Crochet Basics

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Crochet Basics and Tutorials Videos

Slip Stitch:
The slip stitch is used in many different ways for crochet projects. It is one of the basic stitches you will need to know when following a crochet pattern.

You will start by inserting your hook in the designated stitch (for practice, you can use the chain stitches on your chain row), yarn over and draw through both the stitch your hook is in and the loop on your hook. A slip stitch does not actually create a row or add volume to your work, but it allows you to move from one starting point or crochet point to another. Some patterns may call for slip stitches throughout yoru work in order to create various patterns or depths. You can use a slip stitch to join a new color of yarn to your work or when starting a new ball of yarn.

Below is a video demonstrating how to work a slip stitch:

Single Crochet:
The single crochet stitch is the simplest stitch you will learn to crochet. You can create a multitude of projects based on chains and single crochet stitches.

Once you have made the desired number of chains or the number required for your pattern, insert your hook in the second chain from the hook, yarn over from front to back and pull up a loop (you do this by pulling the yarn through chain that your hook is in. You will have two loops on your hook. Yarn over from front to back and draw the yarn through both loops on your hook. Continue this stitch across your chain row. Once you have single crocheted in all chains of your beginning chain, you can continue with a second row. Chain one, turn your work around and begin with the single crochet in the first single crochet going the other way. You will need to place your needle through the hole you see just under the two strands on the top of the single crochet. From the top these stitches look like chains, but from the side you will see the single crochet pattern as you continue multiple rows. Follow the same steps for crocheting additional rows.

Double Crochet:
The double crochet stitch is double the size of the single crochet stitch. Once your have made your row of chain stitches the desired length or length required by the pattern you are working on, yarn over from front to back, pull up a loop (pull the yarn through the chain stitch), yarn over again and pull through both loops on hook. The first three skipped chains counts as your first double crochet on that row. Continue this stitch across to the end of the chain row. Chain 3 and turn (this counts as your first double crochet). Each double crochet you do on the next row corresponds to a double crochet on the previos row. The first stitch you see once you turn your work will be the one underneath the chain three stitches you just made. Yarn over and insert your needle in the next double crochet stitch you see, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through both loops on hook. Continue this process to the end of the row and follow the same steps mentioned above to continue working the next row.

Below is a video to demonstrate how to work the double crochet stitch.

Dear fellow crochet enthusiasts;

Crochet begins with making sure you have the appropriate materials and patterns according to your skill level and projects that interest you. There is nothing more frustrating than choosing a pattern that you are unable to understand and complete. I know that I have started patterns in the past that I have eventually put down and never picked them back up again. Sometimes it is because I couldn't understand the way the pattern was written, while other times I was just simply bored with the pattern. Choosing a pattern that is way above your skill level can be frustrating as well.

The best way to begin is to learn the basic stitches, practice them and then learn how to read a pattern. The key to reading and following a crochet pattern is to do each stitch of the pattern one at a time. If you read too far ahead, it can get confusing. Before you know it, you will see the repetitive aspects of the pattern for the project you are working on.

The second key to following a pattern is patience. If you read the pattern and aren't sure exactly where to stitch next, try it one way and then if it doesn't work, try it another. Do not be affraid to tear out some of your work and start again. That is how you learn. I can't tell you how many times I have gotten more than halfway finished with a baby blanket and had to unravel more that half of it. There are times, however, when a small mistake can be compensated for. Think of a small mistake as a little something that makes your project unique.

On this page, I will share step by step instructions for the basic stiches, along with videos to help get you started. You can email me with any questions you may have. I look forward to being of assistance to your crocheting adventures.

Sincerely,
Jenny C Jordan
Owner and Founder

Slip Knot:
This is the beginning point of any crochet project. Wrap yarn around the hook and cross the end piece of the yarn over the main strand of yarn, creating a loop around the needle. Grab the main strand of yarn with hook and pull through the loop. Pull tight to form the knot. You should have a beginning loop on the hook. From there you will continue by making a chain the length required by the pattern you are working.

Below is a video demonstrating how to make a slip knot:

Chain Stitch:
The next step in beginning a crochet project is to learn to chain., which is abbreviated in most patterns as "ch". Once you have made your slip know, you hold your yarn in one hand and your hook in the other. You begin with one loop on your hook. Be sure to tighten or loosen the loop according to the size chains your are trying to create. Yarn over the hook from back to front and pull up a loop through your beginning loop. Now you have one chain and one loop on your hook. Continue to follow these instructions until you have the desired length of chain stitches or the number of chains needed for your pattern. This is called your beginning chain.

Below is a video demonstrating how to create your chain stitches: