How to Crochet for Beginners (5 Easy Tips for Success)

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With just a few simple tools and some basic knowledge, anyone can learn to crochet and create beautiful, handmade items like granny squares, washcloths and more!

Below, we’ll go over the basics of how to crochet, including the tools you will need, the different types of stitches, and some beginner-friendly patterns to get you started.

supplies to learn how to crochet
What you’ll need to learn how to crochet

What You’ll Need to Learn How to Crochet

Tools

Before you can begin crocheting, you will need a few essential tools. These include:

  1. Crochet Hook: The crochet hook is the most important tool for crocheting. Crochet hooks come in various sizes, which determine the size of the stitches you create. For beginners, it is recommended to start with a medium-sized hook, such as a 5.5 mm or 6 mm hook.
  2. Yarn: There are many different types of yarn available, ranging from thin, delicate yarns to thick, bulky ones. For beginners, it is best to start with a medium-weight yarn, such as worsted weight yarn. This type of yarn is easy to work with and comes in a wide variety of colors.
  3. Scissors: You will need a pair of sharp scissors to cut the yarn as you work.
  4. Tapestry Needle: A tapestry needle is used to weave in the loose ends of your yarn when you have finished your project. It may also be called a yarn needle.
  5. Stitch Markers: These little tools help you keep your place when you are working crochet patterns. For example, you can place a stitch marker in the first stitch of a project, so you’ll know exactly where the first stitch is.

Tip: Any yarn, hook size and scissors will work when you are first starting to crochet. Make sure your hook size matches the recommended hook size on the yarn used.

The chain stitch in crochet

Basic Stitches

Once you have your tools ready, it’s time to learn some basic stitches in your journey of, learning how to crochet. You will notice after the name of the stitch is the abbreviation of that stitch. Crochet stitch abbreviations commonly are shown this way in written crochet patterns.

There are four basic stitches that are used in almost all crochet patterns:

  1. Chain Stitch (ch): This is the most basic stitch in crochet. To make a chain stitch, simply wrap the yarn around the hook, then pull it through the loop on the hook..
    • Turning Chains: A turning chain is the chain made at the start of a row (or end of the row) with your hook to bring the yarn up to the height of the next row. The turning chain number will depend on what crochet stitch you are using.
      • 1 turning chains = single crochet
      • 2 turning chains = half double crochet
      • 3 turning chains = double crochet.
  2. Single Crochet (sc): The single crochet stitch is one of the most commonly used stitches in crochet. To make a single crochet stitch, insert the hook into the next chain stitch, wrap the yarn around the hook, then pull it through the chain stitch. You should now have two loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn around the hook again, then pull it through both loops on the hook.
  3. Half Double Crochet (hdc): The half double crochet stitch is slightly taller than the single crochet stitch. To make a half double crochet stitch, wrap the yarn around the hook, then insert the hook into the next chain stitch. Wrap the yarn around the hook again, then pull it through the chain stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn around the hook again, then pull it through all three loops on the hook.
  4. Double Crochet (dc): The double crochet stitch is even taller than the half double crochet stitch. To make a double crochet stitch, wrap the yarn around the hook, then insert the hook into the next chain stitch. Wrap the yarn around the hook again, then pull it through the chain stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn around the hook again, then pull it through the first two loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn around the hook again, then pull it through the last two loops on the hook.

You will also need to know how to slip knot which is how the yarn gets attached to the crochet hook.

Beginner-Friendly Crochet Patterns

Now that you have your tools and know the basic stitches, it’s time to start learning how to crochet patterns! Here are some beginner-friendly patterns to get you started:

  1. Granny Square: A granny square is relatively simple to make. It requires only a few basic crochet stitches – typically chain stitches, double crochet stitches, and slip stitches. These stitches are easy to learn and can be quickly mastered with some practice.
  2. Dishcloth: A dishcloth is a great first project because it’s small and easy to make. To make a dishcloth, start by chaining 26 stitches. Then, starting with the second from the hook single crochet, work single crochet stitches for the entire first row, turn your work. For the second row, work in half double crochet stitches. For the third row, work in double crochet stitches. Repeat these three rows until your dishcloth is the desired size, fasten off and weave in the loose ends with a tapestry needle. You now have a functional and practical dishcloth!
  3. Scarf: A scarf is another great beginner project that can be customized to your liking. To make a scarf, start by chaining a length that is about as long as you want your finished scarf to be. Then, work in single crochet stitches for the entire length of the scarf. When you reach the end of a row, chain one, then turn your work and continue working in single crochet stitches. Repeat this until your scarf is the desired width. You can experiment with different types of yarn and stitch patterns to create a unique and personalized scarf.

5 Crochet Tips for Beginners

As you learn how to crochet, you will want to keep a few things in mind.

  1. Practice, practice, practice: Like any skill, crocheting takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first few projects don’t turn out exactly how you imagined. Keep practicing and you will see improvement over time.
  2. Count your stitches: Counting your stitches is important to make sure that your project turns out the right size and shape. Use stitch markers to help you keep track of your stitches.
  3. Take breaks: Crocheting can be time-consuming, so it’s important to take breaks and give your hands and wrists a rest. Stretching exercises can also help prevent hand and wrist strain.
  4. Use quality materials: Investing in quality materials will make a big difference in the finished product. Using high-quality yarn and a comfortable crochet hook can make crocheting more enjoyable and easier on your hands. (Tulip Etimo are my favorite crochet hooks)
  5. Have fun: Crocheting should be a fun and relaxing hobby. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of yarn, stitch patterns, and projects to find what you enjoy most.

Remember that it is ok for beginners to make mistakes when learning how to crochet. The best thing to do is learn from them and become an even better crocheter for it.

Common Questions About Learning How to Crochet

What are the basic steps to crochet?

  1. Choose your yarn and crochet hook: Select the yarn and crochet hook appropriate for your project. The yarn label will provide the recommended hook size for the yarn.
  2. Make a slip knot: To start, make a slip knot by creating a loop with the yarn and pulling one end through the loop. Adjust the loop size to fit comfortably on your hook.
  3. Create a foundation chain: Chain stitch is the basic stitch used to create the foundation chain. Yarn over, pull the yarn through the slip knot loop on your hook, creating one chain stitch. Repeat until you have the desired number of chain stitches.
  4. Work the first row: The first row of stitches is worked into the foundation chain. The most basic stitch used in crochet is the single crochet stitch. Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook. Repeat in each chain stitch across the foundation chain.
  5. Continue working rows: Turn your work and work back across the row. Chain one stitch and work the next row in single crochet. Repeat until you reach the desired length.
  6. Fasten off: Cut the yarn, leaving a tail about 6 inches long. Yarn over and pull the tail through the last loop on the hook, securing it in place.
  7. Weave in ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in the loose ends of the yarn, ensuring that they are hidden within the fabric of the project.

Can I teach myself to crochet?

Yes, absolutely! Many people teach themselves how to crochet, and it’s a great hobby to learn on your own. With some patience and practice, anyone can learn to crochet.

There are many resources available online to help you get started with crocheting. YouTube videos, online tutorials and beginner crochet books can be especially helpful, as you can see the stitches being made in real-time. Many crochet patterns also include step-by-step instructions and photos to guide you through the process.

It’s important to start with simple projects when learning to crochet. As mentioned earlier, granny squares and a simple scarf are great beginner projects that can help you practice the basic stitches and techniques.

What is the first thing a beginner should crochet?

The first thing a beginner should crochet depends on their individual preferences, but there are a few projects that are commonly recommended for those new to crocheting.

  • granny squares
  • small coasters
  • dishcloths
  • scarves

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