If you’re ready to start crocheting but all the different stitches sound foreign to you, don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll explain a dozen basic crochet stitches every beginner should know. Then, we’ll explore several other simple stitches to try once you’ve mastered those first few.
So grab your hook and some yarn, and let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
- What Is Crochet?
- 12 Basic Crochet Stitches
- 35 Additional Crochet Stitches To Try
- How To Practice Different Crochet Stitches
- How To Pick A Stitch For A Project
What Is Crochet?
Crochet is a centuries-old craft that turns yarn into functional and beautiful pieces. It’s similar to knitting, but in crochet, you don’t use two needles. Instead, you use a hook to make loops to create your fabric.
With crochet, you can create beautiful blankets, clothes, stuffed animals, and more.
Note: If you’re new to crocheting, you’ll want to check out our step-by-step beginner's guide.
Supplies For Crochet
You just need a handful of supplies to crochet. The essentials are:
- Crochet hooks
- Yarn
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Yarn needle
With these things, you can create many different projects. Just make sure the crochet hook fits the yarn you choose. If you try to work bulky yarn using a small hook, you’ll get frustrated and likely give up.
If you decide you like crocheting, you might choose to invest in some additional supplies, like stitch markers or blocking tools, to give you more control over your work and help you crochet even faster.
12 Basic Crochet Stitches
After you gather what you need, it’s time to learn some simple crochet stitches. Let’s look at some of the most common. For each, you’ll find written instructions and a video tutorial.
1) Chain Stitch
As we mentioned earlier, nearly every project starts with the chain stitch. It’s one you definitely want to master.
To form your starting chain, first, make a slip knot and insert your hook. Then, wrap the yarn over the hook. Carefully draw the newly formed loop back through the slip knot.
Repeat the process for each chain you need to make. Your pattern should tell you how many to do.
2) Single Crochet Stitch
Once you have the chain stitch down, give the single crochet stitch a try. It builds upon the chain you just made.
To make this stitch, insert your hook into the second chain. Then, wrap the yarn over the hook and draw the hook through the loop. You should now have two loops on the hook.
Wrap the yarn over the hook again and pull both loops through. Then, put the hook into the next chain and do the whole process again.
3) Slip Stitch
You use the slip stitch to join rounds and skip along the row when crocheting. It’s also useful for making surface stitches on your projects to add decorations.
When you’re ready to practice, prepare your chain. Then, insert the hook into the second loop. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull both loops through.
Repeat these steps as many times as the pattern calls for.
4) Double Crochet Stitch
This is a slightly longer stitch than the single crochet. It’s very versatile, and you can use it to create granny squares, coasters, and bookmarks, among other things.
Begin by making your chain. Then wrap the yarn over your hook and insert it into the third chain from the hook Next, wrap the yarn over again and pull the yarn through the third chain. You should now have three loops on your hook.
Yarn over again and pull through two loops. Then bring the yarn over your hook one last time and pull it through the remaining two loops. Repeat this across your chain as many times as needed.
5) Half-Double Crochet Stitch
The half-double crochet stitch works up quickly once you get the hang of it. You’ll often see this stitch in sweaters, blankets, and scarves, as it adds density and drape to your fabric.
Begin by wrapping the yarn around your hook and inserting it into the second chain. Wrap the yarn again, and pull up a loop.
Then, yarn over another time and pull that yarn through all three loops to complete the stitch.
6) Treble Crochet Stitch
Also known as the triple crochet stitch, the treble crochet stitch makes large, airy fabric. Your finished piece will drape beautifully when it includes this tall stitch.
To make it, wrap the yarn around your hook twice. Then, skip four chains to serve as your first stitch, and insert the hook into the fifth chain.
Now, wrap the yarn again and pull up a loop. If you count the loops on your hook, you should get to four now. Yarn over again and pull it through two loops. Do this again twice, remembering to wrap the yarn over each time.
7) Granite Stitch
This is the stitch of many names. It’s known as the granite stitch, moss stitch, and seed stitch.
No matter what you call it, it’s a pretty pattern made by combining single crochet and chain stitches. However, the written directions make it seem much more complicated than it is. So be sure to watch the tutorial while you follow along.
