Crochet turns a single strand of yarn into fabric using one hook and a handful of repeated stitches. This covers the absolute basics: holding the hook, making a slip knot, chaining, and working your first rows of single crochet.
What you'll need
- A medium worsted-weight yarn
- A 5mm (H) crochet hook
- Scissors
Step by step
- Make a slip knotLoop the yarn into a pretzel shape, pull a loop through, and slide it onto the hook. Tighten gently so it moves but doesn't fall off.
- Hold the hook and yarnHold the hook like a pencil or a knife, whichever feels natural, and drape the working yarn over the fingers of your other hand to control the tension.
- Chain your foundationWrap the yarn over the hook and pull it through the loop. Repeat until you have a chain of about 15 stitches; this is the base your first row sits on.
- Work the first single crochetInsert the hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop so you have two loops on the hook, then yarn over and pull through both.
- Finish the rowRepeat the single crochet in each chain across. When you reach the end, chain one, turn the work, and start the next row.
- Fasten offWhen you are done, cut the yarn leaving a few inches, pull the tail all the way through the last loop, and tug to lock it.
Handy tips
- Light-coloured, smooth yarn is easiest to learn on because you can see each stitch clearly.
- Count your stitches at the end of every row so your edges stay straight.
- Keep your tension relaxed; gripping the yarn too tightly makes it hard to get the hook into each stitch.
FAQ
Is crochet easier than knitting?
Many beginners find crochet easier because you use one hook and only one live loop at a time, so dropped stitches are far less of a problem.
What does the hook size mean?
The hook size sets how big each stitch is. Match the hook to your yarn; the yarn label usually recommends a hook size.
Why are my edges getting narrower?
You are probably skipping the last stitch of each row or missing the turning chain. Count stitches every row to catch it early.