The world of crochet has evolved with the invention of the internet. The great range of fibers and techniques, together with a few basic crochet stitches, will let you make almost any project that you find.
Basic Crochet Stitches
1. Slip Stitch
Slip Stitches are the basic crochet stitches used to attach the current stitch to a prior row or round of work, but without creating a new stitch. To work a slip stitch (ss or sl st):
- Begin with an active loop on the hook,
- Insert your hook into the desired space that you are connecting,
- Yarn over and pull up a loop,
- Pull that loop immediately through the active loop on the hook.
The chain stitch can be used as a base for other stitches or to create intentional holes in a project. It has length, but no height. It can also be used to “move” your hook and active loop “up” to the next row or round. To work a chain stitch (ch):
- Start with an active loop on the hook,
- Yarn over and pull through the active loop,
- Continue these steps until you have the desired number of chain stitches.
3. Single Crochet
Single crochet is the shortest of the stitches that add height. The stitches end up small and very close together. This stitch is perfect for work that you want to be very tight, such as amigurimi and other stuffed projects, or when doing intricate tapestry crochet. The stitches can be worked in the tops of other stitches or in chained spaces. To work a single crochet (sc):
- Start with an active loop on the hook,
- Insert your hook into desired space or stitch,
- Yarn over and pull up a loop so that you have two active loops on the hook,
- Yarn over again and pull through both active loops.
4. Double Crochet
As its name implies, double crochet adds a height of two. This stitch allows for tremendous variation and is the most commonly used stitch for blankets, wearable accessories, clothing, and household items. To work a double crochet (dc):
- Start with an active loop on the hook,
- Yarn over, insert the hook in the desired space or stitch,
- Yarn over and pull through the desired space or stitch (you should have 3 active loops),
- Yarn over and pull through two loops,
- Yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
5. Half Double Crochet
The half double crochet stitch is really a variation of the double crochet. It can be used when you want half the height of the double crochet, but a little more texture than the single crochet. To work a half double crochet (hdc):
- Start with an active loop on the hook,
- Yarn over and insert hook into the desired space or stitch,
- Yarn over and pull through the desired space or stitch (you should now have 3 active loops),
- Yarn over and pull through all three active loops.
6. Treble or Triple Crochet
Triple crochet has a height of three stitches. It can be used when you want to cover a lot of ground very quickly or if you’re working on a project with a loose open feel. To work a triple crochet (tr):
- Yarn over twice and insert the hook into the desired space or stitch,
- Yarn and pull through the desired space or stitch (you will now have 4 active loops),
- Yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook,
- Repeat that step two more times.
Variations of the Basic Crochet Stitches
1. Front (or Back) Post Double Crochet
This stitch is just a double crochet, but rather than being worked in a space or a stitch, it is worked around the post of a double or triple crochet in the row below. It can produce textured vertical ridges or lines on the finished work.
- To work a front post double crochet, you will sort of “Lift up” the desired stitch, insert your hook between it and the rest of the work, yarn over and pull through the space. You then yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops. When done correctly, this will place the stitch in front of the fabric.
- To work a back post double crochet, you will do the same thing, but from the back. The finished stitch will be behind the fabric.
2. Front (or Back) Loop Crochet
This can be done with any of the basic tall stitches listed above. This takes advantage of the shape of the tops of stitches below to produce horizontal ridges or lines on a finished work.
- In order to work a front or back loop crochet, identify the top loop on the desired stitch below. As you are looking at it, the front loop will be closest to you, and the back loop will be further away from you.
- Rather than working through both of those loops as you normally would, insert your hook through only one of them (front or back) as indicated.
How to Use the Basic Crochet Stitches
1. Clothing
One way to use these basic crochet stitches is to make clothing. Typically, crochet lends itself well to tops like sweaters, ponchos and jackets, but not as much for bottoms.
2. Wearable Accessories
There is a huge range of wearable accessories that can be made with basic crochet stitches. This includes everything from outerwear like hats, scarves and mittens, to footwear like socks and slippers. You can even make hair accessories, purses and jewelry.
3. Amigurumi
The world of adorable stuffed toys has grown immensely with the availability of new yarns and internet patterns. Our memorable crochet dolls are a great example of what can be accomplished with a few basic crochet stitches and good patterns.
4. Blankets
These aren’t your grandma’s itchy afghans! With a world of new fibers available and tapestry crochet lending new techniques to the basic crochet stitches, you can create truly memorable blankets and afghans that no one will believe are made by hand.
5. Home Accessories
Home accessories could include anything from washcloths and towels to chunky baskets, placemats, doilies, and table toppers. With the addition of a magnet or a ribbon hanger, you can produce functional and beautiful accessories for your home. Or you can add lacey finishing to premade curtains, pillowcases or tablecloths to add some decorative embellishment.
6. Decorations
With the invention of mixed media techniques, the possibilities are nearly endless with crochet decorations. You could starch and frame crochet pieces, make decorative lamp shades, or crochet curtains.
Now that technology allows us access to patterns, fibers and techniques from around the world, you can make nearly any project you find. With access to the internet and a few basic crochet stitches, the possibilities are nearly endless.
