Crochet is an incredibly versatile and rewarding craft, but it all begins with mastering the basic stitches. These foundational stitches are essential to creating a wide range of crochet projects, from beginner designs to more advanced patterns. Once you’ve learned these basic stitches, you’ll have the skills to expand your crochet repertoire and take on more complex challenges.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important basic crochet stitches, explaining how and where to use them. If you’re ready to learn more, check out our guides on Advanced Stitches and Specialty & Complex Stitches for additional techniques that will take your crochet to the next level. You can also explore the full Crochet Stitches List to see the complete collection of stitches.
For customizable digital invitations and party extras, visit our second site, DIY Printables, offering beautiful digital cards, birthday party invitations, and more!
1. Chain Stitch (ch)
The Chain Stitch (ch) is the most basic crochet stitch and is the foundation for almost every crochet project. It is used to start rows, create loops, and form the basis for more complex stitches.
- Use: Foundation rows, starting chains, creating loops.
- How to do it: Simply yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook. Repeat as many times as needed for your starting chain.
2. Slip Stitch (sl st)
The Slip Stitch (sl st) is often used to join stitches together, create a seamless join, or move your yarn to a new position without adding height to your work. It’s also used in more decorative stitches.
- Use: Joining rounds, finishing edges, moving between stitches.
- How to do it: Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
3. Single Crochet (sc)
The Single Crochet (sc) is one of the most common crochet stitches, creating a dense and tight fabric. It’s great for projects like scarves, blankets, and amigurumi (crochet toys).
- Use: Blankets, scarves, amigurumi, solid fabric.
- How to do it: Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, and pull through both loops on the hook.
4. Half Double Crochet (hdc)
The Half Double Crochet (hdc) is a slightly taller stitch than the single crochet but shorter than the double crochet. It’s ideal for adding texture and height to your work without creating large gaps.
- Use: Hats, blankets, clothing, textured projects.
- How to do it: Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over again, and pull through all three loops on the hook.
5. Double Crochet (dc)
The Double Crochet (dc) is one of the taller basic stitches, which makes it great for projects that need height and flexibility. It creates a more open fabric than single crochet and is often used in garments and large projects like blankets.
- Use: Blankets, garments, shawls, open lace patterns.
- How to do it: Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over again, and pull through the first two loops on the hook. Yarn over once more and pull through the remaining two loops.
6. Treble (or Triple) Crochet (tr)
The Treble Crochet (tr) stitch is even taller than the double crochet, making it ideal for creating lace patterns, airy garments, or decorative elements. It’s a less common stitch in everyday projects but is often used in more intricate designs.
- Use: Shawls, lace, openwork patterns, light garments.
- How to do it: Yarn over twice, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over again and pull through two loops, repeat until only one loop remains on the hook.
Conclusion
Mastering these basic stitches is the key to unlocking a world of crochet possibilities. Whether you’re making simple scarves, intricate garments, or large blankets, these fundamental stitches will be your building blocks.
Once you feel confident in the basics, explore our Advanced Stitches and Specialty & Complex Stitches for more complex techniques. And for a full overview of all the stitches, take a look at our complete Crochet Stitches List.
If you’re also planning a special event, check out DIY Printables for custom digital invitations, birthday party cards, and more to add a creative touch to your celebrations!
