How to Make Crochet Stitches:  Beginner Friendly Stitches Anyone can Master

Crochet Stitches     by Janice Jones     

There are more crochet stitches than I care to count.  But there are only a few basic stitches to master when learning to crochet, six to be exact: 

• Slip knot and Chain Stitch
• Single Crochet
• Half Double Crochet Stitch
• Double Crochet Stitch
• Treble Crochet Stitch
• Slip Stitch

Once these stitches are mastered, you can make practically anything.  In this article I will concentrate on these six stitches.  In later articles, I'll share my knowledge of other types of crochet stitches.

Please feel free to bookmark this page for future reference.

Basic Crochet Stitches That All Beginners Should Learn

Each crochet stitch on this page is lined to a complete tutorial within the site, so don't stop on this page, but rather click on the link to help you either learn the stitch or review how it is done.  

For the most part, all crochet stitches mentioned on this page are beginner stitches. 

Right Hand verses Left Hand Crocheting

If you are a right-handed, you're in luck because I am one of you.  All of my tutorials are done using right hand techniques.  While I am attempting to to learn the basics of crocheting as a left-hander, I will be the first to admit, I'm just not very good.

So, for all you left-handers out there, may I suggest a good resource to help you learn.  The Crochet Guild of America offers basic lessons for both right and left handed people.  Check out their tutorials for left-handed crochet.

Quick Reference for Turning Chains

As you progress through each stitch, you will discover that each stitch requires a different number of turning chains.

What's a turning Chain?

The turning chain is simply a chain stitch of one or more that is used to begin a new row.  You will make a certain number of turning chains based on the type of stitch you are creating and then turn your work. (Thus the name turning chain).  Each stitch requires a different number of turning chains.

Guide to Number of Turning Chains to Make

When you make a single crochet stitch, you will chain one.  Here are more examples of stitches, their abbreviations and the number of turning stitches to make.

Single Crochet Stitch (sc):  Chain One

Half Double Crochet Stitch (hdc):  Chain Two

Double Crochet Stitch (dc):  Chain Three

Treble Crochet Stitch or Triple Crochet Stitch (tr):  Chain Four

Double Treble Crochet (dtr):  Chain Five

Triple Triple Crochet (trtr)

But don't worry about that now.  We'll review this information when we tackle each stitch.

US verses UK Stitches

When I first started reading crochet instructions, I soon learned that there are two ways of naming the same stitch in English.  Depending on whether you are following a US pattern or a UK pattern, the names of the stitches may be different.  Before starting any project find out where the pattern originated.

Chain Stitch:  Same in US and UK

Slip Stitch:  Same in US and UK

Single Crochet:  Single Crochet in US,  double crochet in UK

Half Double Crochet:  Half double crochet in US; Half treble crochet in UK 

Double Crochet:  Double Crochet in US;  Treble Crochet in UK

Treble Crochet: Treble Crochet in US; Double Treble Crochet in UK

Double Treble Crochet:  Double Treble Crochet in US; Triple treble crochet in UK

Triple Triple Crochet:  Triple Triple Crochet in US;  Quadruple Treble Crochet in UK

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Crochet Stitches

Slip Stitch and Chain Stitch

Slip Stitch and Chain Stitches are the very first crochet stitches you will learn.  Once you learn the basis of how to purchase yarn and hooks, the next obvious step is to dive into your very first project.  But you won't be able to do that unless you know how to make a slip stitch and then chain a row of stitches.

Learn more about the Chain Stitch and Slip Knot

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Single Crochet

The single crochet is likely the first stitch any new beginner will learn after they discover how to make a slip stitch and a chain of stitches.  It is the shortest of the crochet stitches and creates a very dense fabric.

Learn how to make a single crochet stitch.

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Half Double Crochet

Once a beginner masters the single crochet, the next obvious stitch is the half double crochet.  Learn how to make this easy stitch with video and picture tutorials.

