter than a double crochet
- Double Crochet (dc): a versatile stitch, taller than single crochet (SC)
- Treble (or Triple) Crochet (tr): an even taller stitch used for airy, open patterns
These basic stitches can be combined and modified to create a wide variety of textures and patterns in your crochet projects. Among the easy crochet stitches the most common ones are the single crochet, double crochet, and half double crochet stitches, which form the foundation of many projects. These basic stitches are easy to learn and perfect for beginners looking to build their crochet skills. Additionally, more advance stitches are based on those 6 basic stitches.
Practice them on real projects! Below each stitch, you will find a few patterns especially selected to your level which uses only stitches you have already known!
Chain Stitch (CH)
The foundation of most crochet projects. Almost anything crocheted starts with a foundation chain. We make a chain stitch matching a desired length (e.g. blankets) or width (e.g. tops, hats) of our project.
Step 1: To start a chain stitch, first we have to secure the yarn on the hook. To do that, make a slip knot:
If you feel it’s too difficult, follow the video tutorial how to make a slip stitch.
Step 2: Now, you create a chain by making a loop with the yarn and pulling the yarn through the loop. See the photo tutorial below:
Step 3: Continue repeating step 2 to make a chain of the desired length.
If you find it too difficult, try again with the video tutorial.
Tip(s) for Making a Perfect Chain Stitch
To make an ideally looking chain, all loops should have the same size. To achieve that, try to maintain the consistent tension of the yarn. Don’t worry too much now, it will come instinctually with the practise.
How do I join a chain stitch to create a round or circular project?
To turn a chain in the loop, insert your hook in the first stitch (slip knot) and make a slip stitch there. This will form a continuous loop, and you can work from there.
I leant how to crochet a chain stitch. What to do next?
As I promised, no more dull repeating stitches. To practise a chain stitch can start one of the projects listed below….
OR
A chain stitch is the base of other simple stitches, so to practise it, the best way is to start to learn next stitch: a single crochet, double crochet, or half double crochet.
Projects You Can Make Knowing Only A Chain Stitch
Even with just the basic chain stitch, you can create several simple and useful crochet projects. Here are a few ideas:
Simple Bracelet
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Materials Needed: Yarn or crochet thread, beads or charms (optional)
- Description: Create a chain and wrap it around your wrist. Make a simple knot. You can add beads to the chain before starting or tie a charm at the end for a more decorative look
- Pattern: Easy Chain Stitch Friendship Bracelet
Beginner Headband
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Materials Needed: Yarn, an elastic hairband
- Description: Create a chain to wrap around as a simple hair tie or make it longer for a headband. You can make it decorative by adding a small bow or flower at the end.
- Pattern: Beginner Triple Chain Strand Headband
Drawstring for Bags
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Materials Needed: Yarn
- Description: A simple chain can be used as a drawstring for bags, pouches, or even as a replacement string in hoodies or sweatpants.
- Pattern: Here is an example of the pattern: Blythe Bunny + Bear Crochet Purses by Lakeside Loops where a drawstring for a toddler bag was made using the chain stitch only:
Single Crochet (SC)
How to single crochet: Start with a foundation chain. To single crochet, insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (two loops on the hook), yarn over again, and pull through both loops on the hook.
If you find it difficult, go to the full tutorial How to Single Crochet.
Projects You Can Make Knowing Only Single Crochet Stitch
Using only the single crochet stitch, you can create almost everything. – a potholder, a rug, a scarf, a cardigan and many, many more. Just pick one of the free crochet patterns from below and start crocheting.
Feel free to adjust any of the projects by choosing the colors or the size. After completing your first pattern, you may start creating your own projects based on the skills you already have.
SC Face Cotton Scrubbie
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Materials Needed: Yarn and crochet hook
- Description: Create a chain and wrap it around your wrist. Make a simple knot. You can add beads to the chain before starting or tie a charm at the end for a more decorative look
- Pattern: Single Crochet Face Cotton Scrubbie
Single Crochet Friendship Bracelet
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Materials Needed: 1mm or 1.5 mm Nylon Cord, Crochet Hook, Scissors, a box lid, 2 clips and a lighter
- Description: A single crochet stitch bracelet will be a perfect project for newbies to introduce them into crocheting.
