If you’re looking for a fun, creative, and relaxing hobby, crocheting might be exactly what you need. It is such a versatile craft: you can create anything from cozy blankets and scarves to intricate home décor and stylish fashion accessories. Plus, it’s a great way to unwind and focus your mind.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the basics of how to crochet, starting with the tools you’ll need, the stitches to learn, and a few tips for getting started. It’s a summary of a basic information. For a full detailed tutorial see How to Crochet for Beginners: A Complete Guide for Everyone.
What You Need to Start Crocheting
Before you begin, make sure you have the right materials and tools. The good news is that crocheting is inexpensive and easy to start! Here’s what you need:
- Yarn: For beginners, a medium-weight yarn (also known as worsted weight yarn) is ideal. Red heart acrylic yarn works well because it’s affordable, smooth, and easy to handle, making it the perfect choice for those just starting out.
Choose a light color so you can see your stitches clearly.
- Crochet Hook: Crochet hooks come in various sizes. A 5mm hook (U.S. size H-8) is a good size to start with as it pairs well with medium-weight yarn.
The larger the hook, the looser and more open your stitches will be.
- Scissors: You’ll need sharp scissors to cut your yarn when your project is finished.
- Tapestry Needle: This large, blunt needle is used to weave in the loose yarn ends after you’ve completed your project.
How to Hold Your Hook and Yarn
Before you start crocheting, it’s important to get comfortable with how you hold both the hook and the yarn. Everyone develops their own style, but here are two common methods:
- Hold the hook like a pencil: With this grip, you hold the hook between your thumb and index finger, much like you would hold a pencil. This allows for smooth, controlled movements.
- Hold the hook like a knife: Here, you grip the hook with your thumb and fingers as though you’re holding a dinner knife. Some find this method easier for controlling tension in the yarn.
photo source: yourcrochet.com
Meanwhile, your non-dominant hand will hold the yarn. Loop the yarn around your fingers to create some tension, which makes it easier to control how tightly or loosely you crochet.
Basic Crochet Stitches
Now that you’re holding the hook and yarn correctly, it’s time to learn the basic crochet stitches. These are the building blocks of all crochet projects!
photo source: yourcrochet.com
1. Slip Knot
Every crochet project starts with a slip knot. See the photos above. To make one, follow these steps:
- Make a loop with your yarn, crossing one end over the other.
- Insert the hook into the loop, grab the yarn, and pull it through.
- Tighten the loop onto the hook by pulling the two yarn ends.
2. Chain Stitch (ch)
The chain stitch forms the foundation of many crochet projects. To create it:
- With your hook, yarn over (wrap the yarn around the hook).
- Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook. This creates a single chain.
- Repeat to create a number of chains required by a pattern.
3. Single Crochet (sc)
Single crochet is one of the most common stitches in crochet. Once you’ve made a chain, you can begin single crocheting:
- Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (you’ll now have two loops on the hook).
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook. This completes one single crochet stitch.
4. Half Double Crochet (hdc)
The half double crochet stitch is slightly taller than the single crochet:
- Yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch, and yarn over again.
- Pull up a loop (you’ll have three loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.
5. Double Crochet (dc)
Double crochet stitches are taller than half double and single crochet stitches, yielding a more open, lacy texture:
- Yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over, pull through the first two loops on the hook (leaving two loops).
- Yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops.
6. Slip Stitch (sl st)
Slip stitches are small, tight stitches often used to join rounds or finish edges:
- Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
Simple Crochet Projects
Using only the basic crochet stitches, or even only 2 of them: a chain stitch and single crochet stitch, you can start almost everything you can imagine. A hairband, potholder, bracelet, a rug, a hat or even cardigan can be made using only a single crochet stitch.
Below are some examples of the easiest patterns you can start with:
Project You Can Make Knowing Only A Single Crochet Stitch:
- SC Face Cotton Scrubbie
- Single Crochet Friendship Bracelet
Project You Can Make Knowing Only A Chain Stitch:
- Simple Bracelet
- Beginner Headband
Here you can find these and more free crochet patterns to practice crocheting: Basic Crochet Stitches and Simple Projects for Beginners.
Congratulations—you’ve just made your first crochet project!
Tips for Beginner Crocheters
- Practice Makes Perfect: Your first few stitches might not be perfect, and that’s okay! The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll get with controlling the tension in your yarn and making even stitches.
- Watch Tutorials: If you’re a visual learner, there are plenty of crochet tutorials on YouTube that can help you understand each stitch. Seeing the process can make learning much easier.
- Start Simple: Start with small, simple projects like dishcloths, scarves, or granny squares. These projects allow you to practice your stitches without overwhelming yourself.
- Join a Crochet Community: Whether online or in-person, joining a crochet group can give you tips, support, and inspiration. Plus, it’s fun to share your progress with others!
Final Thoughts
Crocheting is a relaxing and creative hobby that you can easily start at home. With just a hook, some yarn and a few basic stitches, you’ll be well on your way to making beautiful, handmade items. The key is to take it slow, practice your stitches, and enjoy the process. Before you know it, you’ll be crocheting scarves, blankets, and even more advanced patterns with ease! So grab your hook and yarn, and start your crochet journey today!
