How To Crochet
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If you’re a beginner who might not know how to crochet, or a novice wanting to pick up a trick or two, we’ve compiled a list of resources for beginning crochet. Once you learn the basics, be sure to come check out some of our crochet dishcloth, or coffee cozy patterns. They are quick, one skein or less projects you can do to practice your new skills.
Image Credit: Melica via Shutterstock
This post will contain links explaining everything you will need to begin your new hobby, from supplies to basic stitches.
How to Crochet
Crochet Supplies
The first step in crochet is having the correct tools of the trade. You’ll need the following to begin: yarn, crochet hook, stitch markers (or a long piece of yarn in a contrasting color), and scissors.
Different Yarn Types and Deciphering the Terminologies – Happy Berry Crochet (Sorry – link no longer available)
Yarn type is very important for the type of project that you choose. This post outlines the different types of yarns that can be purchased, as well as what the numbers mean, and what type of projects you can expect to complete with each. A great way to familiarize yourself with yarn prior to going yarn shopping the first time.
How to Choose the Best Crochet Hooks – The Craftsy Blog
Crochet hooks, explained. Ever wonder about their shape, or size? This is a great article that shares the parts of a crochet hook, and what type of hook is needed for certain types of crochet.
Top 6 Crochet Hook Sizes and Patterns – All Free Crochet
A handy crochet hook size chart, giving the US, English, and metric sizes. This website also includes patterns by what size hook you own. Great for beginners who don’t have a full collection yet.
How to Use Stitch Markers in Knitting and Crochet – Lion Brand
A helpful video on how to use stitch markers in your yarn projects to keep your place. I found stitch markers particularly useful when I first started crocheting to mark the end of rows, specifically in projects that I started in the round. If you don’t have stitch markers, I also sometimes use a long piece of yarn in a contrasting color to help keep my place.
Scissors
Let’s face it, we all have our favorite types of scissors. I personally use the Cutter Bee by EK Success (I know, a scrapbooking scissor), however, I’ve also heard people say that they use their favorite embroidery scissors for cutting yarn. The Crochet Crowd shared a unique way to cut yarn, on a necklace. For less than $10, you can own your very own yarn cutter necklace and save having to transport scissors along when you take a project on the go.
Beginning Crochet
Now that you have your tools, you’re ready to begin. Learn everything from how to get your yarn on your hook, to finishing your work.
Slip Knot – Make and Takes
Watch a video for how to get your yarn on the hook for the very first time by using a slip knot.
How to Start a Crochet Chain – Patchwork Posse
The beginning chain is the foundation of every crochet project. Learn how to begin and create the chain stitch.
The Magic Circle – Moogly Blog
In any crochet project where you will crochet in a circle, you’ll need to create a foundation and join it together. Using the magic circle can be an easy way to allow for the project to begin in the round and close up nice and tightly. This video tutorial shows how this is done.
Single Crochet – One Artsy Mama
Once you have those chains on the hook, it’s time to begin the stitches. The single crochet is one of the most basic stitches to learn. In this tutorial, you’ll find great photo representation for how to complete your first row, turn your work, and move along.
Learn How to Change Colors in Crochet – Rescued Paw Designs
As you start crocheting more often, you’ll hit a stage where you are ready to begin changing colors. Perhaps you want a striped design, or some type of geometric pattern, changing colors isn’t as hard as it looks.
Changing Colors in the Round – Little Monkeys Crochet
I wanted to also include a tutorial for how to change colors when working in the round (for instance on a hat pattern). The process is very similar to a straight design, however in the round you want to make it as seamless as possible so that there isn’t a visible change in the pattern. This article has great photos to show how to do just that.
Half Double Crochet Stitch – The Stitchin’ Mommy
The half double crochet stitch is a great one for dishcloths, hats, and more.
Double Crochet Stitch – Heart Hook Home
Another simple, yet popular, beginning crochet stitch. Great video tutorial.
Invisible Finish – Playin’ Hooky Designs
Finish your project clean and without a large knot. This tutorial shows you how to finish off your project nice and secure.
Crochet Finish Technique: “Crochet Evenly Around” – Crochet Spot
This site gives us a tutorial for how to make a clean edge around our projects to finish them off nicely.
Crochet Patterns
Think you’ve got the hang of some basic stitches now? Feel comfortable moving on? If so, I’ve got a few more tips for you. Read the section below for some beginner crochet patterns, terminology you may find during patterns, and more information on how to read crochet patterns.
Learning to Read Crochet Patterns – Annie’s Catalog (Sorry – Link no longer available)
If you are a beginner at reading patterns, this article is for you. Includes a nice chart of the popular crochet terms, and walks you through how patterns are written to account for repeats and new rows.
Crochet Symbols and Directions Chart – Dabbles and Babbles
A great printable resources that shows crochet symbols you may encounter on patterns.
Crochet Terms Translated – Oombawka Designs
See a pattern in another language that you’d like to create? The article includes the translated terminology from many countries.
Easy Round Dishcloth Pattern – Midwestern Moms
Pick up a hook and try creating this easy round dishcloth pattern for yourself, or to give away as a gift. Crochet dishcloths are some of the best.
Free Scarf Crochet Pattern – Midwestern Moms
Ready to try your hand at something wearable? Winter is coming! This is a great pattern for beginners.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed our roundup of crochet resources. What type of projects are you looking forward to beginning with your new hobby?
I would love to learn how to crochet. I would make so many things.
I may have to go get some supplies and start up again. All I know how to do is the basic chain stitch but I think learning more stitches and how to make things might spark my imagination. Thanks for a great blog post.
Thank you for teaching me how to do the invisible seam and you’re finishing techniques. I am so glad I found you. Cruz
Would you consider including pictures for lefties?
I would need to learn how to crochet left handed first. That may take a while for me to learn. :)
Hello, can you tell me how to do the popcorn stitch?
Thanks
Hello. I don’t have a tutorial on that stitch yet. Here is a tutorial that may help you though.