Wanting to learn to crochet but don’t know where to start? Check out these guides to the basic stitches, including some great projects you can make using each stitch!
Slip Stitch
The slip stitch is used in almost every crochet project, and you can see it in action here in the Tartan Plaid Blanket used as surface slip stitch. Crochet this project in only single crochet and slip stitch.
Get the slip stitch tutorial: Ultimate Guide to the Crochet Slip Stitch
Single Crochet
Single crochet is the simplest stitch after the slip stitch, and just alternating where you put your hook can have great effects, like the ones seen above in this Front and Back Loop Single Crochet project.
Get the single crochet tutorial: Ultimate Guide to Single Crochet
Half Double Crochet
Half double crochet is a cross between a single and a double crochet that results in a unique stitch that is perfect for most projects. It is used in combination with slip stitches for amazing texture in this Easy Weekend Baby Blanket.
Get the half double crochet tutorial: Guide to Half Double Crochet
Double Crochet
Double crochet is a wonderfully versatile stitch used in crochet lace, shell stitches and all types of projects, as seen in these Chunky Button Slippers.
Get the double crochet tutorial here: Guide to Double Crochet
Shell Stitch
Once you master chaining, single crochet and double crochet, combine your stitches to create amazing stitch patterns like this open shell stitch!
Get the free pattern: Easy Shell Stitch Blanket
Wattle Stitch
Another great combination of chains, single and double crochet stitches is the Wattle Stitch, which was used in this Classic Crochet Baby Blanket.
Get the wattle stitch tutorial here: Crochet Wattle Stitch
Granny Stitch
Nothing is more iconic in crochet than a classic granny square. Worked from the center out with double crochet stitches and chains, this is an easy beginner technique. There is a video to help if you’ve never worked in the round before.
Get the granny square tutorial: How to Crochet a Granny Square
Bean Stitch
This is an easy stitch that gives amazing texture, seen in our introductory photo of the Elegant Ombre Baby Blanket. It’s like a smaller puff stitch, but still easy enough for beginners.
Get the bean stitch tutorial: How to Crochet the Bean Stitch
Primrose Stitch
Here is another great beginner-friendly stitch, made with chains, single, half double and double crochet stitches with a great texture.
Get the primrose stitch tutorial: How to Crochet the Primrose Stitch
Magic Ring
Okay, so this isn’t technically a stitch, but it’s a skill that beginning crocheters need to know. I tried many, many ways of working the magic ring and this is the only one that worked for me, so if you’ve tried and haven’t gotten the hang of this technique, give this tutorial a try (includes a video).
Get the magic ring tutorial: Ultimate Guide to the Crochet Magic Ring
