The 4 Basic Crochet Stitches Every Beginner Needs to Know

When you first start crocheting, looking at a complex pattern can feel like trying to read a foreign language. But here is a secret that experienced crocheters know: almost every beautiful, intricate pattern you see is built using variations of just four basic stitches.

Once you master these four foundational stitches, you will have the skills to tackle 90% of all crochet projects.

Let’s dive into the core building blocks of crochet.

1. The Single Crochet (sc)

The single crochet is the shortest, tightest, and most fundamental stitch. It creates a dense, sturdy fabric with very few holes, making it the absolute best stitch for making warm winter hats, sturdy bags, and amigurumi (stuffed toys).

How to do a Single Crochet:

1. Insert your hook into the next stitch.
2. Yarn over (wrap the yarn around the hook) and pull up a loop. You should now have two loops on your hook.
3. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.
4. You have completed one single crochet!

2. The Half Double Crochet (hdc)

The half double crochet is the perfect middle-ground stitch. It is taller than a single crochet but shorter than a double crochet. It has a beautiful, subtle texture and creates a slightly looser, softer fabric. It is incredibly popular for baby blankets and cozy sweaters.

How to do a Half Double Crochet:

1. Yarn over before inserting your hook.
2. Insert your hook into the next stitch.
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will now have three loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook at once.

3. The Double Crochet (dc)

The double crochet is the workhorse of the crochet world. It is exactly twice as tall as a single crochet, which means projects worked in double crochet grow twice as fast! It creates a flexible, drapey fabric with more breathability. This is the stitch used to create the classic Granny Square.

How to do a Double Crochet:

1. Yarn over.
2. Insert your hook into the next stitch.
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook).
4. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops only (two loops left on hook).
5. Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.

4. The Treble Crochet (tr)

Sometimes called the Triple Crochet, the treble crochet is a very tall stitch that creates a loose, lacy, and airy fabric. It is frequently used in summer shawls, lace borders, and decorative stitch patterns.

How to do a Treble Crochet:

1. Yarn over twice before inserting your hook.
2. Insert your hook into the next stitch.
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop (four loops on hook).
4. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops (three loops left).
5. Yarn over and pull through the next two loops (two loops left).
6. Yarn over and pull through the final two loops.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to learn these stitches is to grab a medium-weight (worsted) yarn and a 5.0mm hook, chain 20, and just practice rows of each stitch until your hands memorize the movements. Don’t worry if your edges aren’t perfectly straight at first—tension comes with time!