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 big ones, as well as some 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. This is what they mean.

Before you start chaining, though, 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, then draw the yarn over the hook (also called a yarn over or yo) and pass the loop that was on the hook over the end of the hook, so that the yarn over portion of the yarn creates a new loop on the hook.

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

Projects don’t get made with chains alone, but with a few more basic stitches you can read, understand and follow a pattern. In fact, once you've mastered the single or double crochet, you can teach yourself almost any other stitch. The next most basic crochet technique is the single crochet (sc).

A single crochet is formed on the second loop in the chain, that is, you skip the loop that is right next to the loop on your hook and begin with the second loop. Pick up the top of the loop with the hook, Wrap the working yarn around the hook and slide the second loop off, making a new loop with the working yarn.

Then wrap the yarn around the hook again, this time drawing the yarn through both loops. In the end you will have one loop around the hook and will have made a single crochet. At the end of each row you need to chain one stitch and skip this one when you turn the work and start single crochets in the other 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, making 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. Wrap the yarn around the hook and insert in the third loop. Yarn over and slide the loop through, leaving three loops on the hook.

Yarn over again and slide all three hoops through, leaving one on the hook. To use this basic stitch, check out the Basic Chenille Dishcloth.

Double Crochet Stitch

Double crochet (dc) is a little more complicated. With the yarn wrapped over the hook, pick up the second loop. Yarn over and slide one loop through. You’ll then have three loops on the hook. Yarn over again and slide two loops off the hook, leaving two loops. Then yarn over again and slide off two again, leaving one new loop.

Triple Crochet Stitch

Triple crochet (tc) also known as treble crochet, is similar to double crochet but makes a really open, airy design. Start with the yarn wrapped twice around the hook, and use the fifth loop as your first stitch. Yarn over and draw one loop through, leaving four loops on the hook.

Then yarn over and draw two loop through three times. This will leave you with one loop on the hook. A good way to practice this stitch is with the Double Ruffle Boa.

More Crochet Stitches

To find out more about the other crochet stitches, here are some resources:

• Lion Brand Learn to Crochet
• Annie’s Attic Stitching Guide
• Crochet.org
• Crochet Pattern Central
• DMC
• Crochet Memories

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