Basic Crochet Stitches with Tutorial Videos
These crochet videos will help you learn how to crochet the basic crochet stitches, which include a slip knot, chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, triple crochet, slip stitch, finishing off yarn, and weaving yarn tails. Knowing these basic crochet stitches is a great start if you are learning how to crochet.
Slip Knot and Chain
Abbreviation for chain stitch – ch
The video below shows how to make a slip knot and crochet a chain.
Single Crochet
Abbreviation for single crochet – sc
The video below shows how to make a single crochet stitch, including how to make a single crochet on the second and remaining rows.
Below is a picture of 4 rows of single crochet stitches.
A turning chain for a single crochet is ONE chain.
What is a turning chain?
When crocheting multiple rows, you use “turning chains” at the beginning of the next row to raise or transition to the next row of stitches. Different stitches require a different number of turning chains (stitches).
Half Double Crochet
Abbreviation for half double crochet – hdc
The video below shows how to make a half double crochet stitch, including how to make a half double crochet on the second and remaining rows.
Below is a picture of 4 rows of half double crochet stitches.
A turning chain for half double crochet is TWO chains. A turning chain transitions you to the next row and actually counts as your first half double crochet in the next row, which means you will actually skip the two turning chains and the next stitch and thus will make the first half double crochet in the third chain (or the top of the chain in the second to last half double crochet in the previous row). I explain this in the video above when crocheting the second row.
When you finish a row of half double crochet stitches, crochet your last stitch in the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Also, be sure to count your stitches (including the turning chain) in each row, which will ensure uniformity and straight edges.
Double Crochet
Abbreviation for double crochet – dc
The video below shows how to make a double crochet stitch, including how to make a double crochet on the second and remaining rows.
Below is a picture of 4 rows of double crochet stitches.
A turning chain for double crochet is THREE chains. A turning chain transitions you to the next row and actually counts as your first double crochet in this next row, which means you will actually skip the three turning chains and the next stitch and thus will make the first double crochet in the fourth chain (or the top of the chain in the second to last double crochet in the previous row). I explain this in the video above when crocheting the second row.
When you finish a row of double crochet stitches, crochet your last stitch in the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Also, be sure to count your stitches (including the turning chain) in each row, which will ensure uniformity and straight edges.
Triple Crochet
Abbreviation for single crochet – tr
The video below shows how to make a triple crochet stitch, including how to make a triple crochet on the second and remaining rows.
Below is a picture of 4 rows of triple crochet stitches.
A turning chain for triple crochet is FOUR chains. A turning chain transitions you to the next row and actually counts as your first <strong>triple crochet</strong> in this next row, which means you will actually skip the four turning chains and the next stitch and thus will make the first double crochet in the fifth chain (or the top of the chain in the second to last double crochet in the previous row). I explain this in the video above when crocheting the second row.
When you finish a row of <strong>triple crochet stitches,</strong> crochet your last stitch in the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Also, be sure to count your stitches (including the turning chain) in each row, which will ensure uniformity and straight edges.
Slip Stitch
Abbreviation for slip stitch – sl st
The slip stitch is typically used to connect pieces together, such as joining the ends of a chain to make a ring.
Click HERE to see a complete list of crochet abbreviations from Yarn Craft Council.
Click HERE for crochet chart symbols from Yarn Craft Council.
Finishing Off Yarn
The video below shows you how to finish off your work
Weaving Yarn Tails
To learn how to join yarn (changing colors) at the end of a row or in the middle of a row, click HERE.
To Learn How to Crochet: Crochet for Beginners, click HERE.
Be sure to Pin this for later reference.
Happy Crocheting!
I love the way you teach! Very relaxing and can’t wait to start! Just brought some yarn and needle to practice!
Kari,
Thanks so much for your affirming words! That makes my day. I love to crochet and hope you will too! Just be patient with yourself. It takes some time to get the hang of it but it is well worth it!
Happy Crocheting!
Suz
Thank you so much for the excellent tutorials on crocheting!! It has been many years since I crocheted. My 7-year-old grandson likes to keep his hands busy and his mother thought he might enjoy crocheting. But I forgot too much to be able to teach him. These videos will be really helpful to both of us!!
Anita,
This comment made my day! As a mother to a three-year-old little boy, I was delighted to know that my videos would help another grandmother and your grandson. I even read this to Neal. Thrilled these videos will help you both!
Suz
You make it so easy! I learned all the stictches in less than 2 weeks because of you, so thank you so much! Can’t wait to learn how to actually make things!
Sophie,
Thank you for taking the time to share your success on learning each stitch! I am so happy for you and hearing that makes my day!
Happy Crocheting!
Suz