What You Need to Start Crocheting
Getting started with crochet requires just a few basic supplies. Here's what every beginner needs:
Crochet Hook (5mm/H-8)
A comfortable medium-size hook perfect for beginners
Worsted Weight Yarn (4)
Medium weight yarn in a light color so you can see your stitches
Scissors
Sharp scissors for cutting yarn
Tapestry Needle
Blunt needle for weaving in ends
Pro Tip: Choosing Your First Yarn
Choose a smooth, light-colored worsted weight yarn for your first projects. Light colors make it easier to see your stitches, and smooth yarn (like acrylic) won't split or catch on your hook. Save fuzzy, dark, or textured yarns for when you're more comfortable.
Learn to Crochet in 6 Steps
Follow these foundational steps to learn crochet basics. Practice each step before moving to the next.
Make a Slip Knot
Create a loop with your yarn, pull the working yarn through the loop, and place it on your hook. This is the foundation for everything in crochet.
Hold Your Hook and Yarn
Hold the hook in your dominant hand like a pencil. Wrap the yarn around your non-dominant hand fingers to control tension.
Make a Chain Stitch
Yarn over (wrap yarn over hook), pull through the loop on your hook. This creates one chain. Repeat to create a foundation chain.
Learn Single Crochet
Insert hook into a chain, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. This is the most basic and versatile stitch.
Practice Your Tension
Work a swatch of single crochet rows. Your stitches should be even and your fabric should be neither too tight nor too loose.
Learn to Read Patterns
Familiarize yourself with abbreviations: ch (chain), sc (single crochet), dc (double crochet). Patterns list stitches row by row.
Essential Crochet Stitches
Master these fundamental stitches and you'll be able to make almost any crochet project.
Chain (ch)
BeginnerThe foundation stitch. Creates a starting row or adds height between rows.
Common uses: Foundation chains, turning chains, decorative elements
Slip Stitch (sl st)
BeginnerA joining stitch with no height. Used to connect rounds or move yarn position.
Common uses: Joining rounds, finishing edges, moving position
Single Crochet (sc)
BeginnerThe shortest basic stitch. Creates a tight, dense fabric.
Common uses: Amigurumi, dishcloths, tight blankets
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
EasyMedium height stitch between single and double crochet.
Common uses: Hats, scarves, blankets with nice drape
Double Crochet (dc)
EasyA taller stitch that works up quickly with an open, airy fabric.
Common uses: Blankets, sweaters, lacy projects
Treble Crochet (tr)
IntermediateEven taller than double crochet, creates a very open fabric.
Common uses: Lace patterns, shawls, decorative work
Best First Crochet Projects
Start with these beginner-friendly projects to practice your new skills.
Dishcloth / Washcloth
A simple square worked in single crochet. Great for practicing even tension and counting stitches. Useful when finished!
1-2 hoursSimple Scarf
A long rectangle using one stitch throughout. Pick single, half double, or double crochet and work until it's the length you want.
3-5 hoursGranny Square
Learn to work in the round with this classic motif. Combine multiple squares into blankets, bags, or garments.
30-60 min eachSimple Beanie
Once comfortable with the basics, a beanie teaches working in continuous rounds and simple decreases.
2-4 hoursCommon Beginner Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Pulling too tight
Tight tension makes it hard to insert your hook. Relax your grip and let the yarn flow smoothly. Your stitches should slide easily on the hook.
Losing stitches at row edges
Count stitches at the end of every row. Mark the first and last stitch with a stitch marker until you can identify them easily.
Skipping the turning chain
The turning chain gives height for your next row. For single crochet, chain 1; for double crochet, chain 3. Don't forget to turn your work!
Working into the wrong loop
Each stitch has a front and back loop forming a "V" shape. Unless specified, insert your hook under both loops of the V.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn crochet?
Most people can learn basic stitches in a few hours and complete a simple project within a week. Becoming proficient with various techniques takes a few months of regular practice. The key is starting with easy projects and building up gradually.
Is crochet or knitting easier to learn?
Many beginners find crochet easier because it uses only one hook (versus two needles), and mistakes are simpler to fix. Crochet is also more forgiving with tension variations. However, both crafts have their own learning curves.
What should I crochet first as a beginner?
Start with a simple dishcloth or scarf using single crochet or double crochet stitches. These flat, rectangular projects let you practice maintaining even tension without worrying about shaping. Granny squares are also great for beginners.
What size crochet hook should a beginner use?
A 5mm (H-8) hook with worsted weight (4) yarn is ideal for beginners. This combination is large enough to see your stitches clearly but not so large that the yarn feels awkward. Choose a smooth, light-colored yarn.
Why are my crochet edges uneven?
Uneven edges usually come from inconsistent stitch counts at row ends. Count your stitches at the end of each row and make sure you are working into the correct stitch at the beginning of each row (the first stitch is easy to miss).
How do I hold the crochet hook correctly?
There are two common grips: the pencil grip (hold like a pencil) and the knife grip (hold like a knife). Try both and use whichever feels more comfortable. Consistency matters more than which grip you choose.