Learning to crochet has been one of the best things I have done for myself. It makes me so happy to make cute and cozy things for my loved ones…and myself! I would love for others to find this happiness in being crafty, so here is a page dedicated to teaching crochet basics. I will provide you with a cheat sheet for stitch abbreviations. You will also learn how to do 4 basic stitches: chain, single crochet, double crochet, and half double crochet. Enjoy!

Basic Stitch Abbreviations:

ch - chain
sl st - slip stitch
sc - single crochet
dc - double crochet
hdc - half-double crochet
tr - treble crochet
sc2tog - single crochet 2 together
dc2tog - double crochet 2 together
hdc2tog - half-double crochet 2 together
fpsc - front post single crochet
fpdc - front post double crochet
bpsc - back post single crochet
bpdc - back post double crochet

*There are many more stitches that I will be using in my patterns. Any that are not provided here will be explained in detail and (if especially difficult) with video examples in my patterns. If you have any questions, please send me a message or comment below.*

How to make a slip knot and chain:

Find end of yarn and wrap around two fingers on your left hand. Wrap around one more time toward your left hand, so you have two strands visible. Insert hook under both strands. Hook the strand closest to your left hand and pull under the strand farther from left hand. Pull tight onto hook.
Yarn over hook and pull yarn through loop on hook. Continue to do this until you have the desired amount of loops.
For a visual, please watch this video.

How to single crochet:

*We will be chaining 10 for each type of stitch. This will give us a good amount of practice.*

Chain 10. Insert hook into 2nd chain from hook. Yarn over and pull through. You will now have 2 loops on hook. Yarn over and pull through both hooks. Continue to do this to the end.
Once at the end, chain 1 and turn. Insert hook into same stitch, yarn over, pull through (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops. Continue this pattern for single crochet.
For a visual, please watch this video.

How to double crochet:

Chain 10. Yarn over hook, insert hook into 3rd chain from hook, pull through first chain. You now have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. You will now have 2 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through last 2 loops. Continue to the end of the row.
When you get to the end, chain 2 and turn. Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, pull through (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops left on hook), yarn over, pull through last 2 loops. Continue this pattern for double crochet.
For a visual, please watch this video.

How to half-double crochet:

Chain 10. Yarn over hook, insert hook into 3rd chain from hook, pull through first chain. You now have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. Continue to the end of the row.
When you get the to the end, chain 2 and turn. Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, pull through (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops. Continue this pattern for half-double crochet.
For a visual, please watch this video.

 

I hope these instructions and videos have been helpful! Visit my Youtube Page for more awesome stitches!