What the Stitch? Basic Stitches
Have you seen this floating around on social media?
It definitely produces a chuckle from me because I know there are people out there who think this is true. LOL Hey, what can I say? *shrugs* :-) So, are you ready to get to it? Here we go…
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How to Hold Yarn to Crochet
Just like there is no right or wrong way to hold a crochet hook, there is no right or wrong way to hold the yarn. When I first began crocheting, I tried the different techniques that are out there for holding yarn, but none of them ever seemed to work for me. So, naturally, my hand did its own thing and I’ve been doing it “my way” for 11 years. I don’t want you to ever think that your way won’t work.
That was me several times on my journey while watching tutorials and observing techniques. At one time, I felt the need to try to correct the way I held the yarn because I never saw anyone hold it the same way I did until I realized that didn’t matter. As long as the tension is even and the gauge is accurate, feel free to hold the yarn any way you like!
Tension and Gauge
Everyone crochets differently. You can crochet loose or tight. The way to determine whether you are a tight or a loose crocheter is to do a gauge swatch.
What is the gauge? When looking at a pattern, it is the measurements given that will match what the designer has done. So, your end result should look exactly like the designer's end result.
Generally, a gauge swatch is 4” x 4” square. Designers will provide the specifics of their gauge at the beginning of their patterns. That will determine if your gauge is spot on or whether you'll need to decrease or increase your hook size to meet that specific gauge. This will make sense later.
Let’s start with getting the yarn on the hook. For every stitch below, you will create a slip knot and foundation chain. Grab your yarn, hook, and a pair of scissors. If you like, you can create a book and label each stitch as you make it for reference.
Creating a Slip Knot
In almost all crochet projects/patterns, a slip knot is the first step in creating the piece (whether it’s a hat or a dress), so it is very important to master it. There are many different ways to do a slip knot, and I would like to share with you how I do it.
Now you want to make sure not to make the slip knot too tight on your hook or too loose or the next step may prove to be difficult.
Make a Chain (Ch)
Many crochet pieces start with a foundation chain of any given number of stitches.
To make a foundation chain
wrap yarn around hook (from the back, not the front)
pull wrapped yarn through making a loop
Repeat the 2 steps above until you have the correct number of foundation chains. For this learning session, let’s make 21 chains. See the video below
Single Crochet (sc)
Now that the foundation chain is complete, we will begin the single crochet.
Insert your hook in the second chain from the hook
Wrap yarn around the hook
Pull the loop through the chain (you might hear me say “pull up a loop” and I will write this from here on out most likely…you will have 2 loops on your hook)
Wrap yarn around the hook
Pull through both loops on your hook
You should have one loop left on your hook. That completes one single crochet.
Continue with the previous steps until you have reached the end of the row. You should have 20 single crochet stitches.
To tie off, work one chain, pull through loop. Cut at least 4-5 inches away from your work and pull tight. This will create a knot and prevent it from unraveling. That's it! That wasn't so bad, right?
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
First, make your slip knot and chain 17.
Wrap yarn around the hook
Insert the hook into the third chain from hook
Pull up a loop (you should have 3 loops on your hook)
Wrap yarn around the hook
Pull through all three loops on the hook
You should have one loop on the hook. That completes one half double crochet stitch.
Continue with the previous steps until you have reached the end of the row. You should have 16 hdc. Tie off work as you did previously.
Double Crochet (dc)
First, make your slip knot and chain 18.
Wrap yarn around the hook
Insert the hook into the fourth chain from hook
Pull up a loop (you should have 3 loops on hook)
Wrap yarn around hook
Pull through 2 loops (you should now have 2 chains on hook)
Wrap yarn around hook
Pull through remain 2 loops
You should have one loop on the hook. That completes one double crochet stitch.
Continue with the previous steps until you have reached the end of the row. You should have 16 dc. Tie off work as you did previously.
These last two are also considered basic stitches. I can tell you I didn't learn these two right away. It was only the three I listed above. Once you get a hang of those three, you'd be surprised at what you can do.
Extended Single Crochet (exsc)
First, make your slip knot and chain 18.
Insert your hook in the third chain from the hook
Wrap yarn around the hook
Pull up a loop (pulling loop through the chain, you should have 2 loops on hook)
Wrap yarn around the hook
Pull through the first loop only
Wrap yarn around the hook
Pull through both loops
You should have one loop on the hook. That completes one extended single crochet stitch. Continue with the previous steps until you have reached the end of the row. You should have 16 exsc. Tie off work as you did previously.
Treble (tr)
First, make your slip knot and chain 19.
Wrap yarn around the hook twice
Insert the hook into the fifth chain from hook
Pull up a loop (you should have 4 loops on hook)
Wrap yarn around hook
Pull through 2 loops (you should now have 3 loops on hook)
Wrap yarn around hook
Pull through 2 loops (you should now have 2 loops on hook)
Wrap yarn around hook
Pull through remaining 2 loops
You should have one loop on the hook. That completes one treble crochet stitch.
Continue with the previous steps until you have reached the end of the row. You should have 16 tr. Tie off work as you did previously.
Those are your basic stitches for crocheting! Practice those and comment below which stitches you find are challenging.
Stay Crafty!
~Kel
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