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You’ll be surprised to learn that you can start to crochet by learning just five stitches! Genuinely, once mastered, these crochet stitches will set you up for being able to figure out any crochet stitch and crochet any item you choose.
With these crochet stitches for beginners alone, you can crochet amigurumi, household items, and even garments and accessories! They really form the basis of getting to grips with this amazing yarn craft and will open up a world of possibilities.
So, while at times practicing these stitches may seem boring, they are indeed the basis of learning to crochet. So whether you’re picking up a hook for the first time or refreshing your skills, this guide will introduce you to the five essential crochet stitches for beginners and how to use them in your projects.
What Are the Basic Crochet Stitches?
Before diving into the different stitch types, it’s important to understand how crochet stitches are formed. Each stitch is made by looping yarn through previous stitches using a crochet hook. The tension of your yarn, hook size, stitch types and stitch placement will determine the look and feel of the project you’re working on.
It’s also important to be aware of the different crochet pattern terminology that can be used from country to country, and from crochet designer to designer, or even crochet publication to publication. Long story short, the important thing to be aware of here is that there is a difference in how patterns are written and the names of stitches. Most noteably for English speakers, this comes into play when we look at US terms vs UK terms. For example: a Single Crochet in US terms is the exact same stitch as a Double Crochet in UK terms. For the purposes of this post however, I will be using US terms as this is the terminology I use in all of my free crochet pattern designs.
So let’s dive in, here are the fundamental crochet stitches every beginner should know:
1. Chain Stitch (ch)
The chain stitch is the foundation of most crochet projects. It’s used to begin rows, create spaces, and form the base of many patterns.
- How to do it:
- Make a slip knot and place it on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through the loop on the hook.
- Repeat until you reach the desired length.
- Common uses: Starting rows, foundation chains, decorative loops.
2. Single Crochet (sc)
The single crochet stitch is one of the simplest and most versatile stitches, often used for amigurumi, dishcloths, and solid fabric patterns.
- How to do it:
- Insert your hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.
- Common uses: Amigurumi, scarves, hats, dishcloths.
3. Half Double Crochet (hdc)
A half double crochet is slightly taller than a single crochet but shorter than a double crochet. It creates a soft and flexible fabric.
- How to do it:
- Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook).
- Yarn over again and pull through all three loops.
- Common uses: Blankets, hats, garments.
4. Double Crochet (dc)
The double crochet stitch creates a taller stitch and works up quickly, making it great for projects that require some drape or shape (like the leaves in my amigurumi fruit patterns or the blanket sections of my lovey crochet patterns).
- How to do it:
- Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull through two loops.
- Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.
- Common uses: Shawls, blankets, garments, openwork designs.
5. Slip Stitch (sl st)
The slip stitch is used for joining rounds, edging, and creating a seamless look in crochet projects. This is one of the first stitches I learned when I started crocheting amigurumi, as I used the book Crochet Cute Critters by Sarah Zimmerman, which used this technique when finishing each round (in comparison to working in ‘continuous rounds’).
- How to do it:
- Insert your hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion.
- Common uses: Joining rounds, finishing edges, decorative details.
Tips for Mastering Beginner Crochet Stitches
- Use the right hook size: Choose a hook size that matches your yarn weight for better control.
- Practice tension control: Keep your stitches even and avoid pulling too tightly. Consistency is key!
- Count your stitches: Always count stitches in each row to ensure consistency.
- Use stitch markers: These help keep track of your place, especially in rounds.
- Start with simple and small projects: Practice basic stitches with small projects like washcloths or coasters.
Beginner-Friendly Crochet Patterns to Try
Once you’ve mastered these beginner crochet stitches, you can start working on simple patterns such as:
- A granny square, perfect for blankets and pillows.
- An amigurumi project using single crochet for small stuffed toys. Many of the free fruit crochet patterns I’ve designed are suitable for beginners.
- A dishcloth to practice tension and stitch consistency.
- Face scrubbies to practice basic stitches crocheting in the round. There are so many patterns to choose from and they’re super practical too!
- A motif or decoration to practice counting stitches that form different shapes when crocheted flat. Try a love heart pattern or a Christmas decoration crochet pattern to get you started.
Final Thoughts
Learning these five crochet stitches for beginners is the key to building confidence and developing your crochet skills. By practicing these fundamental stitches, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning handmade items. Grab your hook, pick a yarn you love, and start crocheting today!
Do you have a favourite beginner-friendly stitch? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
Until next time, happy crocheting,
Cilla x
