Learn how to crochet
To learn crochet, start with a medium-weight light-coloured yarn and a 5 mm hook, then practise the slip knot, chain, single crochet and double crochet in that order. Work straight rows until your stitches look even, then follow a simple pattern such as a dishcloth before trying projects worked in the round.
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed · Editorial policy
How to crochet: a step-by-step guide
To crochet, make a slip knot on a crochet hook, crochet a foundation chain, then work stitches into that chain by wrapping yarn over the hook and pulling loops through.
How to crochet a granny square
To crochet a classic granny square, chain 4 and join into a ring, then work four groups of 3 double crochet separated by chain-2 corners.
Crochet for beginners: everything to start
Beginners start crocheting with a 5 mm hook, a skein of smooth light-colored worsted yarn, scissors and a tapestry needle.
How to crochet a blanket
To crochet a blanket, choose a size and yarn, crochet a gauge swatch, and calculate the foundation chain from stitches per inch multiplied by the target width.
How to crochet a heart
To crochet a small heart, make a magic ring and work into it: chain 3, 3 treble crochet, 3 double crochet, chain 1, 1 treble crochet for the point, chain 1, 3 double crochet, 3 treble crochet and chain 3.
How to start a crochet chain
To start a crochet chain, make a slip knot on the hook, wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front, and pull it through the loop on the hook.
How to crochet a hat
To crochet a hat, start at the top with a magic ring and work increase rounds until the flat circle diameter equals the target hat circumference divided by 3.14.
How to crochet a circle that lies flat
To crochet a flat circle in single crochet, work 6 single crochet into a magic ring, then increase by 6 stitches in every round: 2 sc in each stitch on round 2, then one more plain stitch between increases on each following round.
How to join crochet squares together seamlessly
To join crochet squares seamlessly, place two squares side by side with right sides facing up and whip stitch or mattress stitch through the back loops only with a tapestry needle.
What to crochet: project ideas for every skill level
Choose what to crochet by matching the project to your skill level and available time.
How to read crochet patterns
Read a crochet pattern by checking the materials, gauge and abbreviation key first, then following each row or round in order.
How to change colors in crochet
To change colors in crochet, work the last stitch in the old color until two loops remain on the hook, then yarn over with the new color and pull it through to finish the stitch.
What is crochet?
Crochet is a method of making fabric by pulling loops of yarn or thread through other loops with a single hooked tool called a crochet hook.
How to fasten off crochet
To fasten off crochet, finish the last stitch, cut the working yarn leaving a 6 inch tail, then yarn over and pull the tail completely through the loop on the hook.
How to choose crochet yarn
Choose crochet yarn by matching the yarn weight and yardage to the pattern, picking a fiber suited to the item's use and care, and checking that the yarn is smooth, evenly spun and consistent in thickness.
How to weave in ends in crochet
To weave in ends in crochet, thread the yarn tail onto a blunt tapestry needle and weave it through the backs of stitches for about 2 inches in one direction.
What is crochet gauge and how do you measure it?
Crochet gauge is the number of stitches and rows in a set measurement, usually 4 inches or 10 centimeters, using a specific yarn, hook and stitch.
How to block crochet
To block crochet, wet or dampen the finished piece, gently press out excess water, and pin it to the exact finished measurements on a blocking mat.
How to wash crochet without ruining it
Wash crochet according to the yarn label: most acrylic and superwash wool can be machine washed cold in a mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle, while non-superwash wool and delicate fibers need a cool hand wash.
How to fix crochet mistakes
Fix crochet mistakes by removing the hook, gently pulling the working yarn to unravel stitches back to the error, and reinserting the hook into the last good loop.
What do you need to start crocheting?
You need one crochet hook, one ball of yarn, scissors and a blunt tapestry needle to start crocheting. A 5 mm (US H-8) hook with smooth, light-coloured worsted-weight (#4) yarn makes stitches easiest to see.
Avoid dark, fuzzy or very thin yarn for your first attempts, because individual stitches are hard to identify.
| Item | What to buy | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hook | 5 mm / US H-8 | Matches worsted yarn; large enough to see stitches |
| Yarn | Smooth #4 worsted, light colour, acrylic or cotton | Stitches are visible and yarn does not split |
| Needle | Blunt tapestry needle | Weaving in ends |
| Scissors | Any small pair | Cutting yarn |
| Stitch markers | Locking markers | Marking the first stitch of a round |
In what order should you learn crochet stitches?
Learn crochet stitches in order of height: chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, then treble crochet. Each taller stitch adds one more yarn over to the one before it, so each builds on the last.
After the basic stitches, learn the magic ring and increasing, which together unlock hats, circles and amigurumi.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to learn to crochet?
Most people can make the basic stitches in an afternoon. Even tension usually takes a few weeks of regular practice.
Is crochet easier than knitting?
Many beginners find crochet easier to start because there is only one hook and one live loop, so dropped stitches are rare. See the crochet vs knitting comparison for detail.