Read more about the Half Double Crochet Stitch

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Double Crochet

The double crochet is an extremely easy stitch to learn with these pictures and video tutorials.  It is the basis of many more complicated projects and one stitch worth mastering very early on.

Learn more about the double crochet stitch.

Double Crochet Post Stitches Tutorial

How to Make the Double Crochet Decrease Stitch

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Treble or Triple Crochet

Just a bit taller than the double crochet, the treble crochet is an easy transition from the double crochet stitch.  If you can master the double crochet stitch, the treble crochet stitch will be a breeze.

Learn about the Treble Crochet Stitch

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Slip Stitch Crochet 

The crochet slip stitch is the shortest in crocheting and usually does not work in rows like others on this page. It is essential to connect chain stitches into a circle and add stability to flimsy edges. It is also used as a decorative stitch and a way to connect (sew) one piece of crochet fabric to another.

Learn how to make a slip stitch

Crab Stitch

Crab stitch is a simple single crochet stitch, but instead of right to left it should be worked from left to right.  While rather awkward at first, it's an easy stitch to master and makes a lovely boarder.

You might see other names for this stitch including Reverse Single Crochet. It looks pretty decorative and reminds me of a cord.  It's a great stitch to finish off a project such as a blanket or scarf.

Read more about the crab stitch

Beginner Crochet 

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Moss or Granite Stitch

This is one of my favorite stitches.  It makes a drapy fabric and it is so easy to do.  All you need to know is how to make the single crochet stitch and the chain stitch.  That's all!  Use it when making pillow covers, scarves or cowls, or create a few dishcloths as a special little gift.  The directions for a dishcloth are included on this page.  Moss or Granite Stitch Tutorial

Beginner Crochet

Basket Weave Stitch

This is a simple stitch that uses the double crochet in a pattern.  Rather than working into the little "V's", you will be working into the posts of the previous row.  In a sequence of four double crochet stitches, first you work into the front post of the stitches and then alternate by working into the back posts creating a basketweave design.

Read more about the Basketweave Crochet Stitch

Beginner Stitch

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Picot Stitch

A picot stitch is a decorative element which can be used as a finishing stitch or in the body of a pattern. It brings some special charm to a stitch pattern and often is used as a picot edging for the finished project.

Picot is a very well-known element but at the same time it is an additional headache for many crocheters. It's so hard to make it look neat.

Read more about the Picot Stitch

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Cluster Stitch

The cluster stitch family is a crochet classic. This name is given to the whole group of stitches with the different names but  similar technique to crochet. Each of them is formed as a group of stitches gathered at the top, or the bottom, or  both.

Their names are: CLUSTERS, BOBBLES, and PUFFS.

Read more about the Cluster Stitch

Half Double Crochet Cluster Stitch

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Drunken Granny Stitch

Drunken Granny Stitch may have a funny name, but the end result is gorgeous.  It looks like little fans going in opposite directions, combining to create a textural fabric  ideal for scarves, shawls, blankets and even table runners. It's versatile and unique.

Learn more about the Drunken Granny Stitch

Beginner Stitch

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Bullion stitch

The Bullion stitch  looks very decorative and attractive, but certainly requires a lot of practice. It can be used like an edging or for crocheting very decorative elements and  flowers. Using this stitch, you can create a crocheted fabric which structure looks very unusual for the crochet work. No wonder free form artists like it so much!

Learn more about the Bullion Stitch

Intermediate

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Crochet V Stitch

If you look closely at the fabric created by the Crochet V Stitch, you'll immediately know how it got its name. Check out all the tiny V's that are created by double crochet stitches and chains.  Easy?  

Yes, this is a great stitch for beginners to practice.  If you can make a double crochet stitch and a chain stitch, they you can make the Crochet V stitch.

