How to Crochet

How to Crochet Beginner Lessons

Materials You Need to Get Started

Crochet Hook – A Clover Soft Touch 5.0mm Crochet Hook is a great brand and size hook for beginners to start with.

I have the Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hook Set because they give me maximum comfort when I crochet. These are the hooks that I use most of the time for my crocheting. It’s important to use a comfortable hook when you learn how to crochet so you don’t get sore hands and wrists.

Yarn – If you have any medium sized yarn (worsted weight yarn, category 4) then this is fine to start with. If you haven’t purchased any yarn yet then get a few balls of Red Heart Yarn in a color that is easy to see. They have an excellent selection of colors and Red Heart is my favorite brand of yarn because their yarns are very easy to work with.

Yarn Needle – You will need a needle to weave loose ends of yarn into your work once you’ve finished a project. You probably have one kicking around the house somewhere but if not then get a pack of yarn needles.

Craft Scissors – These are a must to finish off your work. A good pair of sharp craft scissors ensure you trim your yarn properly.

Books – The best beginner book I have found so far is Crocheting for Dummies 2nd Edition.

There are other things you will require later on but these are the bare minimum items as a crocheting kit for beginners.

 

Lesson 1: Know Your Tools & Materials

1. Components of a Crochet Hook
2. How to Grip a Crochet Hook – Pencil & Knife Methods
3. Types of Yarn and their Different Uses

Lesson 2: Become familiar with the Yarn

1. Making a Slip Knot
2. How to Hold the Yarn

Lesson 3: Connecting the Yarn & Crochet Hook

1. How to Make a Chain Stitch and the Components of a Chain Stitch
2. How to Crochet a Foundation Chain
3. How to Make a Slip Stitch

Lesson 4: Basic Crochet Knowledge

1. Parts of a Crochet Stitch
2. Crochet Round and Crochet Row

Lesson 5: Basic Crochet Stitches

Here are the video tutorials of how to crochet the most basic crochet stitches for the U.S. and U.K. These basic stitches will allow you to make most crocheted garments from a pattern. These stitches are the basis of all crochet patterns so they are the most important stitches when learning how to crochet. Both U.S. and U.K. crochet stitches are the same except they are named differently.

Example 1: U.S. single crochet stitch = U.K. double crochet stitch.

Example 2: U.S. half double crochet stitch = U.K. half treble crochet stitch.

This can be confusing for beginners. You can learn the stitch conversions later on at my Crochet Stitch Conversion Chart.

If you are wondering whether you should learn from the U.S. or the U.K. video tutorials then I’d recommend learning the U.S. crochet stitches. There are more patterns and videos with the U.S. stitches and they are used a lot more than the U.K. stitches.

You may see some repetition in the videos below but the more exposed you are to each technique and stitch, the faster you will learn.

Basic U.S. Crochet Stitch Video Tutorials

I’ve placed the basic U.S. crochet stitches in size order, going from the smallest to largest.

In each tutorial you will see how to make a slip knot, foundation chain, turning chain, and making the stitch on the 1st row and 2nd rows.

1. Single Crochet
2. Half Double Crochet
3. Double Crochet
4. Triple (or Treble) Crochet
5. Double Treble (or Double Triple) Crochet

Basic U.K. Crochet Stitch Video Tutorials

These basic U.K. stitches are in size order, going from the smallest to largest basic stitch.

In each tutorial you will learn how to make a slip knot, foundation chain, turning chain, making a stitch on the 1st row and 2nd rows.

1. Double Crochet
2. Half Treble Crochet
3. Treble Crochet
4. Double Treble
5. Triple Treble
6. Quadruple Treble

If you have questions please take a look at the basic crochet beginner techniques as these tutorials may answer your questions. If they don’t then feel free to contact me through the contact form.

For Video Tutorial Updates subscribe to the Crochet Hooks You Youtube Channel, you will be notified each time a new video is uploaded and you will be able to crochet along with me making new crochet stitches and projects!

Share a photo of your crochet projects with the crochet community on the Crochet Hooks You Facebook Page.

All the best,

Paula Daniele

 

Crocheting for Dummies 2nd Edition

An updated classic covering the latest techniques and trends in crocheting.

Are you hooked on the art of crochet? Looking for a fun new hobby that you can take with you virtually anywhere? Crocheting For Dummies, 2nd Edition gives you easy-to-understand instructions on how to choose the right tools, create basic stitches, and finish off your work to make beautiful pieces of art. From learning to create consistency with gauge swatch to decoding crochet patterns, symbols, and diagrams, this easy-to-follow guide is all you need to start creating beautiful designs in no time!

This revised edition contains completely new content, including fresh new patterns, stitches, and techniques reflecting crocheting styles from around the world.

Plus, it’s packed with new and refreshed photos and line art throughout, along with step-by-step instructions that will easily guide you from your first stitch to your first sweater.

A new section covering common crocheting mistakes and how to correct them.

Crocheting with eco-awareness: using organic yarns, as well as free trade and sustainably sourced fibers.

The best resources for purchasing supplies, as well as choosing and buying patterns.

Whether you’re a first-time crocheter or looking to expand your skills, Crocheting For Dummies, 2nd Edition gives you the skills, techniques, and confidence to crochet like a pro.