How-to: Single Crochet

Difficulty: Beginner

The Single Crochet is the smallest of the 4 basic crochet stitches. Those will be covered later. As with all crochet projects, remember to work evenly. Keep your work firm, but not too tight. Doing this will make sure that your projects are even and consistent.

What you will need: Any type of yarn and hook will work for practice.

Instructions: Begin by chaining about 12 stitches.

Put your hook through the 2nd chain stitch from your hook.

Wrap your yarn around your hook and pull it through the first loop. You now have 2 loops around your hook.

Wrap yarn over the hook and pull through both loops.

Your finished Single Crochet should look like this:

A row of Single Crochets should look something like this:

Remember to keep medium tension and to work evenly!

How-to: Slip Stitch

Difficulty: Beginner

The Slip Stitch is used quite frequently because it is the most effective way to join work together, carry yarn to a different area, fasten stitches and reinforce edges without adding any height to your project. Its very simple and fast to do.

What you will need: Any type of yarn and hook will work for this practice.

Instructions: Start by chaining about 12 stitches. 

Put your hook through the 2nd chain from your hook.

Wrap your yarn over the hook.

Pull the yarn through the chain loop and the loop on your hook.

As you can see, a Slip Stitch gives the illusion of skipping stitches without adding any height. This comes in handy throughout a variety of projects and is definitely worth using. 

How-to: Build Your Chain

Difficulty: Beginner


Chaining is the most basic form of crochet. The size of your initial chain will determine the general size of your finished product. All of your crocheting for each project begins to build on the chain. This step is very easy, but also very important.

What you will need: Any type of yarn and any size crochet hook will work for this.

Instructions: Beginning your chain is as simple as making a slip knot! Start by placing the tail of your yarn in your hand and draping the rest of the yarn over your index finger.

Next, wrap your yarn around the top of your index finger loosely.

Pull your yarn through the circle you created around your index finger, like this:

Pull tight to create a loop.

Put your crochet hook through this loop and pull your yarn closed around the hook.

Now we are ready to begin chaining! Make sure you are aware of where your tail is and keep it out of the way. You will need to sew this tail in when your project is finished.

When I start a chain, I find that its easiest for me to hold on to the slip knot I made with the first loop.

With your crochet hook through your first loop, wrap the yarn around the hook and pull through the loop.

Repeat the last step until your chain is long enough for your project. Once you get going, it should look a little similar to a braid.

Now that you have built your chain, you are ready to begin your project!

Feel free to email me if you have any questions/suggestions or need some help.