Within a short time, you’ll know how to make a crochet chain and a slip stitch so you can start easy projects. From there, learn more basic stitches and begin to make a variety of scarves, hats, shawls, and blankets. A turning chain often starts each new row in a crochet project. The height of the turning chain, which is the number of chains you create, depends on the stitches used in that row. For example, a double crochet row begins with three chains. Crochet chains often connect other stitches in a crochet pattern, particularly when working in the round. For example, throughout the classic crochet granny square motif, a “ch 2” separates double crochet stitches to create a space in each corner of the square. The picot stitch is a common crochet edging that incorporates a crochet chain to create a texture. Openwork lace or mesh, long fringe, and big loops all use crochet chains as a core feature of their design. Experiment with a simple project using a basic crochet chain. Crochet a set of long chains, knot them together at both ends and make your first simple crochet scarf. Slip stitches are useful for joining one crocheted element to another. For example, you can place a pair of granny squares side-by-side and slip stitch crochet them together. Crochet slip stitches are also often used for adding flourishes. For example, in surface crochet, slip stitches add color and visual interest to the surface of a crochet or knitting project. It’s almost like you’re using slip stitches to embroider a flourish on a crocheted item. Single crochet stitches are short stitches that create a dense fabric. You can use various sizes of hooks or yarn, as well as altering the stitch to create different densities. Once you learn the single crochet stitch, you can customize it depending on which loops you work through. The single crochet stitch is also the foundation stitch in all amigurumi crochet patterns. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed toys and other three-dimensional items. Crocheting creates just the right density of fabric for amigurumi items. Once you learn the double crochet stitch, you can make it look different depending on which loops you work through. For example, working in the back loop only creates a ribbed design that makes handsome blankets, cuffs, and bands for hats. Once you know how to double crochet, you can make many different types of taller crochet stitches including the double treble, triple treble, and even taller stitches. This stitch allows you to quickly add height to a project. Taller stitches also create looser fabric. Looser crochet fabric drapes better and has more breathability, which is ideal for open, lacy shawls and light blankets that require tall stitches. Now that you’ve learned these six basic crochet stitches, you’re on your way to becoming a most proficient crocheter. Experiment by combining the basic crochet stitches to create new stitch patterns. For example, the crochet seed stitch alternates single crochet and double crochet stitches and the crochet moss stitch alternates single crochet with chains. You’ll soon start to pick up any crochet pattern for beginners with confidence.
