Stitch… you basic! (Basic Crochet Stitches)
Written by Freddy
In this first installment of Crochet 101, we are introducing you to the very most common building blocks of the craft: the basic crochet stitches. Everyday, crocheters around the world are combing these simple components in novel and interesting ways to make beautiful and unique things. In other words, a little can go a long way!
Amigurumi crocheters in particular generally use just a few simple stitches and techniques and somehow manage to come up with a universe of creative and one of a kind amis.
As a matter of fact, when other crocheters tell me they are nervous about trying out amigurumi for the first time, I usually joke, “There’s nothing to worry about–it’s just a bunch of single crochets.”
Whether your goal is to become a clothes designer or ami-maker, it will serve you well to bone up on the following basic crochet stitches.
There’s nothing to worry about–it’s just a bunch of single crochets.
Practice makes perf better! Take time to practice each basic crochet stitch.
Although I am not the boss of you—ahem— I do strongly recommend giving yourself some homework if you are brand new to crochet. Try each of the following basic stitches out (or any you that are new to you) until your hand feels comfortable making them.
Honestly, the hardest part of learning to crochet is getting past the point where it feels like you have never used your own hands before. I equate this to the feeling you might have had the first time you tried to use chopsticks or play the guitar or type. I’m talking about that “what ARE these useless claws at the ends of my wrists?!?” feeling. If you can stick with it long enough to get beyond that point, each subsequent stitch you attempt will get easier and easier to learn. You’ll also notice that, as your hands become more comfortable, your stitches will grow more consistent in size and tension, which is very important to crochet.
Note: Knife Grip v. Pencil Grip
If you are having trouble getting comfortable, check out how other crocheters hold their yarn and hook. There are two basic methods: the pencil grip and the knife grip (go ahead, google it if you dare—or just check out this very fun post by Moogly Blog!). Most people seem to strongly favor one or the other, probably based on how they initially learned. For me, watching someone use the knife grip is a bit like watching my left handed spouse chop vegetables—it’s perfectly natural and safe for them, but looks WILDLY reckless to me.
Okay, enough babble. Let’s do this thing!
The Basic Crochet Stitches
You can also download our Terms and Techniques pdf for one the go use!
Chain
ch
Represented in diagrams as:
Make a slip knot, then insert your hook into the loop. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the loop. You have made one chain. Repeat to the desired length.
Note: Chains are commonly used when working in rows or joined rounds to add height to the work before beginning the next round.
Slip stitch
sl st/ss
Represented in diagrams as:
Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull the yarn through the stitch and the loop on your hook.
Single Crochet (US)/ Double Crochet (UK)
sc /dc
Represented in diagrams as:
Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull the yarn through the stitch. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through both loops around your hook.
When working in rows and joined rounds it is common to make one chain before beginning the next row or round of single crochets.
Half Double Crochet (US)/ Half Treble Crochet (UK)
hdc/htr
Represented in diagrams as:
Yarn over, then insert your hook into the next stitch. Yarn over, and pull the yarn through the stitch. Yarn once more and pull the yarn through all three loops around your hook.
When working in rows and joined rounds it is common to make one chain before beginning the next row or round of half double crochets.
Double Crochet (US)/ Treble Crochet (UK)
dc /tr
Represented in diagrams as:
Yarn over, then insert your hook into the next stitch. Yarn over, and pull the yarn through the stitch. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the next two loops around your hook. Yarn over a final time and pull the yarn through the remaining two loops around your hook.
When working in rows and joined rounds it is common to make two chains before beginning the next row or round of double crochets.
Treble Crochet (US)/ Double Treble Crochet (UK)
tr/dtr
Represented in diagrams as:
Yarn over twice, then insert your hook into the next stitch. Yarn over, and pull the yarn through the stitch. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the first two loops around your hook. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the next two loops around your hook. Yarn over a final time and pull the yarn through the remaining two loops around your hook.
When working in rows and joined rounds it is common to make three chains before beginning the next row or round of treble crochets.
Rad! Now that you are familiar with all these basic stitches, we can move on to the fun stuff!
The next post will dig into some basic techniques we use regularly in amigurumi making (and which are also very useful in other types of crochet), including the dreaded MAGIC RING, working into front and back loops, invisible joins, and increasing and decreasing.
Woohoo! You are on your way!
Written by Freddy
NGL, any time is see the term double treble I think of that line from It Was a Good Day: “Last week I messed around and got a triple double”. Then I am whisked into a fantasy world in which Ice Cube and his nanna sit around making doilies together.
Have a question about any of these stitches?!? Well…
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