Starting a first crochet project can seem daunting but following these beginner guidelines can make the process much easier.
To practice basic stitches, simply follow the instructions below for crochet for beginners.
Learn to Crochet
Casting On
The first step in learning to crochet is knowing how to affix a strand of yarn to the crochet hook. There are a couple of ways to do this.
- Holding the crochet hook in the right hand and the end of the yarn in the left, place the yarn over the front and top of the hook, then bring it around and under the hook, crossing over the top of the starting strand with the second shorter strand, from left to right so that the long piece is to the left. Grab the short piece with right hand to hold it in place, before starting the foundation chain.
- Insert crochet hook under the long, left-facing strand and grab the yarn with the hook.
- Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook. Yarn is now attached to the hook.
The Foundation Chain
The foundation chain forms the basis for crochet patterns. A chain can be of any length, depending on what is called for.
- Holding the yarn strand with the left hand, continue to insert hook under yarn, grabbing the strand with the crochet hook and pulling it through the loop on the hook to make the next chain loop.
- Repeat this process. With practice, it is relatively easy to learn how to crochet chain stitches.
Forming the Chain into a Circle With the Slip Stitch
When the desired number of chain stitches has been worked, yarn is closed by joining the chain where it was started, with a slip stitch.
Hold the end (start) of the chain with the left hand and with loop still on hook, insert hook through the top part of the first chain loop, run hook under yarn and grab it, then pull it through the original starting chain loop and continue by pulling it through the loop on the hook, so that the strand goes through the two loops. The chain will now be joined, forming a circle.
Tension
When learning how to crochet, it is important to check tension. Tension can impact on the look and size of the finished work.
- If the chain is crocheted too tightly it will be difficult to pull the hook through the loops. (Crocheted work should have some give, which helps when shaping it so that it lays flat.)
- Work that is too loose is also hard to handle because it will slip off the crochet hook. Loosely worked crochet can look sloppy.
- Strive for even stitches, which improve overall appearance of crocheted work.
- To control yarn, loop it once or twice, back-to-front, around middle, ring and pinky fingers of left hand, then loop it under and over index finger before starting to crochet.
Mastering these basic stitches is essential for those who wish to learn to crochet.
* Some patterns do not call for joining the foundation chain, rather the hook is inserted in one of the chain stitches and other stitches are worked into the foundation chain.
- Common Crochet Stitches--print of this list of common crochet stitches for easy reference.
- How to Crochet a Round Jute Basket--crochet a basket using three easy stitches.
- How to Make a Crocheted Pansy--learn how to make pretty crocheted pansies to adorn household and clothing items.
Melody Rhodes - M. Rhodes is author of the Bedbug Books. She's been published in Canada, U.S. U.K. & NZ and has won awards for her poetry/prose.
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