If you are just starting your crochet journey, this post is for you!!
I am going to go over the basic crochet stitches every crocheter uses to create their projects, whether it’s a simple washcloth or a lace pattern that looks like a work of art.
Crochet in a Nutshell
Crocheting is the process of creating a series of slip knots, connected in rows (round or straight).
From that very simplified explanation of crocheting, you can branch-off in a million different directions, get very deep into complicated descriptions and explanations, and create a much more complex definition. But that won’t change the fact that crocheting just creates a bunch of slipknots in patterns and rows…and it’s awesome.
Basic Crochet Stitches
No matter what project you embark on, there are a few basic stitches you will need to know. Each stitch has a name, an abbreviation, and a symbol (that’s not nearly as complicated as it sounds).
- Chain Stitch (ch)
- Slip Stitch (sl st)
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Half Double Crochet (hdc)
- Double Crochet (dc)
- Triple Crochet (tr)
If you live in Europe, there will be different names for these stitches, and it is helpful to familiarize yourself with them if you intend to use patterns from our stitching friends across the pond.
I talk and teach in US measurements, abbreviations, symbols, and names for crochet. If you would like to learn more about the conversions, here is a great chart from Crochet 365 Knit Too.
Here is a breakdown of each of the basic stitches.
Chain Stitch
A chain stitch is the basic foundation of all crochet patterns (with very few exceptions…because there is always an exception).
The start of every crochet pattern tells you to chain x amount of stitches.
The chain stitch can also be used throughout the pattern and is used to create space within the pattern.
To complete a chain stitch, you will wrap the yarn around the hook back to front, and pull the yarn through the loop on your hook.
Slip Stitch
Put simply, a slip stitch is a chain stitch connected to another row of stitching.
This stitch is often used to create trim around an edge or at the end of a row where you need to complete or attach stitching without creating a full stitch. You can get lots of practice with slip stitching by making these Crocheted Coasters.
To complete a slip stitch, insert the hook through the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, then pull the loop through the loop on your hook.
Single Crochet Stitch
Single crochet stitches are the smallest stitches that build on existing stitches.
Single crochet is used when the space needs to be filled with minimal space and holes in the project, like a finely stitched sweater or washcloth. They are short stitches, but very simple to make.
To create a single crochet stitch:
- Insert hook through next stitch (1 loop on hook)
- Yarn over
- Pull the yarn through the stitch (2 loops on hook)
- Yarn over
- Pull through both loops on the hook (1 loop on hook)
Half Double Crochet Stitch
A half double crochet is slightly taller than single crochet, but it still creates very little space between stitches, meaning small holes in the project.
I find this stitch very attractive and a little less “boring” than single crochet stitching. It makes a nice texture and it’s simple to create with just one additional step to the single crochet.
To create a half double crochet:
- Yarn over
- Insert hook through next stitch
- Yarn over
- Pull yarn through stitch (commonly called “pull up a loop”) (3 loops on hook)
- Yarn over
- Pull yarn through all three loops on the hook
Double Crochet Stitch
As you can tell from the names of these stitches, they build on each other. The double crochet is a taller stitch than both the single crochet and the half double crochet.
This increased stitch height creates more space, i.e., holes, between the stitches. Because they are taller stitches, it is faster to fill up space using double crochets, but the larger spaces between stitches mean they are not nearly as tightly woven as the single crochet.
You will often see double crochets used in blankets, hats, and scarves. You will also find the double crochet used in this Crocheted Spa Set.
To create a double crochet stitch:
- Yarn over (1 original loop on hook)
- Insert hook through next stitch
- Pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
- Yarn over
- Pull through 2 loops (2 loops left on hook)
- Yarn Over
- Pull through 2 loops (1 loop left on hook)
Triple Crochet Stitch
The last, and tallest of the basic crochet stitches, is the triple crochet. This crochet stitch is often used on corners, when open space is needed, and for shaping.
You will see triple crochet in lace patterns, flower patterns, and blanket corners.
To create a triple crochet stitch:
- Wrap yarn around the hook twice (1 original loop on hook)
- Insert hook through next stitch
- Yarn over
- Pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)
- Yarn over
- Pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook)
- Yarn over
- Pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook)
- Yarn over
- Pull through 2 loops (1 loop on hook)
Building Blocks
There you have it, these basic crochet stitches are the building blocks of crochet. Mastery of these stitches will open the door for you to create any crochet project.
Coupling these stitches with an understanding of crochet terminology is the perfect way to launch yourself into the world of crocheting, and all the gifts of creativity as self-care.
I’d love to know where you’re at in your crochet journey. Drop down to the comments and let me know if you are still in the ‘interesting idea’ phase, or if you have taken the plunge and purchased your first hook and yarn.
Happy Stitching!
xo – Lavena
