Crochet stitches 101
The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Crochet Basics: Learn 14 Essential Stitches Step by Step
If you’ve ever picked up a crochet hook and felt confused about where to start, you’re not alone. Crochet can look complicated at first all those loops, yarn overs, and stitch names. But the truth is, every beautiful crochet project is built from just a few basic techniques. That’s why I’ve created this tutorial for you to learn step by step 14 basic stitches you can use for your project. Once you’re comfortable, you can start making beginner-friendly projects like the Beginner Friendly Crochet Card Holder Tutorial or the Crochet Scrunchie Tutorial.”
Today, I’m taking you on a beginner friendly crochet journey. By the end of this guide, you’ll know 14 essential stitches and how to use them in your projects. This is perfect for scarves, blankets, hats, amigurumi, and more.
So, don’t miss any step as every step is a build up of the previous step
Materials You’ll Need
- Crochet hook (4mm/H-8 is perfect for beginners)
- Medium-weight yarn (Category 4 worsted weight)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful)
No fancy tools required just your hands, hook, and yarn.
Basic Crotchet Stitches
1. How to Hold Your Yarn and Hook
Before you start, it’s important to get comfortable holding your hook and yarn.
Holding your hook
- Pencil grip: Hold the hook like a pencil. Thumb and index finger on the flat part, other fingers supporting.
- Knife grip: Hold the hook like a knife. Thumb in front, index finger behind.
Holding Your Yarn
- Let yarn rest over your index finger.
- Use your other fingers to hold it gently.
- Keep yarn slightly tight not too tight, not too loose.
Tip: Relax your hands. Crochet should feel comfortable, not tense.
2. How to Tie a Slip Knot
- Wrap the yarn around your fingers to make a loop.
- Cross the working yarn over the tail.
- Pull the working yarn through the loop to create a slip knot.
- Insert your hook and adjust so it slides easily.
You’ve just made the starting loop for every crochet project.
3. How to Make a Chain Stitch (ch)
- Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
- Repeat to make the number of chains needed for your project.
- You’ve just made the starting loop for every crochet project. These loops and chains will be used in small beginner projects like the Simple Crochet Bow Tie Tutorial and Crochet Flower Coaster Tutorial.”
Tip: Keep chains even not too tight or loose.
4. How to Make a Double Treble Crochet (DTR)
- Yarn over twice, insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch (4 loops on hook).
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops at a time until one loop remains.
- Repeat for each stitch.
Tip: Keep loops relaxed for even tall stitches.
5. How to Make a Half Treble Crochet (HTR)
- Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
- Repeat across your row.
6. How to Make a Treble Crochet (TR)
- Yarn over, insert hook into the fourth chain stitch.
- Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over, pull through the first two loops, then the last two.
- Repeat across row.
7. How to Make a Double Treble Crochet (DTR)
- Yarn over twice, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (4 loops).
- Yarn over, pull through two loops at a time until one loop remains.
8. How to Make a Magic Ring
- Wrap yarn around your middle finger, pinch loops.
- Insert hook under first loop, grab working yarn, pull through.
- Yarn over and pull through the loop on the hook.
- Start crocheting inside the ring. Pull tail to close.
Tip: Keep loops loose at first; tighten once the first round is done.
9. How to Make a Slip Stitch in a Circle
- Insert hook under the “V” at top of stitch.
- Yarn over, pull through stitch, then through loop on hook.
Joins rounds neatly without adding height.
10. How to Make a Double Crochet Increase
- Make a double crochet in one stitch.
- Insert hook into the same stitch, make another double crochet.
Tip: Both stitches must be in the same stitch for an even increase.
11. How to Make a Double Crochet Decrease
- Yarn over, pull up loop, insert into next stitch, pull up loop (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
Reduces stitches cleanly for shaping projects.
12. How to Make a Half Treble Crochet Increase (HTR Increase)
- Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops (one HTR).
- Insert hook in same stitch, make another HTR.
13. How to Make a Half Treble Crochet Decrease (HTR Decrease)
- Yarn over, pull up loop (3 loops).
- Yarn over, insert into next stitch, pull up loop (5 loops).
- Yarn over, pull through all 5 loops.
14. How to Make a Treble Crochet Increase (TR Increase)
- Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop (3 loops).
- Yarn over, pull through first 2 loops, then the remaining 2.
- Insert hook in same stitch, repeat.
You’ve completed your 14-step beginner crochet journey!
Beginner Tips for Success
- Keep your tension relaxed.
- Count your stitches to avoid mistakes.
- Practice small swatches first.
- Take breaks if your hands feel stiff.
- Remember: Crochet gets easier with practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn crochet?
Most beginners feel comfortable within a few days of practice.
Which is the easiest stitch?
A single crochet is usually the easiest.
Why are my edges uneven?
You may be missing the first or last stitch in each row count carefully.
Final Thoughts
Crochet isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating something beautiful with your hands. Start small, practice your stitches, make mistakes, and try again. Every expert crocheter once struggled with their first chain stitch now it’s your turn!
Once you’re comfortable with these 14 stitches, try combining them into small projects like scarves, coasters, or granny squares.“Once you’re comfortable, try combining them into beginner-friendly projects like the Beginner Friendly Crochet Card Holder Tutorial, Crochet Scrunchie Tutorial, Crochet Flower Coaster Tutorial, Simple Crochet Bow Tie Tutorial, or Crochet Leaf Deco Tutorial to practice your new skills.”
