The 5 Essential Crochet Stitches: A Beginner and Refresher Guide
Here are some basic beginner-friendly stitches to get you hooked on Crochet. Or some simple tips to get you back to your former glory.
Slip knot
A slip Knot is initially the first step in most crochet projects. It is essentially a knot. The said knot can be crafted with the aid of your finger or your crochet hook.
It is created by forming a loop, shaped like a six. The shorter end of the six is called the ‘tail end’ while the other, longer part is the ‘working end’.
As instructed, grab the yarn and pull it through the hoop of the ‘‘number six’’. Secure the knot by pulling it till the hoop has significantly reduced in size.
For our beginners, congratulations; you’re well on your way to novice-hood.
Chain stitch
Abbreviated as ‘ch’
If the slip knot is a tail bone. The chain stitch is a spinal column. It extends as far as it needs. For example, if the pattern indicates ch 30. After forming a slip knot. Form thirty loops in a similar fashion.
After the slip knot, a single loop is pulled after a yarn-over. This can be repeated to the patterns liking. Consequently, it looks like a chain.
Single crochet
Abbreviated as ‘sc’ in US terms and ‘dc’ (double crochet) in UK terms.
It is essential to understand which pattern you are following. As it may confuse.
A single crochet is formed when you insert a hook into a designated space, yarn over, and pull through the stitch. Yarn over again and pull through the two loops; and there you have it, a complete single crochet.
Single crochet is used in ribbing the edges of work. This provides a refined and finished look.
Double Crochet
Abbreviated as dc in US terms, tr (Treble Crochet) in UK terms. The process of finishing off a double crochet is somewhat similar to that of the single crochet.
Yarn over, once, and insert your hook into a stitch. Yarn over and pull your yarn through a stitch. You’ll have three loops.
Yarn over and pull through the first two. Yarn over again and finally pull through the remaining two. Viola double crochet!
Slip Stitch
Abbreviated as ‘sl st’ in the US, ‘ss’ in the UK. Slip stitches mark the end of a round and can be used as many times as possible to fulfill the repeated structure of a crochet design.
It involves placing the hook under a worked stitch, yarning over, and pulling the yarn through. This stitch is used to secure the rounds of your crochet designs.
Once the working yarn is pulled through, it can be snipped and sewn in. Either by needle or crochet hook.
Lastly, slip stitches can be used to join together independent pieces. i.e., Granny Squares and Crochet Cardigans.
Also Read: 4 Easy DIY Projects You Can Do at Home
