Mastering Basic Crochet Stitches: Complete Beginner’s Visual Guide

Crochet is a remarkably versatile, portable, and calming craft that allows you to transform a simple strand of fiber into intricate heirlooms, cozy garments, and adorable amigurumi toys with just a single handheld hook.

While modern crochet patterns may appear complicated with elaborate textures and lace diagrams, every single design is built upon a small family of foundational stitches. Once you understand the anatomy of a stitch, how to control yarn tension, and the 6 essential basic stitches, you will have the superpower to crochet nearly any pattern in the world.

The Anatomy of a Crochet Stitch

Before grabbing your hook, it is helpful to understand how a completed crochet stitch looks when viewed up close:

• The Top ‘V’: Looking down at the top edge of your work, each stitch forms a small horizontal “V”. The strand closest to you is the Front Loop, while the strand farthest from you is the Back Loop. Standard crochet stitches insert under both loops unless the pattern specifically calls for BLO (Back Loop Only) or FLO (Front Loop Only).
• The Post: The vertical body or stem of the stitch created by pulling loops through previous rows.
• The Turning Chain: Extra chains worked at the start of a new row to raise your yarn to the height of the upcoming stitch.

Overview of the 6 Foundational Stitches

Step-by-Step Stitch Guide (US Terminology)

1. The Slip Knot & Chain Stitch (ch)

The chain stitch provides the base row (foundation chain) upon which all subsequent rows are anchored:

1. Make a slip knot approximately 6 inches from the yarn end and place it onto your hook.
2. Hold the hook in your dominant hand and gently tension the working yarn through the fingers of your non-dominant hand.
3. Yarn Over (yo): Bring working yarn over your hook from back to front.
4. Catch the yarn with your hook throat and pull it smoothly through the loop already on your hook. One chain stitch completed!

Working a uniform foundation chain with even tension

2. The Slip Stitch (sl st)

The shortest stitch in crochet. It adds almost zero height and is primarily used to join rounds in circular motifs, edge items, or seamlessly seam two pieces together:

• Insert hook into the designated stitch under both top loops.
• Yarn over and pull through the stitch and directly through the loop on your hook in one fluid motion.

3. Single Crochet (sc)

The backbone of amigurumi toys, sturdy tote bags, and warm beanies. Single crochet creates a dense, solid fabric without gaps:

• Insert hook into the next stitch. Yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
• Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook.
• Turning Chain: Chain 1 at the end of the row before turning. (Ch 1 does not count as a stitch).

4. Half Double Crochet (hdc)

The sweet spot between single and double crochet. It features a unique third loop on the reverse side that can be worked into to create realistic knit-like ribbing:

• Yarn over, insert hook into stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
• Yarn over once more and pull through all 3 loops on your hook simultaneously.
• Turning Chain: Chain 2 at the turn.

5. Double Crochet (dc)

Double crochet is twice the height of single crochet and is the foundation of classic granny squares, scarves, and soft blankets. It works up quickly and creates a flexible fabric:

• Yarn over, insert hook into stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
• Yarn over, pull through the first 2 loops (2 loops remain on hook).
• Yarn over again, pull through the remaining 2 loops.
• Turning Chain: Chain 3 at the turn (usually counts as the first dc of the row).

6. Treble Crochet (tr)

The tallest of the basic stitches, treble crochet produces an airy, open weave ideal for light shawls, summer blouses, and decorative lace:

• Yarn over twice before inserting hook into stitch.
• Yarn over and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).
• [Yarn over, pull through 2 loops] three separate times until only 1 loop remains on hook.
• Turning Chain: Chain 4 at the turn.

Turning Chains Reference Summary

Tips for Beginners: Tension & Hook Grips

• Knife Grip vs. Pencil Grip: Experiment with both grips. Holding your hook like a dining knife gives greater wrist leverage for heavier yarns, while the pencil grip provides precision for delicate lace.
• Keep Chains Loose: Beginner foundation chains are often worked too tightly, making it frustrating to insert your hook into row 1. If your edges curl, go up one hook size just for your foundation chain. (Use our Hook Sizing Tool to switch mm sizes smoothly).
• Count Your Stitches Every Row: The most common mistake for new crocheters is accidentally skipping the last stitch or adding extra stitches at the edge. Keep a tally with our free Digital Row Counter!