Crochet Beginners Basics

If you’re just learning how to crochet you probably have tons of questions about patterns, yarn types, getting started and learning to read a pattern.  We can help you wade through the questions that you need to help you become a crochet expert in just a little bit of time.  If you’re interested in learning to crochet then all you need is determination, yarn and a crochet hook to get started.

About Patterns

Patterns can be baffling to the beginning crocheter but there’s really no mystery to them!  The easiest crochet patterns are the ones with one or two simple stitches and you can make a variety of items from them!  Let’s talk about some of the basic crochet stitches that you’ll use when you start any pattern.

Always the first stitch

The first stitch you’re going to use on any item that you make is a chain stitch. The chain stitch creates a foundation for every single crochet pattern that you’re ever going to use. Whether it’s a granny square for a blanket or a more complex pattern for that sweater for a special someone, you’ll be starting off with this basic stitch. 

How to start a chain stitch

The chain stitch is simple to start, you simply need to first visualize what it needs to look like. Think about a chain on necklace, a metal chain or any other type of chain and you’ll get the idea that the stitches are interlocked.

Step 1:  To create the chain stitch you need to start off with a single circle of yarn with a ‘tail’ of about six (6) inches that will be woven in after you’ve completed your piece.

Step 2:  You’ll want to bring one side of your yarn down and line it up in the center of the circle so that you’ll easily be able to pull the yarn through the middle of the circle you just created.

Step 3:  Whether you elect to use your fingers or your crochet hook your next step ill be to bring the yarn you’re working from through the middle of the circle.  This step creates your very first chain!

Step 4:  With your crochet hook put into the center of the chain you just used draw that loop up so the strands of yarn are on both sides of the circle you created – whatever you do make sure this loop stays somewhat loose so that you don’t have to fuss with a tight circle to start your next stitch!

Step 5:  Use your fingers to drape your yarn over the top of your crochet hook so you’ll have the beginning threads for your next stitch then draw that yarn through the center of your circle.  Again take care not to make this stitch too tight or you’ll have difficulty continuing to work the chain going forward.

You should repeat the last two steps until you have made a chain that is long enough for you to start your pattern.  Try to make sure that your chains are as close to the same size as possible so that you’ll be able to keep your stitches consistent. 

When you are making a blanket, a potholder, a placemat or other ‘square’ item you want to make sure that your chain stitches are consistent on each end of your crochet work.