Learn to Crochet as a Beginner
“Where do I even start?”
The first time I encountered crochet when I was scrolling on Facebook, it really caught my attention. And in that moment, my first thought was: “I want to learn to crochet!”
Maybe that’s how you found your way here too. Because there’s really something deeply comforting about learning to crochet. A quiet moment. Yarn in your hands. A rhythm that slowly begins to feel natural. If you’re here, you might be holding a crochet hook for the very first time… and wondering: Where do I even start?
You’re in the right place. We’ll go gently, step by step, through the basic and first stitches of CROCHET. Now, what really crochet means?
Your Crochet Journey Begins Here
If you’re feeling unsure or even a little overwhelmed when holding a crochet hook and a yarn today…
Take a deep breath. You’re exactly where you need to be. I got you!
This beginner-friendly guide will walk you step by step through:
- What crochet really is
- The basic stitches every beginner should learn
- Introduction of materials, tools, and accessories
- How to start your very first crochet project, literally the first one you can make!
No pressure. No complicated terms. Just simple, gentle guidance.
What is Crochet?
Crochet is an art of making something (fabric, wearables, decors, amigurumi toys) using a crochet hook and a yarn. It is a handmade craft that carries a special kind of beauty, one that machines simply cannot replace.
The word “crochet” comes from a French term meaning “small hook,” which is exactly what you’ll use to bring your stitches to life.
And the most beautiful part?
From just a single hook and a strand of yarn… you can create something truly your own.
4 Basic Stitches of Crochet
Today, we’re going to learn the 4 main crochet stitches that every beginner starts with.
These are the foundation of almost every crochet project, so once you understand them, everything else becomes so much easier.
We’ll go step by step through:
- How to make a slip knot
- How to make a chain (ch)
- How to do a slip stitch (sl st)
- How to do a single crochet (sc)
Above, you’ll find video tutorials to help you see each step visually. You can watch them anytime while following along. These video tutorials are my first resources as I learned to crochet and these are from my very dear friend Laura, aka HappyBerry Crochet.
1. Slip Knot (Your First Step)
Every crochet project begins with a slip knot. This is how you attach your yarn to the hook.
How to make a slip knot:
- Make a loop with your yarn
- Pull a strand of yarn through the loop
- Place it on your hook
- Gently tighten
You don’t want it too tight—just snug enough so it can still move on your hook.
2. Chain Stitch (ch)
The chain stitch is the foundation of crochet. Most projects start with a chain.
How to make a chain:
- Yarn over (wrap the yarn over your hook)
- Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook
That’s one chain.
Repeat this step to create a row of chains.
Try to keep your chains loose and even. It’s okay if they’re not perfect yet.
3. Slip Stitch (sl st)
The slip stitch is used to join stitches or move your yarn without adding height.
How to make a slip stitch:
- Insert your hook into the stitch
- Yarn over
- Pull through the stitch and the loop on your hook at the same time
This stitch is very small and flat—perfect for joining rounds or finishing a piece.
4. Single Crochet (sc)
This is one of the most important stitches, especially if you want to make amigurumi (cute crochet toys).
How to make a single crochet:
- Insert your hook into the stitch
- Yarn over
- Pull up a loop (you now have 2 loops on your hook)
- Yarn over again
- Pull through both loops
And that’s your single crochet.
This week, focus on practicing the four basic crochet stitches for beginners until they start to feel more natural. Repetition will help you build confidence and improve your stitch consistency.
Next week, I’ll introduce a new stitch and guide you step by step in making a beginner-friendly shamrock crochet pattern using the stitches you’ve learned. 🍀