How to Crochet: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Crochet uses one hook and one strand of yarn to pull loops through other loops. That is really all it is. Every stitch, from a simple chain to a cable, is a different way of pulling loops through. This guide takes you from holding a hook for the first time to finishing a small project.

What you need to start

• A 5 mm (H/8) crochet hook with a comfortable handle
• One ball of smooth worsted-weight yarn in a light colour (dark yarn hides the stitches)
• Scissors and a blunt tapestry needle
• A few stitch markers (or safety pins)

Holding the hook and yarn

Hold the hook like a pencil or like a knife, whichever feels natural. Wrap the working yarn around the little finger of your other hand and over your index finger. Your index finger lifts the yarn to feed it to the hook, and your thumb and middle finger pinch the work just below the hook.

Your tension will feel awkward at first. That is normal, and it evens out after a few hours of practice.

The five stitches you need first

1. 1Chain: the foundation of most projects
2. 2Slip stitch: for joining rounds
3. 3Single crochet: dense and sturdy, used in amigurumi
4. 4Half double crochet: quick and soft
5. 5Double crochet: tall and drapey, used in granny squares

Practise each stitch on a swatch of 15 to 20 stitches until it feels comfortable. Count your stitches at the end of every row: the most common beginner problem is gaining or losing stitches at the edges.

Working in rows and in the round

Flat pieces like scarves and blankets are worked in rows: you turn the work at the end of every row and make a turning chain. Hats, amigurumi and granny squares are worked in rounds, starting from a magic ring and spiralling outwards.

Your first projects

Pick something small that you can finish in an evening. A finished project is the best motivation to keep going.

When you are ready, learn how to read a crochet pattern and keep the abbreviations glossary open while you work.