Beginner Crochet Series

Finding Your Grip

One of the biggest surprises for new crocheters is discovering there isn't one "correct" way to hold your hook or yarn.

We talked about different ways to hold your crochet hook and how to manage your yarn tension comfortably. The best grip is the one that allows you to crochet without pain or excessive strain.

Remember:

• Relax your shoulders.

• Keep your hands loose.

• Take breaks when needed.

• Your grip may change as you gain experience, and that's perfectly normal.

Making a Slip Knot

The slip knot is the very first stitch of nearly every crochet project.

We practiced making a slip knot that is snug enough to stay on the hook but loose enough to slide easily. If yours doesn't look perfect yet, don't worry. This simple knot becomes second nature with repetition.

Crocheting the Foundation Chain

Your foundation chain creates the base for almost every crochet project.

We practiced:

• Keeping an even rhythm.

• Making chains that are loose enough to work into later.

• Recognizing what a finished chain should look like.

• Avoiding overly tight tension.

Don't focus on speed.

Instead, focus on creating chains that are consistent in size. Even chains make every project easier as you continue learning.

Understanding the Single Crochet

• What the abbreviation SC means in patterns.

• Where to insert your hook.

• The steps to complete a single crochet stitch.

• How the finished stitch should look.

Maintaining Consistent Tension

• Holding your yarn comfortably.

• Keeping stitches even from row to row.

• Tips for avoiding stitches that are too tight or too loose.

Turning Your Work

• When and why to use a turning chain.

• How to begin the next row without stretching the edge.

• Keeping the sides of your project straight.

Counting Your Stitches

• How to identify the first and last stitch of each row.

• Why counting every row helps prevent accidental increases and decreases.

• Tips for using stitch markers to keep your place.

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Accidentally adding extra stitches.

• Missing the last stitch in a row.

• Pulling loops too tightly.

• Ways to recognize and correct mistakes before they become bigger problems.

Getting to Know the Half Double Crochet

• What the abbreviation HDC means in crochet patterns.

• How the half double crochet differs from the single crochet and double crochet.

• The anatomy of the stitch and what it should look like when finished.

Working the Stitch

• Yarn over before inserting your hook.

• Inserting the hook into the next stitch.

• Pulling up a loop so you have three loops on your hook.

• Yarn over again and pulling through all three loops at once.

Building Consistent Tension

• Keeping your yarn overs loose enough to work comfortably.

• Making each stitch the same height.

• Finding a rhythm that helps create even rows.

Turning Your Work

• How to begin a new row with the appropriate turning chain.

• Finding the first stitch of the row.

• Keeping your edges neat and straight.

Counting Your Stitches

• Identifying the top "V" of each half double crochet.

• Counting stitches at the end of every row.

• Using stitch markers if needed to help keep track of the first and last stitches.

Common Beginner Challenges

• Forgetting the first yarn over.

• Pulling through only two loops instead of all three.

• Missing the last stitch in the row.

• Uneven stitch height caused by inconsistent tension.

Getting to Know the Double Crochet

• What the abbreviation DC means in crochet patterns.

• How the double crochet differs from the single crochet and half double crochet.

• The anatomy of a completed double crochet stitch and what it should look like.

Working the Stitch

• Yarn over before inserting your hook into the next stitch.

• Inserting the hook into the next stitch.

• Pulling up a loop so you have three loops on your hook.

• Yarn over and pull through the first two loops.

• Yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops.

Building Consistent Tension

• Keeping your yarn overs loose enough to work comfortably.

• Making each stitch the same height.

• Finding a steady rhythm that creates even, consistent rows.

Turning Your Work

• How to begin a new row with the appropriate turning chain.

• Finding the first stitch of the new row.

• Keeping your edges neat and straight.

Counting Your Stitches

• Identifying the top "V" of each half double crochet.

• Counting stitches at the end of every row.

• Using stitch markers if needed to help keep track of the first and last stitches.

Common Beginner Challenges

• Forgetting the first yarn over.

• Pulling through all three loops at once instead of two loops at a time.

• Missing the first or last stitch in the row.

• Uneven stitch height caused by inconsistent tension.

Getting to Know the increase and decrease

• We learned how increases and decreases change the shape of your crochet.

• An increase adds stitches by working two stitches into the same stitch, making your project wider or more rounded.

• A decrease combines two stitches into one, reducing your stitch count and helping create shaping.

• We practiced these techniques using both single crochet and half double crochet.

Working the Stitch

Single Crochet Increase (sc inc)

• Working two single crochet stitches into the same stitch.

• Identifying where increases belong in a pattern.

• Counting stitches after completing a row.

Single Crochet Decrease (sc dec)

• Inserting your hook into two stitches before completing one single crochet.

• Keeping decreases neat and nearly invisible.

• Maintaining an even stitch count.

Half Double Crochet Increase (hdc inc)

• Working two half double crochet stitches into the same stitch.

• Keeping yarn overs consistent.