First, create a chain with an even number of stitches. Then, skip the first three chains and insert your hook into the fourth one. Chain one. Then, skip a chain and do a single crochet. Repeat the “chain one, skip one, single crochet” pattern to the end of the row.
Next, chain two. For the second row, skip the first crochet and do a single crochet in the chain space.
For this entire row, repeat this pattern:
- Chain 1
- Skip 1
- Single crochet (made in the chain space)
Each subsequent row follows this pattern, so keep going.
8) Basketweave Stitch
Source: Crochet With Tiffany Hansen
You’ll want to master the double crochet stitch before you try this stitch. It creates a dense fabric with a fun texture that looks great with solid colors.
When you make a double crochet stitch, the part that runs up and down is known as the post. With the basketweave, you’ll insert your hook on one side of the post or the other instead of at the top of the stitch like normal.
Begin by chaining a multiple of 8 plus 4 (for instance, 12, 20, 28, 36, etc.)
Then, work a double crochet into each stitch, beginning on the fourth chain. Then, chain three and turn.
For the next row, do this:
- Front post double crochet around the first four double crochets
- Back post double crochet around the following four
Continue alternating front and back posts to the end of the row. On the turning chain, do a regular double crochet. Then chain three and turn.
Keep going until you’ve made a square. Then, begin working the opposite way to create a contrast. For these rows, start by doing back post double crochet, followed by the front post stitches.
9) Standing Single Crochet
Source: Tamara Kelly - Moogly
When it’s time to join yarn, you traditionally use this combination of stitches:
- Slip stitch
- Chain 1
- Single crochet
While that works beautifully, the standing single crochet stitch is another option. It eliminates one step, allowing you to work more quickly. Plus, there isn’t a visible slip stitch, so the transition looks smoother.
Begin with a slip knot on your hook. Then, insert it into the correct stitch and yarn over. Take up a loop and yarn over again. Finally, pull both loops on your hook through.
10) Block Stitch
Source: TL Yarn Crafts
Create gorgeous blankets and afghans with the block stitch. Once you get the hang of the two row repeating pattern, you can work projects up quickly.
Start by making a chain. You’ll need a multiple of three stitches plus one extra for your turning chain. For the first row, single crochet in the second chain from the hook, then the next.
To finish the row, follow this pattern:
- Chain 2
- Skip 2 chains
- Single crochet in the next chain
For the second row, follow this pattern:
- Double crochet in the first stitch
- Into every space you’ve chained 2, work three double crochet stitches by inserting your hook under the second chain space (this creates a cluster.)
- Double crochet the last stitch
- Chain 1
- Turn
Here’s the pattern for the third row:
- Single crochet in the first stitch
- Single crochet in the space between the first double crochet and the first cluster
- Chain 2
- Skip three double-crochet stitches
- Single crochet between the clusters
Repeat the final three steps until the final stitch. Then, single crochet, chain 1, and turn. As you add more rows, repeat the directions for the second and third rows.
11) Blueberry Stitch
Source: Hectanooga1
With the blueberry stitch, you can create a slightly textured fabric. Each “berry” you create will form on the backside of your piece.
Here’s what you do once you’ve made your chain:
- Single crochet in the first chain
- Single crochet in each chain back to the start
- Chain 1
- Turn your work
- Single crochet in the first stitch
- Yarn over
- Insert into the stitch
- Pick up the yarn and pull through
- Yarn over
- Insert into the stitch
- Pick up the yarn and pull through
- Count to make sure you have five loops on your hook
- Yarn over
- Pull through all five loops
Then, do a single crochet into the next stitch. Continue across your row, alternating berries and single crochet.
12) Herringbone Stitch
Source: Rich Textures Crochet
If you’re looking for a way to add texture to your crochet projects, try the herringbone stitch. It’s a variation of the single crochet stitch.
Once you’ve chained your desired number of stitches, it’s time to start the herringbone pattern.
- Do a single crochet into the first stitch
- Insert your hook from right to left under the post of the single-crochet
- Insert your hook into the next stitch
- Pull up a loop
- Yarn over
- Pull through all the loops
Repeat this pattern to the end. Then, chain one and turn.
