Crochet is an easy craft to learn. You only need to know a few stitches to be able to begin making a wide variety of projects. In this guide, you’ll learn about the six most common beginner crochet stitches with tutorials, videos, helpful tips, and a few project ideas, too.
Within a short time, you’ll know how to make a crochet chain and a slip stitch so you can start easy projects. From there, learn more basic stitches and begin to make a variety of scarves, hats, shawls, and blankets.
Before learning the chain stitch, learn the slip knot, which is what you need do to secure the yarn on the hook to begin crocheting. Then learn the basic chain stitch, abbreviated in patterns as “ch.” Most crochet projects begin with the chain stitch as a grouping, typically referred to as a starting chain, base chain, or a foundation chain.
A turning chain often starts each new row in a crochet project. The height of the turning chain, which is the number of chains you create, depends on the stitches used in that row. For example, a double crochet row begins with three chains.
Crochet chains often connect other stitches in a crochet pattern, particularly when working in the round. For example, throughout the classic crochet granny square motif, a “ch 2” separates double crochet stitches to create a space in each corner of the square.
The picot stitch is a common crochet edging which incorporates a crochet chain to create a texture. Openwork lace or mesh, long fringe, and big loops all use crochet chains as a core feature of their design.
Experiment with a simple project using a basic crochet chain. Crochet a set of long chains, knot them together at both ends, and make your first simple crochet scarf.