Whether you’re new to crochet or just need a refresher, these are the 6 basic crochet stitches that everyone needs for just about any project!
Crocheting has been around since, at least the 16th century. It’s known as crochet in English, French, Italian, Spanish languages, and Belgian. It’s known as haken in Holland, hekling in Norway, haekling in Denmark, and virkning in Sweden. It’s history is somewhat mysterious, however the stitches that make up the basics of just about every other stitch are pretty easy.
How to start
In case you don’t know how to start, here’s how I make my starting knot. (Hey! I have a better post on how to do this now: Learn How To Crochet A Starting Knot)
The Stitches
The instructions for starting a row from a chain foundation will be in parentheses, except for the chain stitch.
I’m using a size J 6.00 mm hook for all of the rows.
I variegated the color of the yarn with each stitch, except the chain and single crochet, they are both pink, so you can more easily see the the steps. If you are a beginner I suggest staying with one color of yarn.
Chain Stitch
Lets start with the chain stitch. Have been redoing all of these individually, so here’s: The Crochet Basics: How To Make The Chain Stitch And The Slip Stitch
Abbreviations: ch US, ch UK
Step 1. Make your starting knot.
Step 2. Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook. That is 1 chain.
Step 3. Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook. Continue to the number of chains for your project.
Single Crochet
I’ve redone this one too! The Crochet Basics: How To Make A Single Crochet Stitch
Abbreviations: sc US, dc UK
In UK terms this is called a double crochet.
Step 1. (Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook) Chain 1 this counts as your first stitch, insert your hook into the next stitch, pull up a loop.
Step 2. Yarn over, pull through the 2 loops on your hook.
Step 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you’ve reached the end of your project. Then chain 1 and turn for your next row.
Slip Stitch
Seriously use this one… way better pictures…The Crochet Basics: How To Make The Chain Stitch And The Slip Stitch
Abbreviations: sl st US, ss UK
This will create a very close stitch.
Step 1. (Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook) Chain 1, yarn over and pull through all loops.
Step 2. Repeat until you’ve reached the end of your project. Then chain 1 and turn for your next row.
Half Double Crochet
This one got an update too! The pictures are so much clearer now. Check out: The Crochet Basics: How To Make A Half Double Crochet
Abbreviations: hdc US, htc UK
Half treble crochet in UK terms.
Step 1. (Insert your hook into the third chain from the hook) Chain 2 this counts as your first stitch, yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop.
Step 2. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
Step 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you’ve reached the end of your row. Then chain 2 and turn for your next row.
Double Crochet
Abbreviations: dc US, tc UK
Treble crochet in UK terms.
Step 1. (Insert your hook into the third chain from the hook) Chain 2 this counts as your first stitch, yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop.
Step 2. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over pull through the last 2 loops.
Step 3. Repeat until you’ve reached the end of your row. Then chain 2 and turn for your next row.
Triple Crochet
Abbreviations: tc US, dtc UK
Double treble crochet in UK terms. This stitch is also sometimes called a treble crochet in US terms.
Step 1. (Insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook) Chain 3, yarn over twice, insert your hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop.
Step 2. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops.
Step 3. Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops. Repeat until you’ve reached the end of your row. Then chain 3 and turn for your next row.
All The Stitches
There are many, many more stitches where these came from but, these are the ones that are the most important to learn.
Here are some other stitches you might be interested in:
Do you have a favorite stitch? Tell me in the comments below!