Learn Basic Crochet Stitches

Really anyone can crochet. To make your first crochet projects, such as reusable cosmetic pads, a simple dishwashing sponge or dishcloth, a success, all you need is a few simple basic steps. In this blog post we will explain the basic crochet stitches with which you can easily start your new hobby and needle your first projects.

The Beginning

Everything starts with a loop. To crochet a simple loop with cast-on knots, fold the yarn end in two, fold the resulting loop down once to create a kind of “little pretzel”, and then pass the crochet hook from front to back and front again through the “pretzel ears” and tighten slightly. Now take the long end of the thread and wrap it loosely around the fingers of your left hand. Grab the thread with the needle and thread a loop through the "pretzel ears" and tighten.

Single crochet

Single crochet stitches make up the main part of a simple crochet project. The second row is the most tedious, because here the single crochet stitches have to be placed in the chain stitches of the first row. From the third row, single crochets are set into single crochets, which is much easier to do. Stitch the last stitch of the previous row and pull the thread forward as a loop. There should now be two loops on the needle. Now pull the thread again, but without first sticking the needle through a stitch, and pull it through the two loops on the needle as a new loop. A single crochet is complete and you can continue in the same way until you reach the end of a row. Then switch to the next row by turning and crocheting back again.

Chain

Most beginner crocheters first learn to crochet chains of chain stitches that are a meter long. Children in particular often really enjoy continuing them endlessly. A chain stitch consists of only one loop, which is pulled through the previous loop and so on. Always keep the long thread loosely wrapped around the fingers of your left hand so that it can slide down evenly. Hold the cast-on knot in place with your thumb and ring finger. Try to make the chain stitches the same size as possible, you will get a feel for this over time.

Slip stitch

When stitches are to be “closed”, i.e. a hem is to be crocheted, or two stitches that are a little further apart are to be held together, slip stitches are used. Just like with the single crochet stitches, pierce the stitch of the previous row and pull the thread through from the back - but also through the loop on the needle so that there is only one loop on the needle.

Increase

To make your work bigger or wider, you need to gain weight. To do this, simply do the respective stitch, such as single crochet twice in the same stitch.

Decrease

In order for the size of the crochet piece to decrease again, you have to decrease the stitches. To do this, pierce the stitch and start a single crochet. Then do the same with the next stitch so that you have three loops on your crochet hook. Finally, decrease these two stitches together, so pull the loop through all three loops on the hook.

"The doer alone learneth."- Friedrich Nietzsche

With these newly learned skills, you can now tackle your first projects and thus deepen the skills you have learned. For flawless crochet fun, we recommend our beginner-friendly KnitPro Crochet Hooks and accessories.