If you’re new to crochet, this is the perfect place to start! The six basic crochet stitches are the chain stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, triple crochet, and slip stitch. Once you know these, you’ll be able to crochet almost anything!
Each of these stitches differs in their height, from chain and slip stitch, which are the shortest, to triple crochet, the tallest.
In this tutorial, I’ve chosen to crochet all the stitches in the same swatch, switching colors between each so that you can see the height differences:
One more note before we begin: I’ve used US terminology throughout this tutorial. If you’re from across the pond, you’ll want to check UK terms. Some of the differences are noted in this article, and here’s a handy chart, as well:
| US Term | UK Term |
| Chain | Chain |
| Single crochet | Double crochet |
| Half double crochet | Half treble crochet |
| Double crochet | Treble crochet |
| Triple crochet | Double treble crochet |
| Slip stitch | Slip stitch |
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Yarn (I used worsted-weight Soft Classic Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads)
- Corresponding hook (I used a 5mm hook)
Table of Contents
How to Crochet the Chain Stitch
The chain stitch (abbreviated “ch”) is the starting point for most crochet projects worked in rows. It’s also an important step when turning your work to start a new row, and it can be used as part of more intricate stitches like the V-stitch and the granny stitch.
CHAIN STITCH PHOTO TUTORIAL
Step 1: Create a slipknot and insert your hook.
Step 2: Yarn over.
Step 3: Pull through the slip knot. You should have 1 loop on your hook.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2-3 until you have as many chains as you want, pulling the yarn through the loop on your hook each time.
I crocheted 25 chains for this tutorial.
CHAIN STITCH VIDEO TUTORIAL
This video by Craftsy is a super helpful look at how to do the chain stitch!
CHAIN STITCH PATTERN: Crochet Chain Stitch Beaded Necklace
Now that you know the chain stitch, you can create this fun beaded necklace. That’s right, the only stitch you’ll need for the whole necklace is the chain stitch! Just grab your favorite beads and you’ll have a gorgeous accessory in no time!
How to Single Crochet
The single crochet stitch (abbreviated “sc”) is the next most fundamental building block of crochet. Once you learn this stitch, you’ll be able to follow so many patterns, from blankets to amigurumi and more!
SINGLE CROCHET PHOTO TUTORIAL
Step 1: Start with your chain, and skip the chain closest to your hook. You’ll start your row of single crochet by working into the second chain from your hook.
Step 2: Insert your hook into the top loop of the V of the chain.
When working into later rows rather than the chain, you’ll insert your hook through both loops of the V of the stitch, which looks like this:
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through the chain stitch. You’ll have 2 loops on your hook.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook.
Step 5: Repeat steps 2 through 4 until you reach the end of your chain.
Step 6: To continue rows of single crochet, chain 1 and turn your work. Now you will insert your hook under both loops of the V of the sc stitches of the previous row:
I’ll be moving on to half double crochet in my swatch, but you can do as many rows of single crochet as you need to feel comfortable with the stitch.
SINGLE CROCHET VIDEO TUTORIAL
Our Little World of Whimsy YouTube channel has a clear, concise video tutorial for the single crochet stitch, and we hope it will help as you learn this fundamental part of crochet!
SINGLE CROCHET PATTERN: Cat Door Stopper
This adorable cat door stopper is made with just chains and single crochets, so it’s the perfect pattern to try now that you’ve mastered both!
How to Half Double Crochet
The half double crochet (abbreviated “hdc”) is a taller stitch than the single crochet. It’s kind of like a mix between the single crochet stitch and the double crochet stitch, and it’s one of my favorite to use!
HALF DOUBLE CROCHET PHOTO TUTORIAL
Step 1: Start with a chain or a row of completed stitches. If you’re starting with a chain, you’ll work into the third chain from the hook. If you’re starting with a row of completed stitches, chain 2 and turn your work.
I’m using the same swatch I used for my chain and single crochets, because this will show you the height difference between each stitch. If you’re starting with a chain, remember to work into the top of the V, and if you’re starting with a row of any other stitch, remember to work into both loops of the V.
Step 2: Yarn over.
Step 3: Insert your hook into the stitch.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through. You’ll have 3 loops on your hook.
Step 5: Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
Step 6: Repeat steps 2-5 until you’ve completed the row.
Step 7: To continue rows of half double crochet, chain 2 and turn your work.
HALF DOUBLE CROCHET VIDEO TUTORIAL
If you learn best via video tutorials, check out this helpful one by Craftsy!
HALF DOUBLE CROCHET PATTERN: Easy Foldover Crossbody Bag
Need a new purse? Look no further than this foldover crossbody bag, which uses half-double crochet and will work up quickly and easily!
