Crochet is a textile art that has had a popularity surge in recent years, especially following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are several crochet stitches every crocheter should have in their toolbelt.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to crochet, then this guide is for you! Read on to learn about these basic crochet stitches!
Basic Crochet Stitches
1. Foundation Chain
What it is and How it’s Used
The foundation chain (abbreviated as “ch” or “chain’ and followed by a number indicating how many chain stitches you need to make) is the starting point for most crochet projects, and it is fundamental to learning to crochet. The foundation chain is a series of interconnected chain stitches created by looping yarn over a crochet hook and pulling it through a loop to form a chain.
The foundation chain defines the width of your project and determines how many crochet stitches you will have in your first row (make sure to count!). It may also serve as a turning chain–additional chain stitches at the beginning of your next row to make its height match the row before (and ensure your work stays even).
Subsequent crochet stitches for your pattern, such as single or double crochet, are usually worked into the individual chain stitches of the foundation chain and used to shape intricate patterns, textures, and designs.
How to Make the Foundation Chain
To create a foundation chain, first make a slipknot at the end of your yarn to anchor the yarn to the crochet hook. Insert your crochet hook through the slipknot, then yarn over the hook, bringing the yarn from behind the back of the hook to the front, and pull the yarn through the knot. You’ve just made your first chain stitch!
Repeat as needed, using the previous loop in place of the slipknot.
2. Slip Stitch
What it is and How it’s Used
For circular projects, creating smooth edges, or adding decorative effects, you’ll want to use a slip stitch (abbreviated as “sl st”). This crochet stitch is used to join or move from one point in your work to another without adding any height.
Slip stitches are commonly used to join the end of a round to the beginning, creating a seamless and invisible transition in circular crochet projects, such as hats. They can also be used to create a clean seam when joining two pieces of fabric, which is necessary in some garments and afghans.
If you want to avoid curling at the edges of your work, use a slip stitch! It can also be used decoratively to make texture or color changes. Slip stitches are perfect for securing yarn ends or weaving in your tails.
How to Make a Slip Stitch
Insert your crochet hook into the desired stitch or space (chain, stitch, or even another slip stitch). Yarn over the hook by bringing the yarn from behind the hook to the front, then pull the yarn through the stitch you inserted your hook into and through the loop already on your hook. You should end up with a new loop on your hook.
To complete the slip stitch, pull the loop you just made through the loop already on your hook. You should now have one loop remaining on your hook.
3. Single Crochet Stitch
What it is and How it’s Used
The single crochet stitch is a basic crochet stitch commonly abbreviated as “sc” in crochet patterns. It creates a tight, dense, durable fabric that can be used for various projects, light dishcloths, and scarves.
How to Make a Single Crochet Chain
Start with a foundation chain. Then, insert your crochet hook through the second chain from the hook (or as specified in your pattern). If you’ve created a turning chain at the beginning of your row, you may need to skip the first chain from the hook.
Once your hook is through the chain, yarn over by bringing the yarn from behind the hook to the front, then pull the yarn through the chain. You should now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over again, then pull the yarn through both loops on the hook to complete one single crochet stitch. Repeat.
When you reach the end of your row, chain one (or more, depending on your pattern) to create a turning chain and turn your work, then start the next row.
4. Double Crochet Stitch
What it is and How it’s Used
The double crochet (abbreviated as “dc”) is slightly taller than the single crochet and half-double crochet stitch. It comes in handy when you want to create lightweight, airy fabrics or to complete a project more quickly.
The double crochet stitch has many uses. It’s frequently used in making blankets and afghans, as it creates a warm, comfortable fabric. The lightweight fabric it creates is also great for scarves, shawls, and wraps. Sweaters and cardigans made with a double crochet stitch are both warm and breathable.
For finer projects, double crochet is best used for lace patterns, in chevrons and ripples, and for borders and edging.
How to Make a Double Crochet Stitch
As with most crochet projects, begin by creating a foundation chain. The number of chain stitches you make in the foundation chain depends on your pattern and the desired width of your project.
Yarn over by bringing the yarn from behind the hook to the front. Insert your crochet hook through the fourth chain from the hook (however, if you made a turning chain at the beginning of your row, you might need to skip the first three chains; consult your pattern).
After inserting the hook, yarn over once more, and pull the yarn through the chain. This should leave you with three loops on your hook.
Start closing the stitch by yarning over again and pulling through the first two loops on your hook. You should now have two loops remaining on your hook. To complete the double crochet, yarn over once more and pull through the last two loops on your hook. Repeat as needed to finish the row.