• Maintaining even stitch height.

Half Double Crochet Decrease (hdc dec)

• Beginning each stitch with a yarn over.

• Combining two stitches into one half double crochet decrease.

• Completing the decrease smoothly while maintaining tension.

Building Consistent Tension

As you practice, focus on:

• Keeping your stitch size even throughout each row.

• Counting your stitches after every increase or decrease row.

• Watching your tension so shaping stays smooth.

• Working slowly until the movements become comfortable.

Reading your crochet

As your projects begin to take shape, practice identifying:

• Where increases create extra stitches.

• Where decreases combine stitches.

• How shaping changes the overall look of your project.

• The top "V" of each completed stitch.

Counting Your Stitches

• Identifying the top "V" of each half double crochet.

• Counting stitches at the end of every row.

• Using stitch markers if needed to help keep track of the first and last stitches.

Common Beginner Challenges

• Forgetting to place two stitches into the same stitch for an increase.

• Accidentally increasing when a pattern calls for a regular stitch.

• Missing one of the stitches during a decrease.

• Losing track of the stitch count.

• Uneven shaping caused by inconsistent tension.

Getting to Know the increase and decrease

Understanding Double Crochet Increases & Decreases

• We learned how increases and decreases affect the shape of a crochet project.

• A double crochet increase (dc inc) adds stitches by working two double crochets into the same stitch, making your project wider.

• A double crochet decrease (dc dec) combines two stitches into one, reducing your stitch count and helping shape your work.

Working the Stitch

Double Crochet Increase (dc inc)

• Yarn over and begin a regular double crochet.

• Complete one double crochet stitch.

• Work a second double crochet into the same stitch.

• Count your stitches to ensure the increase was completed correctly.

Double Crochet Decrease (dc dec)

• Yarn over and begin the first double crochet without finishing it.

• Begin the second double crochet in the next stitch, also leaving it unfinished.

• Yarn over and pull through all remaining loops to complete one decrease.

• Maintain even tension so the decrease lays neatly within your work.

Building Consistent Tension

As you practice, focus on:

• Keeping your yarn overs loose and consistent.

• Making each stitch the same height.

• Watching your tension during decreases so they don't become bulky.

• Counting your stitches after every increase or decrease row.

Reading your crochet

As your projects begin to take shape, practice identifying:

• Where increases create two stitches from one.

• Where decreases combine two stitches into one.

• How shaping changes the direction and appearance of your fabric.

• The top "V" of every completed double crochet.

Counting Your Stitches

• Identifying the top "V" of each double crochet.

• Counting stitches at the end of every row.

• Using stitch markers if needed to help keep track of the first and last stitches.

Common Beginner Challenges

• Forgetting to work two double crochets into the same stitch for an increase.

• Completing a decrease as two separate stitches instead of one.

• Missing a stitch before or after a decrease.

• Losing track of the stitch count.

• Uneven stitch height caused by inconsistent yarn overs or tension.

Understanding the Parts of a Crochet Pattern

We learned how most crochet patterns are organized and what information to look for before making the first stitch.

This included:

• The materials and supplies list.

• Hook size and yarn recommendations.

• Stitch abbreviations and special stitches.

• Gauge information and when it matters.

• Pattern notes and special instructions.

Taking a few minutes to read through the pattern before you begin can save a lot of frustration later.

Understanding Crochet Abbreviations

We reviewed many of the common abbreviations you'll see in beginner patterns, including:

• ch – Chain

• sl st – Slip Stitch

• sc – Single Crochet

• hdc – Half Double Crochet

• dc – Double Crochet

• inc – Increase

• dec – Decrease

• st – Stitch

• sp – Space

Learning these abbreviations helps crochet patterns become much easier to understand.

Reading a Pattern Step by Step

As you work through a pattern, remember to:

• Read one row completely before you begin crocheting.

• Watch for repeated instructions.

• Pay attention to stitch counts at the end of each row.

• Read pattern notes before starting a new section.

Crocheting one step at a time makes patterns much less overwhelming.

Understanding Symbols & Repeats

We also discussed how patterns use punctuation and symbols to organize instructions.

These may include:

• Parentheses ( ) for grouping stitches.

• Asterisks * * for repeated sections.

• Brackets [ ] in some patterns.

• Commas separating individual steps.

Understanding these symbols helps you recognize repeating sections quickly.

Common Beginner Challenges

• Skipping over important pattern notes.

• Confusing abbreviations.

• Forgetting to count stitches.

• Reading ahead and accidentally skipping instructions.

• Feeling overwhelmed by longer rows.

Remember, every experienced crocheter once had to learn how to read patterns, too.

You know the basic stitches, but how do you make sure they actually stay where they're supposed to?

This week in our Beginner Crochet Basics series, we're talking about two simple skills that can save you a whole lot of frogging: using stitch markers and counting your stitches.

