A Guide to Crochet
Learn the basic steps to crocheting, including how to hold the hook, chaining, casting on, and single and double crochetting.
The Basics to Crochet
Click the step below that you want to learn:
Learn how to properly grip your hook.
Most crocheting begins with a simple slip knot. Learn the steps to tying this knot.
Learn the fundamental chain stitch.
Learn how to complete a single crochet stitch.
Learn how to complete a double crochet stitch.
Learn how to make a magic ring stitch. Useful for crocheting in a round.
Learn the half double crochet stitch.
HOLDING THE HOOK
The Pencil Grip
Hold the hook as if you are holding a pencil. Use your thumb and index finger to grasp the flat part of the hook. Your middle finger can be used to help support your grip.
The Knife Grip
Hold the hook as if you are holding a knife to cut food. Grip the middle of the hook with your fingers. Position your index finger at the top of your hook.
Positioning Your Yarn
To create tension in your yarn, weave the yarn between your fingers in your left hand.
SLIP KNOT
1. Hold the yarn end in one hand and loop it around your index finger in your other hand, crossing the yarn end and the working yarn at the bottom.
2. Place your fingers through the loop and grab the working yarn. Pull it through to form another loop. Gently tighten.
3. Place your slip knot around your hook and tighten it to fit.
CHAIN STITCH
1. Yarn over
Take your yarn and pull it over your hook from back to front.
2. Pull through
Pull the yarn in your hook through the loop on your hook.
3. Repeat
Yarn over, pull through, and continue repeating until you have the desired amount of chain stitches.
SINGLE CROCHET
1. Insert hook
After turning your work, insert your hook into the second stitch from your hook.
2. Yarn over
Take your yarn and pull it over your hook from back to front.
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3. Pull through stitch
Pull your hook through the stitch, drawing your yarn with it. You will now have two loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over again
Take your yarn and pull it over your hook from back to front.
5. Pull through both loops
Pull your hook through both the loops on your hook, drawing your yarn with it.
DOUBLE CROCHET
1. Yarn over
Take your yarn and pull it over your hook from back to front.
2. Insert hook
Insert your hook into the second chain from your hook. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have three loops on your hook.
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3. Yarn over and pull through two loops
Yarn over again and pull through the first two loops on your hook. You now have two loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over and pull through last two loops
Yarn over again and pull through the last two loops on your hook. You now have one loop on your hook. Your double crochet is complete!
MAGIC RING
1. Start by making a loop as you would to make a slip knot.
2. Insert the hook from the back toward the front and wrap the yarn around the hook to pull through the loop, but don't tighten.
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3. To make your first stitch insert the hook back into the loop (front to back), making sure to trap the yarn tail, and make your first stitch.
4. Continue making stitches until you have the number you need.
HALF DOUBLE CROCHET
