How to Crochet for Absolute Beginner
Let's discover how to crochet! If you're a complete beginner, I offer a special FREE class you can join here, where I discuss crocheting in more detail. However, if you prefer a more straightforward approach, continue reading this blog post.
You'll learn how to Slip Knot, Foundation Chain, Single Crochet, Half Double Crochet, Double Crochet.
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Before we get into the actual pattern, I also created the Ultimate Crochet Hack Sheet! It's 2 pages with basic crochet abbreviations and symbols, hook sizes in US and UK versions, all the yarn types (with recommended hooks and projects), etc. Feel free to click on the pic or a link to my shop where you can find more details.
Video Tutorial
Check out my YouTube video tutorial where I cover everything. It's a fantastic complement to any written pattern. You're welcome to leave feedback in the video comments.
Recommended Materials
In this tutorial, I use LionBrand Cotton24/7 cotton yarn. I find that the texture stands out more with cotton yarn, and its bright colors are beneficial during tutorials. For this yarn I use a 4mm/G-6 crochet hook.
However, if you're new to crocheting and just practicing, I highly recommend using any solid color acrylic yarn that works with a 5mm/H-8 hook size.
How to Slip Knot and Foundation Chain
Use two fingers to wrap your yarn, forming an "X" shape, and hold it in place with your thumb.
Next, take your hook and slide it under the first loop, then catch the second loop. Pull the loop up, release your fingers, and tighten the knot. Don't tighten it too much; leave a bit of space to make creating your chains easier.
After creating your slip knot, you can start your foundation chain. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Repeat this process as many times as needed to reach your desired project size or as specified by the pattern.
How to Single Crochet
Below is the crochet chart for the Single Crochet. It's an excellent method for learning to read crochet charts, and understanding written instructions can sometimes be beneficial.
Begin with any number of FCH, unless a specific pattern suggests otherwise. Insert the hook into the 2nd chain from the hook (do not count the loop on your hook as the first chain, only the chains below it). One chain is represented by a V shape. You can insert the hook directly into the V shape, creating two loops above your hook.
There is an alternative method for inserting the hook in the first row. When you turn your FCH, you will notice bumps (1 bump equals 1 chain). You can insert the hook into the 2nd bump from the hook, working your stitches through the bumps.
Whichever version you chose, you inserted your hook into the second chain/bump from the hook, then yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have two loops on your hook (pic 2 below). Then YO and pull up a loop through 2 loops. You made your first SC! (pic 3 below)
Next, work a SC in each ch until you reach the end of the row.
After completing the final SC of the first row, chain 1 and turn the project as if turning a page in a book. The CH 1 is merely a turning chain and does not count as the first stitch. Therefore, your initial SC goes into the first stitch of the row. Next, work a SC in each stitch until you reach the end of the row. Always chain 1 after finishing a row to continue to the next one.
How to Half Double Crochet
Below is the crochet chart for the Half Double Crochet. It's an excellent method for learning to read crochet charts, and understanding written instructions can sometimes be beneficial.
Begin with any number of FCH, unless a specific pattern suggests otherwise. Next, do yarn over and then you insert the hook into the 2nd ch/bump from the hook (skipped ch 1 is only a turning ch). Then YO and pull up a loop. You should have three loops on your hook.
Next, yarn over and pull a loop through all three loops. You've now completed your first half double crochet! For HDC, always do a YO before placing your hook into the next ch. Continue with HDC in each ch until you reach the end of the row. Ch 1 and turn.
For every new row, begin your HDC in the first stitch (not the turning chain), and at the end, always chain 1 to turn the project for the next row.
How to Double Crochet
Below is the crochet chart for the Double Crochet. It's an excellent method for learning to read crochet charts, and understanding written instructions can sometimes be beneficial.
Begin with any number of FCH, unless a specific pattern suggests otherwise. Next, do yarn over and then you insert the hook into the 3rd ch/bump from the hook (skipped ch 2 COUNTS as a first st). Then YO and pull up a loop. You should have three loops on your hook.
Next, yarn over (YO) and draw a loop through the first two loops only (you should now have two loops on your hook), then YO again and draw a loop through the remaining two loops. You've just completed your first double crochet (DC).
First 2 chains skipped count as a first stitch of the row. Next, make DC in each ch until the end of the row. Ch 2 and turn the project.
From now on, your ch 2 at the end of the row always counts as a first stitch of the next row. Then you work your DC into the next (2nd st) and each st.
Tip: I would highly recommend to recount your stitches. Stitch markers are extremely useful, particularly for double crochet. Place them on top of the 2nd chain (as 2 chains count as the first stitch) to ensure you remember to complete your last stitch at the end of the following row.
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