Basic crochet tutorials
Crochet basics
When I first started learning to crochet I watched someone in person. The problem with this was that they were very experienced with hands like lightning and I just couldn't keep up! I didn't understand the basics and so I didn't even know where to insert my hook and I needed help to get started with that first row. When I made a mistake I couldn't work out what I'd done wrong or how to correct it. This experience was frustrating and I put down my hook for a few years.
When I did start again I learnt the basics first, how to start and what each stitch looked like. This really helped me to improve and understand how to read a pattern. My first pieces looked pretty questionable but I soon picked it up and once I discovered amigurumi there was no stopping me. I hope this page will help you if you are a complete beginner or if you're picking crochet back up again.
Getting started
If you want to start crocheting the first thing you'll need to know is how to make a slip knot and attach the yarn to your hook. It can be a bit fiddly at first but once you've got the hang of it, it'll be second nature.
Watch the tutorial video below to see how to make slip knot.
Watch the tutorial video below to see how to make slip knot.
Crocheting a chain
For most crochet projects you will start with making a chain to acheive the desired length. Your slip knot does not count as a stitch in the chain. To make a chain you will need to bring your working yarn over your hook and pull it through the loop on your hook. This makes your first chain. Then you simply repeat this action for the desired number of chains in your pattern. Each chain has a v shape and when you start your rows you will work each stitch into one of these v's
Watch the tutorial video below to see what this looks like.
Single crochet (US) / Double crochet (UK)
You will see different terms used in crochet patterns and these vary depending on whether they are in US or UK terms. Single (US) is the same as double (UK) crochet and it is a small stitch which is often used in projects where you want to minimise holes such as amigurumi/ toy making.
To make the stitch:
1. Insert your hook into the next stitch on the row below. If you are just starting your first row you would insert your hook into one of the chain stitches. If you already have crocheted rows you need to insert the hook under both of the top loops.
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop. you will now have 2 loops on your hook.
3. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook. This is 1 stitch made.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 until you have the desired number of stitches.
Half double crochet (US) / Half treble crochet (UK)
This stitch is called a half double crochet in US terms or half treble crochet in UK terms. It is a versatile stitch that is used in a variety of projects such as blankets and clothing.
To make the stitch:
1. Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch on the row below. If you are just starting your first row you would insert your hook into one of the chain stitches. If you already have crocheted rows you need to insert the hook under both of the top loops.
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop. you will now have 3 loops on your hook.
3. Yarn over again and pull through all 3 loops on the hook. This is 1 stitch made.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 until you have the desired number of stitches.