How to Double Crochet
Want a stitch that’s even taller than half-double crochet? Why not try double crochet, (abbreviated “dc”)? Projects made with double crochet work up super quickly, and it’s a great choice for scarves, hats, and more.
DOUBLE CROCHET PHOTO TUTORIAL
Step 1: Start with a chain or a row of completed stitches. If you’re starting with a chain, you’ll work into the fourth chain from the hook. If you’re starting with a row of completed stitches, chain 2 or 3 (I prefer 2, but some crocheters prefer 3) and turn your work.
I’m starting with the same swatch I’ve been using, because this will show you the height difference between each stitch. If you’re starting with a chain, remember to work into the top of the V, and if you’re starting with a row of any other stitch, remember to work into both loops of the V.
Step 2: Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You’ll have 3 loops on your hook.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through only the first two loops. You’ll have 2 loops on your hook.
Step 5: Yarn over and pull through both loops.
Step 6: Repeat steps 2-5 until you’ve completed the row.
Step 7: To continue rows of double crochet, chain 2 or 3 and turn your work.
DOUBLE CROCHET VIDEO TUTORIAL
Crafty has created another clear and concise video tutorial to help you master the double crochet stitch.
DOUBLE CROCHET PATTERN: Openwork Scarf
This easy, gorgeous scarf uses just single crochet and double crochet, and now you know enough to make this your next project!
How to Triple Crochet
Triple crochet (abbreviated “tr”) is even taller than double crochet. Your projects will work up super quickly when you use it!
TRIPLE CROCHET PHOTO TUTORIAL
Step 1: Start with a chain or a row of completed stitches. If you’re starting with a chain, you’ll work into the fifth chain from the hook. If you’re starting with a row of completed stitches, chain 3 or 4 (I prefer 3, but some crocheters prefer 4) and turn your work.
I’m starting with the same swatch I’ve been using, because this will show you the height difference between each stitch. If you’re starting with a chain, remember to work into the top of the V, and if you’re starting with a row of any other stitch, remember to work into both loops of the V.
Step 2: Yarn over twice.
Step 3: Insert your hook into the stitch.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You’ll have 4 loops on your hook.
Step 5: Yarn over and pull through only the first two loops. You’ll have 3 loops on your hook.
Step 6: Yarn over and pull through only the first two loops. You’ll have 2 loops on your hook.
Step 7: Yarn over and pull through both loops.
Step 8: Repeat steps 2-7 until you’ve completed the row.
Step 9: To continue rows of triple crochet, CH 3 or 4 and turn your work.
TRIPLE CROCHET VIDEO TUTORIAL
Kristen Mangus of GoodKnitKisses has created a wonderful video tutorial that will show you exactly how to do the triple crochet stitch.
TRIPLE CROCHET PATTERN: Easy Crochet Triple Cowl
This cowl is the perfect project to practice the triple crochet stitch. It’s made with just chains and triple crochets, and it turns out both beautiful and cozy!
How to Crochet the Slip Stitch
The slip stitch (abbreviated “sl st”) is the shortest stitch of all, and it’s often used for finishing off a project, though you can also use it to create fun designs on the surface of your work.
SLIP STITCH PHOTO TUTORIAL
Step 1: Start with a chain or a row of completed stitches. If you’re starting with a chain, you’ll work into the second chain from the hook. If you’re starting with a row of completed stitches, chain 1 and turn your work.
I’m starting with the same swatch I’ve been using, because this will show you the height difference between each stitch. If you’re starting with a chain, remember to work into the top of the V, and if you’re starting with a row of any other stitch, remember to work into both loops of the V.
Step 2: Insert your hook into the stitch.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through. You’ll have 2 loops on your hook.
Step 4: Here’s where the slip stitch differs from single crochet. Don’t yarn over. Instead, grab the first loop on your hook with the hook, and pull it through the second loop.
Here’s a video of steps 3 and 4:
Step 5: Repeat steps 2-4 until you’ve completed the row.
Step 6: If you’re finishing off your project, after your last slip stitch, cut your working yarn and pull your hook so the yarn tail comes through the last stitch. This will keep your project from unravelling.
SLIP STITCH VIDEO TUTORIAL
Here’s a great video tutorial of the slip stitch, created by Rachel of Hope Corner Farm:
SLIP STITCH PATTERN: Slip Stitch Crochet Fabric
Slip stitches create a tightly crocheted swatch, so they’re perfect for crocheting fabric! You could make a cozy winter blanket with this technique, or make some fabric that you’ll turn into a sweater or other fun garment!
And now that you’ve learned all six basic crochet stitches, you’re ready to make tons of projects! What will you crochet first? Let us know in the comments!
Leave a Comment