How to Learn Crochet – A Complete Beginner’s Guide

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Crochet is more than a relaxing hobby—it’s a creative outlet, a skill, and even a potential source of income. It’s mindfulness and opportunity in a ball of yarn!
If you’re curious about how to get started, this complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know to begin crocheting with confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

• What materials you need
• How to hold your hook and yarn
• Step-by-step breakdown of beginner stitches
• Simple practice projects
• Common crochet abbreviations
• Resources to keep learning

Back to swecraftcorner

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Getting Started

Essential Materials

To begin crocheting, you’ll need just a few affordable supplies:

• Yarn: Choose medium-weight (#4 worsted) yarn in a light, solid color. This makes it easier to see your stitches as you learn.
• Hook: A 5mm (H-8) hook is ideal for beginners. Start with aluminum or ergonomic plastic for comfort. I love my Tulip Crochet hooks! Just saying!
• Other helpful items: Scissors, Tapestry needle for weaving in those annoying ends, and stitch markers to keep track of your place.

Safety & Ergonomics

Good habits make learning easier and more enjoyable (If you are not like me and lay which ever way while crocheting):

• Work in a bright, comfortable space with good back support.
• Avoid hunching over or clenching your hook.
  I found this really awesome Free pattern for a support pillow by Heart Hook Home
• Rest your hands regularly to avoid fatigue or strain.

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How to Hold the Hook & Yarn

There is no single “correct” way to hold your hook and yarn, but consistency is key. I sometimes hold my hook like a fork/knife and sometimes a pen. It depends on what I am making. However, I NEVER change grip on the same project. Changing grip during, can make your tension off, trust me, I have tried!
Try both of these to see what feels right:

Hook Grips:

• Pencil Grip: Hold your hook like a pencil—resting between your thumb and index finger.
• Fork/Knife Grip: Hold it like a dinner knife—with your hand over the top.

Yarn Tension (non-dominant hand):

There are a HUGE number of ways you can hold your yarn to control your tension. But below is how i do it, but you should always do what feels best for you!

• Wrap the yarn over your index finger and under your middle and ring finger, and then use your pinkie to control the tension.
• The yarn should flow smoothly but not be too tight or too loose.

Practice holding everything before you begin stitching. Comfort matters!

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Learn the Basic Crochet Stitches

1. Chain Stitch (ch)

This is the foundation of most crochet projects. Steps:

1. Make a slip knot and place it on your hook.
2. Yarn over (YO)—wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front.
3. Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook.
4. That’s one chain! Repeat to create a starting chain.

2. Single Crochet (sc)

Creates a dense, tight fabric. Great for washcloths and amigurumi. Steps:

1. Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
3. Yarn over again and pull through both loops.
4. That’s one single crochet stitch.

3. Double Crochet (dc)

Creates taller stitches and looser fabric—great for blankets or scarves. Steps:

1. Yarn over, then insert your hook into the third chain from the hook.
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
3. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops.
4. Yarn over again and pull through the last 2 loops.

Practice these for a few rows before moving on to a project.

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Easy Practice Projects

Once you feel comfortable with the stitches, try one of these:

• Dishcloth: Practice rows of single crochet with a starting chain of 21.
• Scarf: Make a chain of about 100 and work in double crochet for several rows.
• Sampler Square: Alternate between sc and dc in rows to experiment with texture.

Keep your first projects simple. Progress builds confidence!

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Common U.S. Crochet Abbreviations (Beginner Level)

Abbreviation	Meaning
ch	chain stitch
sc	single crochet
dc	double crochet
tr	treble crochet
sl st	slip stitch
st(s)	stitch(es)
yo	yarn over
sk	skip
rep	repeat
rnd	round
tog	together (as in sc2tog)
RS	right side
WS	wrong side

Print or save this chart—it’ll come in handy often!

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Resources & Next Steps

Video Tutorials to Bookmark

Join the Crochet Community

• Connect with other learners in Facebook groups, Reddit (r/crochet), or Discord servers.