The Chain Stitch

Introduction

It’s the most basic and the first one that beginners learn since it’s also the first stitch used when starting new crochet patterns. Most crochet patterns start with a certain number of chain stitches, and the rest of the project builds onto them.

Pattern abbreviation: ch

How to use the chain stitch to make a starting chain:

1. Create a slip knot.
2. Insert your crochet hook into the slip knot.
3. Yarn over and pull through to make a new loop. This is your first chain stitch.
4. Repeat to make the next chain stitch, then continue until you have the correct number of crochet stitches for your foundation chain.

Single Crochet Stitches

Introduction

It creates a smooth texture that works well with scarves, baby blankets, and hats.

Pattern abbreviation: sc

Single crochet stitch instructions:

1. Once you have your starting chain, insert your hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull through to create a loop. You will now have two loops on your hook.
2. Yarn over again and pull through both loops. You should end with only one yarn loop on your hook.

Double Crochet Stitches

Introduction

The double crochet stitch is taller than the single crochet stitch and is often used in various crochet patterns.

It will create a texture that’s more flexible than the single crochet stitch makes. You can also use it to create more complex crochet stitches.

Pattern abbreviation: dc

Double crochet stitch instructions:

1. Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch. Yarn over again and pull through. You will have 3 loops on your hook.
2. Yarn over again and pull through 2 loops. You will still have 2 loops on your hook.
3. Repeat one more time and pull through both loops to create one single loop.

Half Double Crochet Stitches

Introduction

It’s a cross between the single crochet stitch and the double crochet stitch that works well for blankets, scarves, textured bags, and more.

Pattern abbreviation: hdc

Half double crochet stitch instructions:

1. Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch.
2. Yarn over again and pull through. You will have 2 loops on your hook.
3. Now yarn over again and pull through all three loops to create one single loop on your hook.

Treble Crochet Stitches

Introduction

This stitch is the tallest of the stitches on this list (4 chains tall). It involves repetition and works up quickly, creating loose blankets with lace-like, open patterns.

Once you become comfortable stitching it, you can build onto it and create double treble and triple treble crochet stitches.

Pattern abbreviation: tr

Treble crochet stitch instructions:

1. Yarn over twice and insert your hook into the next stitch.
2. Then yarn over again and pull through. You will have 3 loops on your hook.
3. Yarn over again and pull through the first 2 loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over and pull through the next 2 loops.
5. Repeat the process one more time, pulling your hook through the last 2 loops to create one single loop on your hook.

Slip Stitch

Introduction

This stitch is used in many ways: connect the last stitch of a row to the first stitch of the same row so you can work in the round; decorate crocheted items; create flat invisible stitches to move yarn across a row without adding height; added around the edges of crochet fabric for a clean, finished look.

Pattern abbreviation: sl st

Slip stitch crochet stitch instructions:

1. The method for making a slip stitch is basically a simplified single crochet stitch.
2. Insert your crochet hook into the next stitch.
3. Yarn over, then pull it through the stitch and the loop that’s on the hook.

Moss Stitch

Introduction

Also called the granite stitch, the linen stitch, or the woven stitch, it’s a combination of two fundamental crochet stitches: single crochet and chain stitches. The stitch lies flat but looks lovely on both sides and has a nice drape. It’s perfect for blankets, scarves, sweaters, headbands, and more.

Moss stitch crochet stitch instructions:

1. Chain an even number of stitches.
2. Single crochet (sc) into the 4th chain from the end.
3. Chain (ch) 1, skip the next chain (sk), single crochet 1.
4. Repeat across the row: ch 1, sk 1, sc.
5. At the end of the row: ch 2, turn your project, sc in chain 1 space. Repeat across the row.

Conclusion

We hope this gives you an idea of the beginner stitches that you’ll want to learn! YouTube is amazing for seeing how all of these stitches work.

Happy crocheting!!