Beginner Crochet Stitches to learn

Are you interested in learning how to crochet? These are the first six basic crochet stitches you will want to learn and master

So, you want to crochet but don’t really know where to start? We can help! With so many different stitches and techniques, it can get super confusing. But, there are a few basic stitches that are perfect for any beginner to start with.

six rows of different crochet stitches with title

What are the basic stitches in crochet?

If you are just starting out, you will most likely first learn how to make a chain (ch), work a slip stitch (sl st), make a single crochet (sc), half double (hdc), double stitch (dc) and then the treble or triple stitch (tc or tr).

Why are those the best beginner crochet stitches to learn first? The Chain (ch) is important because it forms the foundation of many patterns.

The other stitches are great because they all build on each other. Each stitch is like an advanced version of the one before.

Please note: this article uses U.S. American crochet terms. Check this chart for corresponding UK definitions.

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Note: for this tutorial, I used very inexpensive cotton yarn and a size I crochet hook.

Make sure to check out how to make a Magic Circle

List of Stitches:

1. The Chain Stitch (ch)

As mentioned above, a series of chain stitches (ch) is the foundation for many patterns. Crocheting a chain is super easy and is nothing more than a series of loops that you pull with your hook.

Usually, this is the very first technique you need to learn. Not only because it forms the base of your crochet work but also because this is a great way for you to learn how to hold the crochet hook and get comfortable with the basic crochet movements.

How do you make a Crochet Chain?

Make a Slip Knot
Yarn Over
Pull yarn backward through loop
Repeat until you have the required number of chains (per your pattern)

Note: It is possible to begin your project without a bunch of chain stitches. Basically, you crochet the chain and the first row together. Here is a good article on that method.

2. The Slip Stitch (sl st)

The slip stitch is often used to join the end of a round of stitches to the beginning. Without joining, your rows end up as more of a spiral than round. You can also use a slip stitch to add a bit of texture to your piece.

This is the shortest stitch and unlike the single, half double, double and triple stitches, it does not really add any height. It is essentially a partial single crochet stitch that eliminates the yarn over at the end.

How do you make a Slip Stitch?

Insert hook in chain stitch
Yarn Over
Pull yarn backward through two loops

3. The Single Crochet (sc)

Once you have become comfortable making chains and slip stitches, you are ready to move on to single crochet. When working the singles in the beginning chain, you will start the first single crochet in the second chain from your hook.

How do you crochet a Single Stitch?

Insert hook in chain stitch
Yarn Over
Pull yarn backward through one loop
Yarn Over
Pull yarn backward through both loops on hook

4. The Half Double Crochet (hdc)

As the name suggests, the half double stitch falls somewhere between the single and the double in height. (If you are making your half doubles in a foundation chain, you will begin the first stitch in the third chain from the hook).

How to make a Half Double Stitch

Yarn Over
Insert the hook in stitch
Pull the yarn backward through one loop
Yarn Over
Pull the yarn backward through all loops on the hook

5. The Double Crochet Stitch (dc)

The double stitch creates a row that is about twice the height of the single crochet. The basic technique is the same but there are a few more yarn overs and pull throughs.

If you are making your doubles in the foundation chain stitches, you will begin the first double in the fourth chain from the hook.

How to crochet a double stitch

Yarn Over
Insert hook in chain
Yarn Over
Pull yarn backward through one loop
Yarn Over
Pull yarn backward through two loops
Yarn Over
Pull yarn backward through the last two loops on hook

6. The Triple or Treble Stitch (tc or tr)

Finally, the triple (also called the treble) crochet stitch is the next one you will probably learn. It is a very tall stitch, making an open and airy fabric.

To make the triples in the foundation chain, you will begin your first triple in the fifth chain stitch from below.

How to crochet a triple stitch

Yarn Over two times
Insert hook in stitch
Yarn Over
Pull thru one loop
Yarn Over
Pull thru two loops
Yarn Over
Pull thru last two loops on the hook

This is the perfect Beginners Crochet Book

Now that you know and can work these six beginner crochet stitches, you can pretty much master any stitch out there. Are you ready for something new? Why not try the Puff Stitch next?