Learning a few basic crochet stitches is the foundation for almost every crochet project. Whether you’re making blankets, scarves, coasters, or amigurumi, these five stitches will help you build confidence and create countless designs. In this guide, we’ll cover the chain stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and triple crochet, along with simple visual instructions to help you get started.

*Video instructions are available at the very bottom of this article.

1. Chain Stitch (ch)

The chain stitch is usually the very first stitch every crocheter learns. It creates the foundation row for many crochet projects.

How to Make a Chain Stitch

1. Create a slip knot and place it on your hook.
2. Yarn over (wrap the yarn around the hook from back to front).
3. Pull the yarn through the loop already on the hook.
4. Repeat until you reach the desired number of chains.

Visual Guide

Slip Knot → O

Yarn Over:
O\

Pull Through:
O---O---O---O

2. Single Crochet (sc)

Single crochet creates a dense, sturdy fabric that is perfect for toys, dishcloths, and many beginner projects.

How to Make a Single Crochet

1. Insert your hook into the next stitch.
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
3. You now have 2 loops on the hook.
4. Yarn over again.
5. Pull through both loops.

Visual Guide

Step 1:
Hook ↓
V V V V

Step 2:
Pull up loop

Hook: O O

Step 3:
Yarn over and pull through both loops

Hook: O

3. Half Double Crochet (hdc)

Half double crochet is slightly taller than single crochet and creates a fabric with more flexibility and texture.

How to Make a Half Double Crochet

1. Yarn over.
2. Insert hook into the next stitch.
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
4. You now have 3 loops on the hook.
5. Yarn over.
6. Pull through all 3 loops.

Visual Guide

Yarn Over First

Hook: O

Insert into stitch

Hook: O O O

Pull through all 3 loops

Hook: O

4. Double Crochet (dc)

Double crochet is one of the most popular crochet stitches. It works up quickly and creates a softer, more open fabric.

How to Make a Double Crochet

1. Yarn over.
2. Insert hook into the next stitch.
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
4. You now have 3 loops on the hook.
5. Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops.
6. Yarn over again and pull through the remaining 2 loops.

Visual Guide

3 Loops on Hook:
O O O

Pull through first 2:
O O

Pull through last 2:
O

5. Triple Crochet (tr)

Triple crochet, sometimes called treble crochet, is a tall stitch that creates an airy fabric and adds height to crochet patterns.

How to Make a Triple Crochet

1. Yarn over twice.
2. Insert hook into the next stitch.
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
4. You now have 4 loops on the hook.
5. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops.
6. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops again.
7. Yarn over and pull through the final 2 loops.

Visual Guide

Yarn Over Twice

Hook: O O

Insert into stitch

Hook: O O O O

Pull through 2 loops:
O O O

Pull through 2 loops:
O O

Pull through final 2 loops:
O

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gHmLDR2QLY

Practice Makes Progress

Mastering these five basic stitches opens the door to thousands of crochet patterns. Start by practicing each stitch in small swatches until your tension becomes comfortable and consistent. Once you feel confident with chain stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and triple crochet, you’ll be ready to tackle beginner-friendly projects and continue building your crochet skills.

Remember, every experienced crocheter started with these same stitches. Take your time, enjoy the process, and celebrate your progress with every row you complete.