Basic Crochet Stitches

 Basic Crochet Stitches
 

All crochet stitches are formations of interlocking loops. To work these loops, the hook is held in one hand and the yarn is tensioned in the other, while the hand holding the yarn also supports the work where the hook enters it. 

You can check out my video tutorial to see how to create these basic crochet stitches.

Chain Stitch (ch st)

The chain stitch (ch st) is used to form the first row of crochet, and is an integral part of many pattern stitches as well. As the foundation, it should be formed loosely enough that the hook can enter each chain easily, and the edge of the work will not draw in.

1. To start chain, make a slip knot about 6" from the yarn end; insert hook right to left.
2. Pulling both yarn ends, draw in the loop until it is close to the hook, but not to tight.
3. Wrap ball end of yarn around little finger of left hand, take it under fourth and third fingers, then over top of index finger, leaving about 2" of yarn between finger and hook.
4. Holding the slip knot between thumb and middle finger of left hand, and keeping yarn taut over index finger, push hook forward, at the same time twisting it, so yarn passes over it back to front and is caught in the slot of the hook.
5. Draw yarn through the loop, thus forming a new loop on the hook. The newly formed loop should be loose enough that the next chain can be drawn through it easily.
6. Holding chain nearest the hook with thumb and middle finger, repeat Steps 4 and 5 until you have desired number of chains (loop on hook does not count as part of the total). All chains should be the same size. If they are not, it is best to pull them out and start again.

 Single Crochet (ch)

Single Crochet (sc): Shortest of the basic stitches, it makes a firm, flat fabric. Often used to finish edges of other stitch patterns, and sometimes to join to finished sections.

1. Insert hook in 2nd chain from hook, catch yarn, and draw a loop through the chain (2 loops on hook), Yarn over hook (yo) and draw through 2 loops to complete stitch.
2. Make a single crochet in each chain across row.
3. After last stitch, chain (ch) 1 and turn; insert hook in 1st stitch to start next row.

Half Double Crochet (hdc)

Half Double Crochet (hdc): Slightly taller than single crochet (sc), this stitch has a pronounced ridge in its texture; makes a firm, attractive fabric.

1. Yarn Over (yo) and insert hook in 3rd chain from hook, catch yarn and draw a loop through the chain (3 loops on hook), Yarn over hook (yo) and draw through 3 loops to complete stitch.
2. Make 1 half double crochet (hdc) in each chain across the row.
3. After last stitch, chain (ch) 2 and turn; yarn over (yo), insert hook in 1st stitch to start next row.

Double Crochet (dc)

Double Crochet (dc): Twice as tall as single crochet (sc) and less compact. Forms the basis of many pattern stitches.

1. Yarn over (yo) and insert hook in 4th chain from hook, catch yarn and draw a loop through the chain (3 loops on hook), yarn over hook (yo) and draw through 2 loops, yarn over (yo) and draw through last 2 loops to complete stitch.
2. Make 1 double crochet (dc) in each chain across row
3. After last stitch, chain (ch) 3 and turn; yarn over (yo), insert hook in 2nd stitch to start new row.

Triple Crochet (tr)

Triple Crochet (tr): A tall stitch, more open than double crochet (dc) and used less frequently. Sometimes called treble crochet.

1. Yarn over (yo) twice, insert hook in 5th chain from hook, catch yarn, draw a loop through the chain (4 loops on hook), yarn over (yo), draw though 2 loops, yarn over (yo), draw through 2 more loops, yarn over (yo), draw through last 2 loops to complete stitch
2. Make 1 triple crochet (tr) in each chain across row.
3. After last stitch, chain (ch) 4, turn, yarn over (yo) twice, insert hook in 2nd stitch to start new row.