Once you have your hook and yarn, it is time for the most exciting part of the process: learning the stitches! Almost every crochet pattern, no matter how complex, is built from combinations of just a few foundational stitches.
Mastering these five basic stitches is like learning the alphabet of crochet. Once you know them, you will be able to read and stitch hundreds of different patterns. In this guide, we will walk you step-by-step through each stitch with clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
1. The Slip Knot and Chain Stitch (ch)
The slip knot is how you attach the yarn to your hook, and the chain stitch forms the foundation row (or “starting chain”) for almost all flat crochet projects.
- How to make a slip knot: Loop the yarn around your fingers, pull a loop of the working yarn through the circle, insert your hook, and pull tight.
- How to chain: Yarn over (wrap the yarn from back to front over your hook) and pull the hook through the loop already on your hook. Repeat this to create a chain that looks like a tiny braid.
2. Single Crochet (sc)
The single crochet is the shortest, tightest basic stitch. It creates a dense, sturdy fabric that is perfect for dishcloths, warm beanies, and amigurumi toys.
- Insert your hook into the next stitch (or the second chain from your hook).
- Yarn over and pull the hook through the stitch. You now have two loops on your hook.
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook. One loop remains, and your single crochet is complete!
3. Half Double Crochet (hdc)
The half double crochet is a medium-height stitch. It is slightly taller than a single crochet but shorter than a double crochet, offering a beautiful herringbone texture that is highly elastic and soft.
- Yarn over, then insert your hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull the hook through the stitch. You now have three loops on your hook.
- Yarn over again and pull through all three loops on your hook. Your half double crochet is complete!
4. Double Crochet (dc)
The double crochet is a tall, open stitch. It is twice the height of a single crochet, creating a loose, draping fabric that is perfect for sweaters, shawls, and blankets. Because it is tall, projects made with double crochet work up very quickly!
- Yarn over, then insert your hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull the hook through the stitch. You now have three loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. Two loops remain.
- Yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops. Your double crochet is complete!
5. Slip Stitch (sl st)
The slip stitch is the shortest of all stitches. It is not used to build height or create fabric, but rather to join rounds (in circular projects), shape edges, or move the yarn across a row without adding height.
- Insert your hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull the hook through both the stitch AND the loop already on your hook in one motion. Your slip stitch is complete!