Crochet 101: Must-Know Stitches for Beginners (Single, Double, Treble and More)

Learning fundamental crochet stitches establishes a solid foundation for beginners to build their skills upon. Mastering basic stitches like chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double, double, and treble crochet allows you to tackle a wide range of patterns. This Crochet 101 guide provides step-by-step instructions for executing essential starter stitches correctly and consistently.

How to Chain Stitch (ch)

The chain stitch forms the basis of all crochet. Chains give structure and allow increasing length.

Instructions:

1. Make a slip knot on your hook to start.
2. Wrap the yarn over the hook (yarn over) and draw this loop through the slip knot.
3. Continue repeating this sequence of yarn over and pulling through loop to produce chains.

Keep chains loose – too tight impedes other stitches. Chains should have visible bumps on the back ridge.

How to Slip Stitch (sl st)

This stitch joins chains to form a ring or connects two points.

Instructions:

1. Insert hook into indicated chain or stitch.
2. Yarn over and pull this loop through everything on hook.

One loop remains on hook to move to next join point. Slip stitches are nearly invisible.

How to Single Crochet (sc)

Single crochet is the most basic stitch worked into rows. It creates a dense, compact fabric.

Instructions:

1. Insert hook into stitch or chain.
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
3. Yarn over again and pull through both loops to complete stitch.

Repeat across row, inserting hook into each subsequent stitch or chain. Count stitches to ensure no increases or decreases.

How to Half Double Crochet (hdc)

This taller stitch adds subtle texture. It creates fabric thicker than single crochet.

Instructions:

1. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch.
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
3. Yarn over again and pull through all 3 loops to complete stitch.

Work into each stitch across with same method. An extra yarn over adds height.

How to Double Crochet (dc)

A double crochet is about twice the height of a single crochet. This extra height is useful for some textures.

Instructions:

1. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch.
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
3. Yarn over again and pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain).
4. Yarn over one more time and pull through the last 2 loops to complete stitch. taller stitch adds subtle texture. It creates fabric thicker than single crochet.

How to Treble Crochet (tr)

Treble crochet produces an even longer, looser stitch than double crochet.

Instructions:

1. Yarn over twice, insert hook into stitch.
2. Yarn over again and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).
3. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops.
4. Yarn over again, pull through 2 loops.
5. Yarn over one more time, pull through last 2 loops to complete.

The extra yarn overs give treble crochet impressive height.

Tips for Consistent Stitches

• Maintain even tension and hook grip pressure
• Insert hook into exact centers of stitches
• Make all yarn overs the same size
• Complete all height steps for each stitch
• Count to ensure no missed or added stitches
• Work each row into tops of stitches from previous row

Practice makes perfect! Take time to master basic stitches through repetition before moving on.

Decreasing Crochet Stitches

Decreases shape fabric by consolidating multiple stitches into fewer stitches:

Single Crochet Decrease

Work sc as usual into next stitch. Then insert hook into next stitch and complete sc as normal.

Double Crochet Decrease

Work dc as usual into next stitch. Then yarn over, insert hook into next stitch and complete dc as normal.

This joins 2 stitches into 1 decrease. Repeat across to taper as required.

Increasing Crochet Stitches

Increases build extra stitches from existing stitches to shape fabric:

Single Crochet Increase

Work 2 or more sc stitches into one base stitch.

Double Crochet Increase

Work 2 or more dc stitches into one base stitch.

Spread increases evenly to shape gently. 5 increases over 10 stitches creates subtle shaping.

Changing Yarn Colors

To change yarn colors:

1. Work final stitch of old color to completion.
2. Drop old color, leaving 6 inch tail.
3. Tie on new color with slip knot.
4. Begin next stitch with new color.

Later weave in tail ends on wrong side to hide knots.

Crochet in Continuous Spirals

Work in endless rounds without joining at the end of rounds. Move marker up each round.

Spirals create seamless tubes well-suited for hats, cowls and toys.

Crochet Back and Forth in Rows

At the end of each row, chain 1 and turn your work. Continue working back across opposite side of foundation chain.

Rows produce flat panels ideal for garments, blankets and shapes with straight edges.

Expand Your Beginner Crochet Stitches

Once these basics feel comfortable, try intermediate stitches like:

• Popcorn stitch
• Cluster stitch
• Puff stitch
• Bobble stitch

…and more advanced techniques like cables, lace and Tunisian crochet!

As you master the key beginner stitches of chain, slip stitch, single, half double, double and treble crochet, an exciting new crochet world opens up. Understanding stitch foundations allows you to access more patterns, customize projects, and shape fabric intentionally. Be patient with yourself and celebrate each new stitch milestone along the journey from beginner to confident crocheter.