This beginner crochet guide shows the basic crochet stitches and techniques you need to start most crochet projects.
In the video above, you’ll see how to crochet step by step with clear close-ups and on-screen labels, so you can easily follow along even if you’re completely new to crochet.
A Few Beginner Tips
• Keep your hands relaxed — crochet shouldn’t hurt or strain your fingers
• It’s normal for the first few rows to feel awkward — it gets easier very fast
• Your stitches don’t need to be perfect — consistency matters more than perfection
• If something feels uncomfortable, try adjusting how you hold the hook or yarn
Crochet is a rhythm — once your hands find it, everything becomes much easier and more enjoyable.
How to Hold the Yarn & Control Tension
How you hold your yarn affects how even and comfortable your crochet will feel.
There’s no single “correct” way to hold yarn — use whatever feels natural and relaxed for you.
Here’s the method shown in the video:
• Wrap the yarn over your index finger
• Guide it between your index and middle finger
• You can also lightly secure it between other fingers for extra control
This helps keep steady tension without gripping the yarn too tightly.
About Tension
Your tension should be firm but relaxed.
• Not too tight — the hook should move easily through the stitches
• Not too loose — stitches should stay even and not look floppy
• The loop on your hook should always slide smoothly
If stitches feel hard to insert your hook into, you may be crocheting too tightly.
If the fabric looks very loose and uneven, try holding the yarn slightly firmer.
Good tension makes your stitches look clean and helps your finished piece keep its shape.
How to Hold the Hook
Just like with yarn, there is no single correct way to hold your crochet hook.
The best way is the one that feels comfortable and allows your hand to stay relaxed.
Here are the two most common methods:
Pencil Grip
You hold the hook the same way you would hold a pencil or pen.
• The hook rests between your thumb and index finger
• Your hand stays closer to the hook tip
• This grip gives more precision and control for detailed stitches
Many people like this grip for smaller stitches and detailed work.
Knife Grip
You hold the hook the way you would hold a knife while cutting food.
• The hook is held in your palm
• Your hand moves more from the wrist and arm
• This grip can feel more natural for relaxed, flowing movements
Try Both and See What Feels Best
You can switch between grips at any time — and many people naturally mix both.
Choose the grip that lets you:
• Keep your hand relaxed
• Move the hook smoothly
• Crochet without tension or pain
Comfort is always more important than technique.
Foundation Chain (Chain Stitch)
The foundation chain is the first step in most crochet projects and creates the base of your work.
How to make a foundation chain:
- Make a slip knot and place it on your crochet hook.
- Yarn over by wrapping the yarn over the hook.
- Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook.
- Repeat: yarn over and pull through to create each new chain stitch.
Each loop you create is one chain stitch.
Turning Chains (Beginning of Each Row)
When you start a new row, you usually need a turning chain to bring your yarn up to the height of the next row.
• For single crochet: chain 1 at the beginning of the row
• For half double crochet: chain 2 at the beginning of the row
• For double crochet: chain 2 or 3 (depending on how tall you prefer your edge)
After the turning chain, continue working into the first stitch of the row unless your pattern says otherwise.
Turning chains help keep your edges straight and your stitch height consistent.
Single Crochet (SC)
Single crochet is one of the most common crochet stitches and creates a tight, sturdy fabric.
How to make a single crochet stitch:
- Insert the hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on the hook).
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops.
This completes one single crochet stitch.
Half Double Crochet (HDC)
Half double crochet is slightly taller than single crochet and gives a softer, more flexible fabric.
How to make half double crochet:
- Yarn over before inserting the hook.
- Insert the hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops at once.
Double Crochet (DC)
Double crochet is a tall stitch that creates lighter, more open fabric and works up quickly.
How to make double crochet:
- Yarn over.
- Insert the hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops.
- Yarn over again and pull through the last 2 loops.
How to Increase in Crochet
Increasing in crochet means working more than one stitch into the same stitch to make your project wider.
How to increase:
Make two stitches into the same stitch or space instead of just one.
This is commonly used for shaping garments, sleeves, peplums, and curves.
How to Decrease in Crochet
Decreasing in crochet combines two stitches into one to make your project narrower.
Basic decrease method:
- Insert the hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop.
- Insert the hook into the following stitch and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through all loops.
Decreases are used for waist shaping, necklines, sleeves, and fitted areas.
Fasten Off and Weave in Ends
Finishing your crochet project properly helps keep it secure and neat.
How to fasten off:
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail, yarn over, and pull the tail through the last loop. Pull tight.
How to weave in ends:
Thread the yarn tail onto a yarn needle and weave it through nearby stitches, then trim the excess yarn.
What’s Next
Once you’re comfortable with these beginner crochet stitches and techniques, you’re ready to follow full crochet patterns and garment tutorials.
All of my patterns use these same basic stitches, focusing on construction, shaping, and fit. Explore tutorials and patterns here.