Chain stitch (ch)
The chain stitch is the heartbeat of crochet. It serves two main purposes: creating the foundation for your first row and acting as a turning chain to lift your hook up to start a new row.
Start with a slip knot on your hook (1). Gently pull the yarn to tighten the loop around the hook so it is secure but can still slide easily (2). Wrap the yarn over the hook, moving from back to front. This catches the yarn in the throat of the hook. Slide the hook backward, drawing the wrapped yarn carefully through the loop already on your hook (3). You have now completed one chain stitch! Continue repeating steps 2 and 3 to build your foundation chain (4).
Single crochet (sc)
The single crochet is one of the most versatile and simple stitches to learn. Because it creates a dense, tight fabric without holes, it is the number one choice for making amigurumi (stuffed toys) and warm blankets.
Make a foundation chain. Insert your hook directly into the second chain from the hook (1). Wrap the yarn over the hook. Pull the yarn back through the chain stitch (2). You should now have two loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook one more time. Pull this new loop through both loops on your hook at once (3). You have completed one single crochet! To continue the row, simply insert your hook into the next chain stitch and repeat these steps (5, 6).
Slip stitch (sl st)
Think of the slip stitch as the “glue” of crochet. Unlike other stitches, it doesn’t add height to your work. Instead, it is primarily used to join rounds, connect two separate pieces together, or move your yarn across a row without building it up. Advanced crocheters also use this stitch to make smooth invisible color changes or to add decorative lines to the surface of their work!
Insert your hook into the next stitch or the specific space indicated by your pattern (1). Wrap the yarn over the hook. Pull the yarn through the stitch and through the loop on your hook in one fluid motion (2).
Half double crochet (hdc)
The half double crochet is a favorite among crafters because it builds fabric faster than a single crochet but remains tighter and warmer than taller stitches. It involves just one extra “yarn over” at the beginning compared to the single crochet.
Wrap yarn over the hook. Now, insert the hook into the third chain from your hook (1). Yarn over again and pull the yarn back through the chain stitch. You should see three loops lined up (2). Yarn over one last time. Pull the hook smoothly through all three loops at once (3). You have completed one half double crochet! To make the next one, yarn over first, then insert your hook into the next stitch (4).
Double crochet (dc)
The double crochet is the “bread and butter” of the craft. Because it is twice as tall as a single crochet, it works up quickly and creates a fabric that is soft and drapeable. It is the main stitch used in classic granny squares!
Start by wrapping the yarn over your hook. Skip the first three chains and insert your hook into the 4th chain from the hook (1). Wrap the yarn over and pull it back through the chain stitch. You should see three loops on the hook (2). Yarn over and pull through only the first two loops on your hook (3). You now have two loops left on the hook. Yarn over one last time and pull through the remaining two loops (4). You have completed one double crochet! To make the next one, yarn over first, then insert into the next stitch (5).
Treble crochet (tr)
The treble crochet (often called triple) is a tall, elegant stitch that creates an open and airy fabric. The best part? It follows the exact same logic as the double crochet — you just start with an extra wrap of yarn. This stitch is perfect for lacy patterns or when you want your project to grow quickly.
Wrap the yarn over the hook two times. Skip the first four chains. Insert your hook into the 5th chain from the hook (1). Wrap the yarn over and pull it back through the chain stitch (2). Stop and count. You should have four loops lined up on your hook. Yarn over and pull through only the first two loops (3 loops remain) (3). Yarn over and pull through the next two loops (2 loops remain) (4). Yarn over one last time and pull through the final two loops (5). You have completed one treble crochet! To start the next one, remember to wrap the yarn around your hook twice before inserting it into the next stitch.
(Source: amigurumi.today)
