Crochet Stitch

Using the term "crochet stitch" is actually a little misleading. According to the Crochet Guide at Annie's Attic, there are more than 20 stitches or techniques that can be defined as basic to crochet. Here are some of the most popular stitches, as well as some beginner patterns that will help you learn them.

Chain Stitch

The foundation of all crochet is the chain stitch. Every pattern is built from the loops of the chain stitch, and every pattern will start with a command to "ch" a certain number of stitches.

How to Make a Chain

Before you start chaining, you need to know how to make a slip knot. This will keep your crochet project from unraveling.

To make a chain, start with a slip knot, hold the hook in whatever way is most comfortable for you.
There should be one loop on the hook after you make your slip knot.
Draw the yarn over the hook (also called a yarn over or yo).
Pass the loop that was on the hook over the yarn and end of the hook to create a new loop on the hook.
Repeat for each chain.

Repeating this process forms a chain of loops. Continue this process until you have as many stitches as the pattern calls for. To practice, chain 10 to 20 stitches until you are comfortable with the movement and holding the hook.

Single Crochet Stitch

You can't make projects with chains alone. With a few more basic stitches, you can read, understand, and follow a pattern. In fact, once you've mastered the single and double crochet, you can teach yourself almost any other stitch.

The next most basic crochet technique is the single crochet (sc).

How to Single Crochet

You form a single crochet on the second loop in the chain.

Skip the first chain, and insert hook into the second chain.
Yarn over hook and bring it through the chain stitch. Two loops are on the hook.
Pull the yarn through both loops.
Insert the hook in the next stitch.
Repeat the first four steps until you reach the end of the row.
Chain one and turn the work..
Single crochet in the opposite direction.

A basic pattern you can try to learn single crochet is to make a coaster set or a hot pad. Chain as many stitches as you need to achieve the desired width of the project, then single crochet each row. Make sure to add the chain stitch at the end of each row until you have reached your desired length. Finish by sliding the last loop off the hook and slipping the yarn through it to make a knot.

Half Double Crochet Stitch

Represented by "hdc" on a pattern, half double crochet starts on the third loop of the chain.

How to Do a Half Double Crochet Stitch

Wrap the yarn around the hook and insert in the third loop.
Yarn over and pull the yarn through the loop leaving three loops on the hook.
Yarn over again and pull through all three loops on the hook.
One loop will be on the hook.
Repeat across the row.
Chain two and turn.

To use this basic stitch, check out the Basic Chenille Dishcloth.

Double Crochet Stitch

Double crochet (dc) is a little more complicated than the previous stitches.

How to Do a Double Crochet

With the yarn over the hook, insert hook through the third chain from the hook.
Yarn over and pull one loop through. You'll have three loops on the hook.
Yarn over again and pull through two loops that are on the hook, leaving two loops.
Then yarn over again and slide off two again, leaving one new loop on the hook.
Repeat across the row.
Chain three and turn.

A beautiful project to practice with is the Double Crochet Heart Scarf.

Triple Crochet Stitch

Triple crochet (tc), also known as treble crochet, is similar to double crochet but makes a really open, airy design.

How to Triple Crochet

Bring the yarn over the hook four times, five loops on the hook.
Skip three chains and insert the hook in the fourth chain.
Yarn over and draw the loop through the chain.
Yarn over and draw through two loops.
Yarn over and draw through two loops
Yarn over and draw through the last two loops.
Repeat across the row.
Chain four and turn.

A good way to practice this stitch is with the Treble Cross Stitch Scarf.

Crocheting Takes Practice

Almost all the crochet projects that you come across will use these basic stitches or variations of them. Once you can make the basic stitches, you will be able to create scarves, sweaters, mittens, afghans, and other projects for yourself, your home, and as gifts. Although learning any crochet stitch takes practice, the resulting project is often spectacular.