Crochet Tips: Master the Basic Stitches Fast
Learn the four basic crochet stitches and fix your tension in under an hour.
Crochet looks complicated, but it really comes down to four stitches.
Crochet looks complicated, but it really comes down to four stitches. Once you know these, you can read most patterns and start making scarves, blankets, and hats.
The secret is consistent tension. Your stitches need to be even, not too tight, not too loose. Here's how to get there without frustration.
You can learn the chain, single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet in about 30 minutes. Once you master these, you can make almost anything.
What you need
Yarn
Worsted weight (medium #4) is best for learning. It's thick enough to see your stitches clearly. A 100g skein costs about $5.
Crochet hook
A 5.5mm (I/9) hook matches worsted weight yarn. Metal hooks are smooth and easy to slide.
Scissors
Any small pair works. You'll use them to cut the yarn when you finish.
Stitch markers
Plastic clips or even safety pins work. They mark your first stitch and help you count.
What are the basic crochet stitches?
The four basics are chain (ch), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), and double crochet (dc). They are the building blocks of nearly every pattern.
Each stitch builds on the one before. You start with a slip knot, make a chain, then work into that chain to create rows.
- Chain (ch): the foundation row.
- Single crochet (sc): the shortest and tightest stitch.
- Half double crochet (hdc): a middle height, adds a bit of drape.
- Double crochet (dc): tall and airy, works up fast.
Practice each stitch on a small swatch until it feels smooth. You'll know you've got it when the edges look straight and the stitches are uniform.
How do you hold the hook and yarn?
Hold the hook like a pencil or a knife, whatever feels natural. The yarn goes over your index finger, under the middle, and over the ring finger for tension.
Your tension hand controls the yarn. The hook hand just dips in and out. It feels awkward at first, but after a few rows it clicks.
If your stitches are too tight, relax your grip. If they're too loose, wrap the yarn around your finger an extra time.
How do you make a slip knot and chain?
Make a loop with the yarn, pull another loop through it, and slip it onto the hook. Pull the tail to tighten.
Then yarn over (yo) and pull through the loop on the hook. That's one chain. Repeat until you have the number of chains your pattern calls for.
The chain should be loose enough to slide on the hook easily but not sloppy. If it's too tight, your first row will be a pain.
Count your chains out loud. It's easy to lose track, and starting over is annoying.
How do you work single crochet?
Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook. Yarn over, pull up a loop. You have two loops on the hook. Yarn over again, pull through both loops. That's one single crochet.
Work across the row, then chain one and turn. The chain one is your turning chain, and it counts as the first stitch of the next row.
Single crochet is the tightest and slowest stitch. It's great for amigurumi and dishcloths.
Work under both loops of the chain unless the pattern says otherwise. That gives you a neat edge.
How do you work half double and double crochet?
Half double: yarn over, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. You have three loops. Yarn over and pull through all three at once.
Double: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through two loops. Yarn over, pull through the last two loops.
Double crochet works up fast because it's tall. It's the go-to for blankets and scarves.
For double crochet, the turning chain is three chains. For half double, it's two. Count them as stitches unless the pattern says otherwise.
How do you fix common mistakes?
If your edges are wavy, you're probably adding or dropping stitches. Count your stitches at the end of each row.
If your work curls, your tension might be too tight. Try a larger hook or loosen your yarn hand.
If you drop a stitch, you'll see a hole. Just rip back to that point and redo it. It's faster than trying to fix it.
Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each row. It saves you from counting over and over.
Step
Make a slip knot
Loop the yarn around your fingers, pull a loop through, and place it on the hook. Pull the tail to tighten it around the hook.
Chain 10
Yarn over and pull through the loop on the hook. Repeat nine more times. Count each loop on the chain as one.
Single crochet row
Insert hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops. Repeat across.
Chain and turn
Chain one, turn your work. The chain one is the turning chain. Now work single crochets into each stitch from the previous row.
Practice half double
Start a new row with a chain two. Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
Practice double crochet
Start with a chain three. Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through two loops.
Ways to change it
Use a bigger hook
A 6.5mm hook with worsted yarn makes looser, drapier stitches. Easier for beginners to see.
Use a smaller hook
A 4.5mm hook makes tighter, denser fabric. Good for amigurumi.
Try different yarn
Cotton yarn is less stretchy and shows stitches clearly. Acrylic is soft and cheap.
Learn the slip stitch
It's shorter than single crochet. Used for joining and edging. Add it once you're comfortable.
The short version
- There are four basic stitches: chain, single, half double, and double.
- Tension is the most important skill. Relax your grip for even stitches.
- Always count your stitches at the end of each row.
- The turning chain counts as the first stitch of the next row.
- Practice each stitch on a small swatch before starting a project.
- Use stitch markers to keep your place.
Questions people ask
What is the easiest crochet stitch for beginners?
The chain stitch is the easiest. It's just yarn over and pull through. Once you can chain comfortably, you can learn single crochet.
How do I keep my crochet edges straight?
Count your stitches each row. If you drop or add a stitch, the edge will slant. Use a stitch marker on the first stitch to help.
Why is my crochet curling?
Usually it's tension too tight. Try a larger hook or loosen your yarn hand. Also, check that you're not twisting your chains.
Grab your hook and start a swatch
You now have the basics down. Pick up your yarn and practice these four stitches for a few minutes. Once they feel smooth, you're ready to make something real.
