Crochet 101: How to Crochet for Beginners. Part 2

Crochet 101. Part 2 focuses on practicing stitches so you can be confident when taking on a crochet pattern or project. If you are just getting started… check out Part 1 for all the supplies you need. 

Did you see this Rosalee crochet purse at Living in Ivory? She made it from jersey knit fabric yarn. Love it.

Today I am going to teach you how to start your crochet project.

GETTING STARTED

To attach the yarn to the hook, you will need to make a slip knot.  The slip knot is created by crossing the end of the yarn down on top of the longer side of the yarn.

That loop is then turned down on itself so it looks like a pretzel.

With your crochet hook, you will then grab the 3rd piece from the left and pull on it.

This motion should create the slip knot with your hook attached in a loop.

BASE CHAIN

Almost all crochet projects begin with a  base chain.  To start, find a comfortable way to hold your hook, stitches, and yarn.  This is how I position my hands.

To make a chain, wrap the yarn around your crochet hook like this.

Pull through the beginning slip knot loop.

You have just completed one chain. Repeat the process. Using your crochet hook, grab the yarn, twist your hook, and pull through the loop.

You will notice that a twisting motion is necessary to pull the yarn through the loop. This may feel awkward, but you’ll get the hang of it. If this is your first time crocheting, my guess is that your loops will be much looser than mine. That’s ok for now.

FIRST ROW

When your base row is done, (patterns will specify how many chains you will need), you are ready to start your first row. In this example, I will show you how to make a row of single crochet stitches.

If you are right handed, hold your chain so that your hook is on the far right side. You will crochet moving left across the stitches. If you are left handed, hold your chain so that your hook is on the far left side. You will crochet moving right across the stitches.

To make a single crochet (or sc, which is how you will see it on patterns), insert hook through the 2nd loop from the hook. You do not count the loop that is currently on the hook. 

Grab yarn and pull through.

Once you have pulled through, you will have two loops on your hook.

Grab the yarn again and pull it through both loops on the hook.

Your first Single Crochet is complete. Continue this process in each chain across.

That’s it!  Practice these stitches. They are the most basic crochet stitches. Once you’ve mastered the feel of these stitches, you’ll be amazed at all you can create.

 

Read more: Part 1, Part 3, Part 4.