Learn more about the Crochet V Stitch

Half Double Crochet V Stitch

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Single Rib Stitch Crochet

To the untrained eye, this crochet stitch resembles a knit rib stitch and is just as stretchy and versatile.  It's also very easy to make as long as you can make basic crochet stitches such as the single and double crochet stitches.

Check out the tutorial and then use the free pattern to make a warm headband for those cold winter days.

Single Crochet Rib Stitch

Half Double Crochet Rib Stitch

Easy

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Crochet Slip Stitch

The crochet slip stitch is the shortest stitch in crocheting and is usually not worked in rows as some of the others on this page.  It is important though, for connecting chain stitches into a circle and adding some stability to flimsy edges.

Learn how to make a slip stitch

Absolute Beginner

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Crochet Wattle Stitch

This is a lovely textured crochet stitch that is also very beginner friendly.  It only requires one know the single crochet, slip stitch and double crochet and when mastered can be used to create a wide variety of different items including dish or face wash cloths, pillows, blankets or garments.  

Learn how to make the Wattle Stitch

Beginner Friendly

Crochet Waffle Stitch Pattern

This beginner friendly crochet stitch assumes you know how to make a double crochet stitch and introduces the front post double crochet stitch to add additional texture to your crochet stitch toolbox.

Learn how to make the crochet waffle stitch pattern.

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Crochet Shell Stitch

Another beginner friendly stitch is the crochet shell, named because it resembles a seashell.  It's created by working five double crochet stitches into the same chain or space and followed by a single crochet stitch.  Even knitters will use this stitch as a border, but it is also lovely as a stand-alone stitch in one color or combined with two or more colors for an elegant pattern.

Learn how to make the Crochet Shell Stitch

Beginner Friendly

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Crochet Grit Stitches

This is a lovely pattern that creates a dense fabric with a little bit of texture.  Use it to make washcloths, scarves, blankets, pillow coverings, or makeup-removal pads.

Learn how to make the Crochet Grit Stitch

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Crochet Puff Stitch

If you are looking for an elegant textured crochet stitch to try, search no farther than the crochet puff stitch.  The fabric that these easy stitches create looks as good on the back as it does on the front, so it’s perfect for projects where you want both sides to show.

Learn how to make the Crochet Puff Stitch

Half Double Crochet Puff Stitch

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Crochet Parquet Stitch

This is a super beginner-friendly crochet stitch that only makes use of single and double crochet stitchs to create a fabric that is basicallty reversible as well as it lends itself to a variety of different color combinations.

Crochet Parquet Stitch Tutorial.

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Crochet Blanket Stitch Pattern

Here's yet another beginner-friendly stitch pattern that can be worked as long as you know how to make the singe and double crochet stitches.  Learn more about this pattern and create a dishcloth with the Crochet Blanket Stitch Pattern Dishcloth.

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Crochet Sedge Stitch

If you've mastered the single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet, you're in luck.  The crochet sedge stitch uses all three stitches to create a highly textured stitch that any crochet beginner would be proud to present to the world. 

Learn how to make the crochet sedge stitch and create a washcloth or dog blanket, both free patterns to try out.

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Crochet Star Stitch

The star stitch, which also goes by the name daisy stitch, is created with predominately half-double crochet stitches. As the name suggests, the fabric looks like little stars that are produced in simple two-row repeats.

It is not reversible, and the star pattern can only be seen on the right side of the fabric.

Learn how to make the Crochet Star Stitch

Crochet Crunch Stitch Tutorial

This is a textured crochet stitch that uses half doubl crochet stitches and slip stitches to make a thick fabric that is perfect for making objects that require some sturdiness such as  washcloths, wrist warmers, scarves, placemats and 3-dimensional objects such as bowls and cups cup holders. 

Learn how to make the crochet crunch stitch.

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Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from one of these links I will get a small  commission.

Hi, there, I'm Janice, the voice behind this website and avid knitter and crochet enthusiast. I want to share my passion with you and help you learn how to knit or crochet, smarter.

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