Craftuary Academy · beginner guide

How to crochet: a step-by-step guide for beginners

To crochet, you pull loops of yarn through other loops with a hook: make a slip knot, chain to make a base, then work stitches like single crochet into that chain, row by row or round by round, counting your stitches as you go.

What you need

Yarn: a smooth worsted weight (weight 4) in a light colour, so you can see each stitch. Avoid fuzzy or very dark yarn at first.
Hook: the size printed on the yarn label, often about 5 mm (US H-8) for worsted. For tight toys, go a size or two smaller (see the hook size chart).
Also handy: scissors, a blunt yarn needle and a stitch marker (a safety pin works).

The first stitches, in order

Slip knot. Makes the first loop on the hook.
Chain (ch). Yarn over, pull through the loop on the hook. Chains make the starting row.
Single crochet (sc). Insert the hook into a stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through both.
Increase (inc). Two stitches into the same stitch: the piece grows by one.
Decrease (dec). Two stitches worked together into one: the piece shrinks by one.
Magic ring. The adjustable start for anything worked in the round, with no hole in the middle.

Rows or rounds?

Flat pieces (dishcloths, scarves, blankets) are worked in rows: at the end of each row you chain one or more (the turning chain) and turn the work. Toys, hats and baskets are worked in rounds, often as a continuous spiral with a marker in the first stitch. Read more in how to crochet in the round.

Five beginner habits that save hours

Count the stitches at the end of every row or round.
Keep your tension even rather than tight; loose and even beats tight and uneven.
Go into both loops of a stitch unless the pattern says otherwise.
Check US or UK terms before you start (a UK dc is a US sc): see the abbreviations chart.
Check a pattern from anywhere in the free pattern checker before you start it.

Easy first projects

A simple scarf in one stitch, a beanie, or a small toy from the easy free patterns. When you're ready for texture, see the crochet stitches guide.

Learn it free in 3DCrochet 101 is ten short looping lessons from slip knot to sewing parts on, each with a practice pattern. Then pick an easy free pattern with every round counted.

Start Crochet 101 Easy free patterns

Fragen

Is crochet easy to learn?

Yes. Almost everything is built from a few moves: a slip knot, a chain and pulling loops through loops. Most beginners make a first small piece in an evening or two.

What should I crochet first?

A small square in single crochet (a dishcloth or coaster), or a ball, the start of most amigurumi toys. Both teach counting, which matters more than speed.

Should I learn crochet from a book, a video or a pattern?

Watch the move first, then follow a short written pattern. The Craftuary Academy lessons are looping 3D videos you can turn and watch from any angle, and they're free.

What does a crochet pattern mean by (sc, inc) x6 (18)?

Work one single crochet then one increase, six times around, and you should finish with 18 stitches.