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Learn to crochet

Crochet stitches for beginners

Six stitches make almost every crochet pattern. Learn them in this order: from the chain up, each stitch adds a little more height. Every picture is rendered in Krowshea 3D Yarn, step by step, on each stitch's page.

The six stitches

Learn them in this order

  1. 1Chain, rendered in Krowshea 3D YarnChain (ch)UK: chainThe first stitch you make: the foundation for rows, and the chains in spaces and loops.
  2. 2Slip stitch, rendered in Krowshea 3D YarnSlip stitch (sl st)UK: slip stitch (ss)Joins rounds and moves the hook along without adding height.
  3. 3Single crochet, rendered in Krowshea 3D YarnSingle crochet (sc)UK: double crochet (dc)The shortest stitch: firm, dense fabric for amigurumi, bags and borders.Turning chain: ch 1, usually not counted.
  4. 4Half double crochet, rendered in Krowshea 3D YarnHalf double crochet (hdc)UK: half treble (htr)Between single and double: quick and soft, good for hats and blankets.Turning chain: ch 2, often not counted.
  5. 5Double crochet, rendered in Krowshea 3D YarnDouble crochet (dc)UK: treble (tr)The tall, everyday stitch of grannies, shells and most blankets.Turning chain: ch 3, usually counted as the first stitch.
  6. 6Treble crochet, rendered in Krowshea 3D YarnTreble crochet (tr)UK: double treble (dtr)Taller still, for lace, long fans and open fabric.Turning chain: ch 4, usually counted as the first stitch.

Names are US crochet terms, with the UK name for each. See US vs UK crochet terms.

Then try

Easy textures from the same stitches

Moss stitchLemon peel stitchGranny stitchV-stitchShell stitch

First projects

Three first projects

A dishcloth

Rows of single crochet and chains: practice your edges and counting.

A granny square

Double crochet in rounds, worked into chain spaces.

A circle

Rounds and increases: the start of mandalas, hats and baskets.

Tips

While you learn

Count as you go

Count the stitches at the end of every row. See how to count crochet stitches.

A smooth yarn

A light-colored, smooth medium (4) yarn and a 5 mm (H-8) hook make stitches easy to see.

Even tension

Loops that are all the same size matter more than speed. It comes with practice.

More crochet guides

All crochet resources

Krowshea is in beta

Practice with Krowshea

In the Krowshea Studio, members will be able to:

  • Build a swatch from these stitches and see it in 3D Yarn
  • Have every row counted and checked
  • Read it in US or UK terms
  • Track rows with Make it, on your phone
Join the betaTour the Studio