When you reach the end of your row, chain as many stitches as are specified in your pattern (usually about three) to create a turning chain, then turn your work and start your next row.
5. Half-Double Crochet Stitch
What it is and How it’s Used
The half-double crochet (abbreviated as “hdc”) is a basic crochet stitch that falls between the single crochet and double crochet stitches in height and texture–it creates a medium-dense fabric that’s good for blankets and afghans, as well as for making heat-resistant, durable pot holders and dishcloths. Scarves and cowls made with the half-double crochet stitch have a nice drape while still being warm. Hats and beanies made with a half-double crochet stitch are also warm and quick to work up.
How to Make a Half-Double Crochet Stitch
As usual, start by making a foundation chain. Then, yarn over by bringing the yarn from behind the hook to the front. Insert your crochet hook through the third chain from the hook (unless your pattern says otherwise).
After inserting the hook, yarn over once more, and pull the yarn through the chain. You should now have three loops on your hook. To complete the half-double crochet stitch, yarn over again and pull through all three loops on your hook. Repeat as needed to finish your row.
When you reach the end of your row, chain two (or more, if your pattern calls for it) to create a turning chain. Turn your work and start your next row.
6. Treble Crochet Stitch
What it is and How it’s Used
The treble crochet (abbreviated as “tr” or “tc”) is known for its height and is used to create a more open and airy fabric compared to shorter stitches like single crochet or half-double crochet. Because the treble crochet stitch creates intricate and delicate fabrics, it is often used in lace patterns. It’s also good for creating lightweight, breezy shawls and wraps for warmer weather.
Treble crochet stitch is most often used in decorative elements, like chevrons, ripples, shells, and clusters. It’s an ideal stitch to use for something like a lace tablecloth.
How to Make a Treble Crochet Stitch
Begin by creating a foundation chain. Then, yarn over by bringing the yarn from behind the hook to the front. But! Unlike shorter stitches, you’ll yarn over twice. Insert your crochet hook through the fifth chain from the hook (unless specified otherwise by your pattern). If you made a turning chain at the beginning of your row, you might need to skip the first four chains.
After inserting the hook, yarn over once more, and pull the yarn through the chain. You should now have four loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook, leaving you with three loops on your hook. Yarn over once more and pull through the next two loops on your hook. You should now have two loops left on your hook.
To complete the treble crochet, yarn over one final time and pull through the last two loops on your hook. Repeat to finish your row.
When you reach the end of your row, chain four (or the number specified in your pattern) to create a turning chain. Turn your work and start your next row.
7. Double Treble Crochet Stitch
What it is and How it’s Used
The double treble crochet stitch (abbreviated as “dtr” or “trtr”) is even taller than the regular treble crochet stitch! It’s used in more complex and intricate projects that call for more open space and airiness. Double treble crochet stitches are often used in lace patterns and openwork designs.
Delicate, lightweight shawls, wraps, and other accessories are great candidates for the double treble stitch. It’s also a good stitch for creating decorative elements You can use double treble crochet to create decorative elements in your projects, such as elaborate shells or fans.
How to Make a Double Treble Crochet Stitch
Create your foundation chain, then yarn over by bringing the yarn from behind the hook to the front. Unlike with shorter stitches, though, you’ll yarn over three times for this stitch.
Insert your crochet hook through the sixth chain from the hook (or other, as specified in your pattern). If you made a turning chain at the beginning of your row, you might need to skip the first five chains. After inserting the hook, yarn over once more, and pull the yarn through the chain. You should have five loops on your hook at this point.
Next, yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. You should now have four loops remaining on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the next two loops on your hook, leaving you with three loops left on your hook. Yarn over again and pull through the next two loops on your hook. You should have two loops left on your hook.
To complete the double treble crochet stitch, yarn over one last time and pull through the last two loops on your hook. Repeat as needed to finish your row.
When you reach the end of your row, chain five (or however many your pattern says) to create a turning chain. Turn your work and start your next row.
Get Ready to Crochet
You now know all the basic crochet stitches you need to get started on your first project! Find inspiration and a pattern in our article on crochet patterns!
Ronda Lindsay is an avid crafter who developed a love for all things DIY as a little girl with an extremely resourceful mother. When she’s not using her writing skills in her daily work in government communications, she’s busy dreaming up her next crafty creation, whether that’s in the kitchen, behind a camera lens, or among her vast scrapbooking supplies.
With a bachelor’s in English and a master’s in professional writing, Ronda enjoys learning about new DIY tips and tricks and sharing them with readers of That Sweet Tea Life! She hopes to one day be as creative as her big sister.