🧶 The First 5 Crochet Stitches Every Beginner Should Learn
So, you’ve picked up a hook and some yarn — now what? If you’re just starting your crochet journey, you might wonder which stitches to learn first. The good news is that you only need to master a few key stitches to open up a world of projects!
Let’s break down the first 5 crochet stitches every beginner should learn — complete with what they’re good for, how they look, and tips for practicing them.
✨ 1. Chain Stitch (ch)
This is the very first stitch you’ll learn — and it’s the foundation of most crochet projects.
🔹 What it does:
• Creates the base row of stitches.
• Helps build structure and height.
🔹 How to do it:
Yarn over → pull through loop. That’s it! Repeat for as many chains as needed.
🧶 Practice Tip:
Make a long chain to practice keeping your tension even. It should be consistent, not too tight or too loose.
✨ 2. Single Crochet (sc)
Short, sturdy, and oh-so-versatile. The single crochet is a go-to for beginners.
🔹 What it does:
• Creates a dense, tight fabric.
• Great for washcloths, amigurumi, and baby items.
🔹 How to do it:
Insert hook → yarn over → pull up a loop → yarn over → pull through both loops.
🧶 Practice Tip:
Try rows of single crochet to get comfortable working into each stitch and turning your work.
✨ 3. Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Think of this as a middle ground between the single and double crochet. It’s a fave for wearables!
🔹 What it does:
• Slightly taller than sc.
• Gives a nice, smooth texture — perfect for clothing and accessories.
🔹 How to do it:
Yarn over → insert hook → yarn over → pull up a loop → yarn over → pull through all 3 loops.
🧶 Practice Tip:
This stitch works up faster than sc and gives your fabric more flexibility — try it in a headband or cowl!
✨ 4. Double Crochet (dc)
Want to make blankets, scarves, or anything flowy? This is your stitch.
🔹 What it does:
• Taller than hdc, with more open space.
• Works up super fast.
🔹 How to do it:
Yarn over → insert hook → yarn over → pull up a loop → yarn over → pull through 2 loops → yarn over → pull through last 2 loops.
🧶 Practice Tip:
Keep an eye on your row height and use stitch markers to help count — this one adds height quickly!
✨ 5. Slip Stitch (sl st)
This isn’t a stitch you’ll build fabric with, but it’s essential for joining and finishing.
🔹 What it does:
• Joins rounds.
• Moves your yarn without adding height.
• Finishes off your work neatly.
🔹 How to do it:
Insert hook → yarn over → pull through stitch and loop on hook.
🧶 Practice Tip:
Use slip stitches when joining granny squares or closing up hats. It’s a little tricky at first because it’s tight — but so useful!
🎉 Ready to Get Stitching?
Once you’re confident with these 5 stitches, you’ll be ready to tackle dozens of beginner patterns! From dishcloths and scarves to hats and bikini tops — it all starts here.
💡 Pro Tip: Make a Practice Swatch
Grab your favorite yarn and try making a small swatch with:
• 10 chains
• 2 rows of each stitch (sc, hdc, dc)
• Slip stitch around the border
You’ll learn tension, turning rows, and how each stitch looks and feels!
