9 basic crochet stitches

Learning basic crochet stitches

Do you want to learn basic crochet stitches and how to crochet? You are a crochet beginner? Or maybe you want to improve your crochet skills? Then this article about 9 basic crochet stitches is perfect for you! I will share all my knowledge about main crochet stitches, I would say even fundamental, principal and easy crochet stitches. With these examples of crochet stitches you will be able to start, complete and finish any crochet project.

Below I will provide detailed information about 9 basic crochet stitches for beginners and crochet video tutorials, how to make them. I hope you will like this article and it will help create your future crochet projects.

Before starting any crochet project, you will have to have crochet hook and yarn or cord to start with.

Slip Knot

The first basic crochet stitch is a slip knot. I will say that this is a top 1 beginner crochet stitch. Slip knot is essential for almost all crochet projects. Before making any crochet stitch, you have to make a slip knot. A slip knot will start your crochet project and this is why this technique is very important. However, it is very easy to make.

Please be aware, that the slip knot does not count as a stitch. It is important if you are following the crochet pattern instructions. In other words, if you are counting the stitches of the beginning of your project, do not count the first slip knot you made. There are several ways to make a slip knot. In crochet video tutorial will show you couple techniques that I am using to a slip knot.

Chain stitch

The second main crochet stitch is the chain stitch. In crochet, after you make a slip knot, you will be making the foundation chain (most of the time, but not always). The foundation chain is usually what your crochet project will be worked on.

The foundation chain begins with a slip knot and continues with chain stitches. Chain stitches form the foundation chain on which you build the rest of the project (most of the time, but not always). The foundation chain in crochet projects is like the basement when building the house. When counting the stitches, the first slip knot does not count and the loop of your crochet hook does also not count.

Chain stitch abbreviation is ch.

Single Crochet Stitch

The third basic crochet stitch is a single crochet stitch. Is this beginner crochet stitch? Yes, for sure! Single crochet stitch is the most common, shortest and easiest of all crochet stitches. It is the fundamental crochet stitch. Most of the time single crochet stitches are incorporated in all crochet projects. If you know how to make a slip knot, a chain and a single crochet stitch, you can create crafts using the crochet technique. 

Single crochet stitch abbreviation is sc.

Double Crochet Stitch

One more essential crochet stitch is a double crochet stitch. The double crochet stitch is twice taller than the single crochet stitch. This stitch is also very common in crochet projects.

Before making a double crochet stitch, you need to have something to work into (unless you choose to make a chainless foundation double crochet). The simplest way to start making a double crochet stitch is to have a foundation chain. When making the first double crochet stitch on your foundation chain, skip three chains and only then make the double crochet stitch to the fourth chain. This chain of 3 that you skipped will serve as your first double crochet stitch of the row.

Another important moment to remember is when you are turning the work to start from a new row. When starting the row, you need to make a turning chain. You can do that by chaining three. And this will count as your first double crochet of your row. After that you can make regular double crochet stitches.

Double crochet stitch abbreviation is dc.

Half Double Crochet Stitch

The fifth basic crochet stitch is a half Double Crochet Stitch. The half double crochet stitch is easy to make if you know, how to make the single crochet and the double crochet stitch. The haft double crochet stitch in height is in the middle between the single crochet and the double crochet stitch.

Before making the half double crochet stitch, you have to make a foundation chain. Before making the half double crochet stitch, skip 2 chains of the foundation chain and only then make the stitch to the third chain.

Another important moment to remember is when you are turning the work to start from a new row. When starting the row, you need to make a turning chain. You can do that by chaining two And this will count as your first half double crochet of your row. After that you can make regular half double crochet stitches.

Half double crochet stitch abbreviation is hdc.

Double crochet 2 stitches together

The sixth essential crochet stitch is the double crochet 2 stitches together. When you double crochet 2 stitches together, you are essentially taking two double crochet stitches and turning them into just one double crochet stitch.

This stitch is also known as a decrease. When you decrease in crochet, you simply make two stitches next to each other that are linked together at the top. At this point if you are making double crochet 2 stitches together, this means that you link together two side-by-side double crochet stitches.

Double crochet 2 stitches together abbreviation is dc2tog.

Triple crochet Stitch

The triple crochet stitch is the seventh basic crochet stitch. The triple crochet stitch can also be called treble crochet stitch. It is the same stitch, just a different name. The triple crochet stitch is easy to make if you know how to make the double crochet stitch.

The triple crochet stitch is higher than the double crochet stitch. Compared to the double crochet stitch, there is simply one more yarn over at the beginning. Additional yarn over at the beginning makes the whole stitch taller. This one stitch taller in height will have one additional yarn over at the beginning, so there are more loops on the crochet hook to work with. And the basic logic is the same as making the double crochet stitch. 

Triple crochet stitch abbreviation is tr.

Double triple crochet stitch

One more basic crochet stitch is the double triple crochet stitch. The double triple crochet stitch can also be called the double treble crochet stitch. It is the same stitch, just named differently.

The double triple crochet stitch is one step higher than the triple crochet stitch. If you want to crochet a double triple crochet stitch, the first step is to yarn over the crochet hook three times. And then crochet the same logic as making double crochet till you work on all the loops you have on your crochet hook.

Double triple crochet stitch abbreviation is dtr.

Slip stitch

The last fundamental crochet stitch is the slip stitch. This stitch is the shortest of all crochet stitches. I would not even call it a stitch, it is more a technique. The slip stitch is usually used to move yarn across a group of stitches without adding height.

This stitch may be used to join the project when working in rounds. The slip stitch is also useful when you want to join pieces together, add decorative elements, finish crochet projects with simple edging or just end the project.

When you work the slip stitch in crochet, you are simply drawing up a loop and pulling that loop through the one on your crochet hook. In most of the crochet projects, a slip stitch does not count as a stitch. 

Slip stitch abbreviation is sl st.

I hope this article was useful for all crochet lovers.
Thank you for reading.
Together we can create a fabulous world of crafts!