- Here’s what you do for row two of the pattern:
- Reverse single crochet stitch
- Insert hook right to left through the post on the backside of your piece
- Insert the hook into the next stitch
- Pull up a loop
- Yarn over
- Pull through all the loops
Repeat until you reach the end of the row. Then, chain one and turn. Continue alternating rows one and two until you’ve added all the desired rows.
35 Additional Crochet Stitches To Try
Once you learn the basic stitches above, you’ll be ready to add even more variety to your creations.
Here are some additional stitches to try. To get started, simply search YouTube for tutorials of each:
- Basic mesh
- Bobble
- Brick
- Cable crochet
- Chevron
- Cluster
- Crab
- Crocodile
- Double Tunisian
- Extended double crochet
- Granny stripe
- Griddle
- Half treble
- Irish
- Long wave
- Mesh
- Mini-bean
- Mixed loop
- Open fan
- Picot
- Pike
- Popcorn
- Puff
- Ripple
- Rose petal
- Sedge
- Seed
- Shell
- Sprig
- Spike
- Star
- Sunburst
- Tapestry
- Tunsian knit
- Waffle
How to Practice Different Crochet Stitches
Now that you know how to form several crochet stitches, take time to practice each one.
Here are some suggestions to help you improve:
- Know that all the stitches will initially feel awkward. You need to develop muscle memory, so keep trying. Soon, you won’t have to think as much about how to form each one, and it’ll feel more natural.
- Pick one stitch to master at a time. Trying to learn them all at once can feel overwhelming.
- Practice, then unravel your stitches and try again. You can use the same pieces of yarn multiple times to reduce waste.
- Select a pattern that uses the stitches you’re learning to practice even more. Try these beginner-friendly projects to start with.
Once you feel confident with crocheting, you can mix and match these stitches to create unique patterns.
What To Crochet
With so many crochet stitches under your belt, what will you create first? Let’s look at five simple projects you can try.
Blanket
If you’ve mastered a few basic stitches, try making a blanket! You can make the whole thing with one single stitch (like double crochet) or do a more intricate pattern with several different stitches.
Either way, snuggling up in a blanket you’ve made yourself is a fantastic feeling.
Bags
Create a crocheted bag to carry everyday items or take to the beach. They come in all shapes and sizes, so pick a pattern that appeals to you.
Scarves
Scarves are a fun way to practice stitches while creating something practical. Pick a color that coordinates with your wardrobe, and experiment with different stitch patterns for a unique look.
Bath Mat
Grab yourself some t-shirt yarn and crochet a cozy bath mat for your bathroom. Use simple stitches like a single crochet, or make a textured mat by picking a more complex pattern.
Dishcloths
Since dishcloths are so small, they don’t take long to finish, even for a beginner. They’re also great for practicing counting your stitches and maintaining consistent tension.
How To Pick A Stitch For A Project
Once you pick a crochet project to try, how do you decide which stitch to use?
If you’re following a pattern, the stitch will usually be specified. But if you're creating something from scratch, here are some things to consider:
- What is the purpose of your project? If it’s for warmth or durability, choose a sturdy stitch like the double crochet. If it’s decorative, something more intricate might look better.
- What stitches are you comfortable with? If you're making a larger piece, pick a stitch you’re already familiar with. If you’re feeling adventurous, try learning a new stitch for a smaller project.
- What type of yarn are you using? You want to pick a yarn and stitch combination that looks good together. For example, chunky yarn isn’t a good fit for small, delicate stitches, but it works well for the puff stitch, double crochet, and half-treble crochet.
- How much time do you have? If you’re in a hurry, choose a simple stitch that’s easy to work up. If you’ve got some extra time, try something more complicated.
Eventually, picking a stitch will feel like second nature. Until then, experiment with different combinations and have fun.
Crochet Like A Pro!
By mastering some of the crochet stitches mentioned above, you’ll soon be crocheting like a pro. So gather your crochet hooks and some yarn from GANXXET, and start practicing.
Before long, you’ll be creating amazing things. Happy crafting!
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