- Pattern: Single Crochet Stitch Friendship Bracelet Free Pattern
For more projects, see 15 Free Single Crochet Patterns for Beginners:
Slip Stitch (Sl St)
The slip stitch is used for joining rows, finishing a yarn and moving within a project. It can be use as stitch to make a row, but it is quite rare comparing to the other basic stitches.
How to make a slip stitch: insert your hook into a stitch, yarn over, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
Learn HOW TO SLIP STITCH
What is the difference between a slip stitch and a chain stitch?
The slip stitch is worked into another stitch. You have to insert the hook into the existing stitch (e.g. chain or single crochet) to make it. Whereas the chain is made using just the working yarn and thus it creates a new stitch.
What is a picot ?
Picot is number of chains (usually three or four) attached to the same base by a slip stitch to create a decorative element. Picots are often used to make edging of the crochet projects to give them elegant look.
Half Double Crochet (HDC)
Taller than a single crochet, but shorter than a double crochet.
How to make a half double crochet stitch: yarn over, insert your hook into a stitch, yarn over again and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops.
Go to the full tutorial: HOW TO HALF DOUBLE CROCHET
Projects To Practice a Half Double Crochet:
The Half Double Crochet Stitch gives a decent texture, so it’s very popular stitch to make warmer items, like a winter hat. It’s is often used in garments where you want to fully cover your body or underwear, eg. in tops or blouses. Here are some examples of simple hdc projects:
Half Double Crochet Beanie
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Materials Needed: Yarn and crochet hook
- Description: A HDC beanie are super easy. You make them in many sizes, so the whole family can wear them.
- Pattern: Half Double Crochet Beanie
Skylar Ribbed Crop Top
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Materials Needed: Yarn and crochet hook
- Description: The beginner-friendly Skylar Ribbed Crop Top crochet pattern features a beautiful ribbed body and two adorable braided tie-straps. You can wear it on the beach, when out on the town, or on your vacation trip.
- Pattern: Skylar Ribbed Crop Top
Double Crochet Stitch
A versatile stitch, taller than single crochet (SC).
How to make a double crochet stitch: Yarn over, insert your hook into a stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through the first two loops (two loops remaining), yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops.
Go to the full tutorial How to double crochet.
Examples of Double Crochet Stitch Projects:
Here are some examples of simple double crochet projects:
Easy Double Beanie
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Materials Needed: Yarn and a crochet hook
- Description: Easy Double Beanie for beginners. The pattern is written for a large number of sizes, so you can easy find your perfect fit.
- Pattern: Easy Double Beanie
All Double Crochet Blanket
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Materials Needed: Yarn and a crochet hook
- Description: Every one will be able to make this simple throw-sized afghan with minimal color changes using 1-stitch only! A great, repeatable project to practice crocheting.
- Pattern: All Double Crochet Blanket
Treble Crochet Stitch (TR)
an even taller stitch used for airy, open patterns.
How to make a treble crochet stitch: Yarn over twice, insert your hook into a stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (four loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through the first two loops (three loops remaining), yarn over and pull through the next two loops (two loops remaining), yarn over again and pull through the last two loops.
Go to the full tutorial HOW TO TREBLE CROCHET
Projects To Practice a Treble Crochet Stitch:
Treble Crochet is often used to create a mesh-like, airy texture. Here are some examples of simple double crochet projects:
Baby Blanket
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Materials Needed: Yarn and a crochet hook
- Description: An easy baby blanket with build-in border.
- Pattern: Baby Blanket
Market Bag
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Materials Needed: Yarn and a crochet hook
- Description: Don’t Mesh With Me Market Bag
- Pattern: Don’t Mesh With Me Market Bag
Congrats! You have learned all basic stitches! Don’t stop here, there are plenty more stitches to discover. Here is a small overview of most popular 30 of them:
More Crochet Stitches: Ultimate Guide for 30 Crochet Stitches
