Mastering the Basics: How to Crochet Your First Stitches

Introduction

Welcome to the magical world of crochet! There’s nothing quite like the joy of turning a ball of wool into something beautiful with your own hands. At Thread & Tangle, I believe that crochet is a chance to escape into a world of creativity. Today, I’m going to guide you through your very first crochet stitches—perfect for beginners who want to follow step by step.

Mastering the Basics: How to Crochet Your First Stitches

What You’ll Learn in This Tutorial

This beginner-friendly guide will teach you:

• How to make a Slip Knot to start your crochet project.
• How to create a Foundation Chain (CH)—the base of most crochet patterns.
• How to master the Single Crochet (SC) / UK: Double Crochet (DC).

Video Tutorial: Learn Along With Me

For this tutorial, I’ve included a step-by-step video to help you learn these stitches at your own pace. Grab your yarn, hook, and let’s crochet together!

Tools You’ll Need

To get started, you’ll need:

• Crochet Hook: I recommend a Clover Soft Touch Hook in size 5mm, perfect for beginners. It’s ergonomic, comfortable to hold, and glides through yarn like magic. Available at Hobbycraft
• Yarn: Choose a medium-weight yarn. We recommend Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice or King Cole Super Soft Chunky for easy handling and beautiful results. Shop King Cole
• Scissors and Tapestry Needle for finishing off your work.

Slip Knot: Your First Step into Crochet Magic

The slip knot is the first step in every crochet project. It secures the yarn onto your hook and gets you ready to create your foundation chain.

• Hold the yarn in your left hand.
• Form a loop by crossing the yarn over itself.
• Pull the working yarn through the loop to create a slip knot.
• Place the loop on your hook and tighten by pulling the working yarn.

Pro Tip:

Practice your slip knot a few times until it feels natural. It’s the first magic trick of crochet!

Foundation Chain (CH): The Building Block of Crochet

The foundation chain is the base of most crochet patterns. It’s simply a series of chain stitches that you’ll work your stitches into.

• Yarn over (wrap the yarn around the hook).
• Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook. That’s one chain!
• Repeat until you have the number of chains you need for your project.

Single Crochet (SC): Creating Your First Row

Single Crochet is one of the simplest and most common stitches in crochet. It creates a tight, dense fabric that’s perfect for beginners.

• Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.
• Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
• Yarn over again and pull through both loops.
• You’ve made your first Single Crochet!

Free Pattern to Help You Practice

• Fingerless Gloves: Practice Single crochet stitches with my free beanie hat pattern here

You Did It!

Congratulations! You’ve learned the basics of crochet, mastered your first stitches, and created your first project. Remember, every stitch is a step closer to your crochet dreams. Practice, play, and most importantly—enjoy the journey.

Feeling inspired? Follow @threadandtangle on Instagram for more tips, patterns, and crochet magic.

Happy Crocheting!