Crochet isn’t just a pastime for grandmothers in rocking chairs anymore. While the image of an older crafter curled up with a cat still has charm, crochet has experienced a lively resurgence among people of all ages. A quick search reveals countless inspiring projects you can make—blankets, garments, toys, home décor, and much more.
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If you’re just starting out, these basics will help you begin. The video below offers an Intro to Crochet covering essential stitches and techniques for beginners.
Yarn comes in many materials and weights
- Materials: wool (including lambswool, alpaca, merino), cotton, bamboo, silk, acrylic, and blends.
- Weights: commonly lace, fingering, sport, worsted, and chunky, among others. Choose a weight that suits your project and hook size.
Crochet uses hooks (not needles)
- Hooks come in many sizes, from very small (used for delicate lace) to very large (used for chunky blankets). Sizes are labeled from B (2.25 mm) up through much larger designations.
- To begin, you only need a crochet hook and yarn. Try a commonly used hook size such as G, H, or I and a medium-weight yarn. Many stores sell starter packs with several hook sizes.
Learn common stitches: single, half-double, double, treble, and more
- The basic stitches include slip stitch, chain, single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet. Advanced patterns build on these foundations with textured and decorative stitches.
- In your first lessons you’ll focus on slip stitch, chain, and single crochet. Turning chains and other techniques are introduced as you progress.
Crochet abbreviations
- Patterns use abbreviations to keep instructions concise. Learning them early saves time and reduces confusion as patterns grow more complex.
- Common abbreviations match the stitch names: slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half-double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), treble (tr), and so on. Keep a reference list handy while you learn.
In “Learn to Crochet – Lesson 1” you’ll master the slip knot, chain stitch (including starting a chain), and single crochet.
“Learn to Crochet – Lesson 2” covers half-double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet to expand your stitch repertoire.