Crochet
Create fabric, accessories, and adorable stuffed toys using just a hook and yarn. Crochet is beginner-friendly because mistakes are easy to undo and fix. One hook, one stitch at a time - that's all you need to start making scarves, coasters, or amigurumi.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Any yarn (acrylic or cotton, medium weight)($3-5)
- ●Crochet hook (size H/8 or 5mm)($2-4)
- ●Scissors($0)
How To Do It
- 1
Make a slip knot
Create a loop with your yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the working yarn (attached to the ball) through the loop to create an adjustable knot. Slide this onto your crochet hook.
- 2
Learn the chain stitch
Hold the hook in your dominant hand and yarn in the other. Wrap the hook from back to front (), then pull through the loop on your hook. Repeat to create a chain of 15-20 stitches.
- 3
Practice single crochet
Insert hook into the second chain from your hook. and pull through (2 loops on hook). again and pull through both loops. You've made one ! Continue across the chain.
- 4
Turn and continue
At the end of the row, chain 1 (this is your ). Flip your work around. into each stitch across. The first stitch can be tricky to see - look for the V shape.
- 5
Complete your swatch
Continue making rows until your piece is square (about 4x4 inches). To finish, cut yarn leaving 6 inches, pull the tail through your last loop, and tug tight. Weave in the loose ends with your hook.
Tips
- →Use light-colored yarn for your first project - it's much easier to see your stitches.
- →Common mistake: adding or losing stitches. Count your stitches at the end of each row until it becomes automatic.
- →If you make a mistake, just pull the yarn to unravel (called ) back to where you went wrong. It's easy to fix!
- →Don't crochet too tightly. Keep a relaxed grip so your hook slides through stitches easily.
Communities
Resources
- Bella Coco Crochet
Highly recommended beginner channel with clear, slow-paced tutorials for absolute beginners.
- The Crochet Crowd
Comprehensive tutorials from basic stitches to complete projects, with excellent beginner guidance.
- Sarah Maker Crochet Guide
Complete written guide with photos covering all fundamentals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn crochet?
You can make your first chain and stitches in 30 minutes. After 5-10 hours of practice, you'll be ready for simple projects like scarves and dishcloths.
Is crochet easier than knitting?
Many find crochet easier to start because you only use one hook (vs two needles) and mistakes are simpler to fix - just pull the yarn to unravel.
What size hook should I buy?
Start with a size H/8 (5mm) hook. It's a common middle size that works with most medium-weight yarns and is comfortable for beginners.
Why are my edges wavy or uneven?
You're likely adding or losing stitches. Count stitches at the end of each row - you should have the same number throughout. Make sure to work into the first and last stitch of each row.
What should I make first?
A simple square swatch or dishcloth is perfect. It teaches you to keep even tension and count stitches without the pressure of a complex pattern.