Keeping track of your stitches helps you catch mistakes early, maintain straight edges, and make sure your project matches the pattern you're following. And stitch markers? They're like little road signs for your crochet, helping you remember exactly where important stitches are.

Getting to Know Stitch Markers

Stitch markers are small tools used to mark a specific place in your crochet so you can easily find it again.

We talked about:

• What stitch markers are and why they're helpful.

• Using a stitch marker to identify the first or last stitch of a row.

• Marking important places within a crochet pattern.

• Moving your stitch marker as you work.

• Using a scrap of contrasting yarn or another removable marker if you don't have traditional stitch markers handy.

Counting Your Stitches

Learning to recognize and count your stitches is an important part of becoming a confident crocheter.

As we practice, we're focusing on:

• Identifying the top "V" of each stitch.

• Understanding that each completed "V" represents one stitch.

• Counting stitches across a completed row.

• Checking your stitch count before moving on to the next row.

• Using stitch markers to make counting longer rows easier.

Keeping Your Edges Straight

If your crochet mysteriously keeps getting wider or narrower, your stitch count is one of the first things to check!

We talked about:

• Finding the first stitch of a new row.

• Recognizing the last stitch before turning.

• Using stitch markers to keep track of those easy to miss edge stitches.

• Counting each row to catch accidentally added or skipped stitches early.

Straight edges aren't about perfect tension alone. Sometimes you're simply losing or gaining a stitch along the way.

Reading Your Crochet

Instead of relying only on the number in your head, practice looking at the actual stitches in front of you.

Look for:

• The top "V" of each stitch.

• Where one stitch ends and the next begins.

• Your first and last stitches.

• The stitch currently holding your marker.

The more comfortable you become reading your crochet, the easier it will be to recognize when something doesn't look quite right.

Common Beginner Challenges

• Accidentally skipping the first stitch of a row.

• Missing the last stitch.

• Adding an extra stitch along the edge.

• Losing count halfway across a long row.

• Counting the turning chain as a stitch when the pattern says not to, or not counting it when the pattern says to.

• Forgetting to move your stitch marker as you continue working.

Remember, every experienced crocheter once had to learn how to read patterns, too.

So far, we've spent a lot of time crocheting back and forth in rows. This week, we're changing direction—or maybe getting rid of directions altogether!

In this week's Beginner Crochet Basics lesson, we're learning how to crochet in the round.

Crocheting in the round allows you to create circles and tubes instead of flat rows. It's the foundation for so many fun crochet projects, including hats, bags, baskets, coasters, granny squares, and of course, plenty of plushies!

It may feel a little different at first, especially when you're trying to figure out where one round ends and the next begins. That's where some of the skills we've already practiced—like counting stitches and using stitch markers—really start to come together.

Getting to Know Crochet in the Round

When we crochet in the round, our stitches are worked around a center point rather than back and forth across rows.

We talked about:

• How working in rounds differs from working in rows.

• Recognizing the beginning and end of a round.

• Why stitch counting becomes especially important when working in the round.

• How increases help a flat circle grow.

• Where you might see crocheting in the round used in future projects.

Starting Your Round

There are different ways to begin crocheting in the round, and it's helpful to become familiar with more than one.

We practiced:

• Creating a magic ring as the center of our work.

• Starting with a chain and joining to create a center ring.

• Working the first stitches into the center.

• Identifying the first stitch of the round.

Don't worry if the magic ring feels tricky at first! It's one of those techniques that often takes a little repetition before your hands figure out what they're supposed to be doing.

Joined Rounds vs. Continuous Rounds

Not every project works in the round the same way.

We talked about the difference between:

• Joined rounds, where you finish the round by joining the last stitch to the beginning of the round.

• Continuous rounds, where you simply continue crocheting into the next round without joining.

Continuous rounds are especially common when making amigurumi and plushies, while joined rounds are used in many other crochet projects.

Using Your Stitch Marker

Remember those stitch markers from our last lesson? This is where they really earn their place in your crochet bag!

When working in continuous rounds, a stitch marker can help you:

• Identify the first stitch of the round.

• Know when you've completed a full round.

• Keep track of your stitch count.

• Avoid accidentally adding or skipping stitches.

Move your marker into the first stitch each time you begin a new round.

Counting Your Stitches

Counting becomes especially important when crocheting in the round because you don't have the obvious beginning and ending points that you see when working in rows.

As you practice, focus on:

• Counting your stitches at the end of every round.

• Finding the top "V" of each stitch.

• Checking that your stitch count matches the pattern.

• Recognizing where increases have added stitches.

If your circle suddenly starts looking a little wonky, your stitch count is a great place to start troubleshooting.

Common Beginner Challenges

• Losing track of where the round begins.

• Forgetting to move the stitch marker.

• Accidentally working into the slip stitch when using joined rounds.

• Adding or missing stitches.

• Struggling to keep the magic ring secure while working the first round.

• Confusing joined rounds with continuous rounds.

These are all normal parts of learning a completely new way of working your crochet.