Crochet Stitches
The core stitches, step by step: single, half double, double and treble crochet, plus front and back post stitches for ribbing.
5 lessons, best read in order
Lesson 15 min readHow to Single Crochet (sc): The Stitch Everything Is Built On
Single crochet is the shortest of the basic stitches and the first one most people learn. It makes a firm, dense fabric that's perfect for amigurumi, washcloths and edgings, and once you can do it smoothly every other stitch is a small step further.
Lesson 24 min readHow to Half Double Crochet (hdc), Plus the Third-Loop Trick
Half double crochet sits between single and double crochet in height. It's quick, warm and soft, which is why so many hats, scarves and blankets use it. It also has a hidden third loop that opens up some lovely textures.
Lesson 34 min readHow to Double Crochet (dc) and Avoid Gappy Edges
Double crochet is the workhorse of crochet: tall, quick and drapey. It's in granny squares, shells, blankets and garments. Here's how to work it, what to do with that ch-3 at the start of every row, and how to keep your edges neat.
Lesson 43 min readHow to Treble Crochet (tr) and the Taller Stitches
Treble crochet, also called triple crochet, is the tallest of the basic stitches most patterns use. It builds height quickly and creates open, lacy fabric. Once you understand it, double treble and beyond are just more of the same.
Lesson 54 min readFront Post and Back Post Double Crochet: Ribbing and Texture
Post stitches are worked around the post of a stitch instead of into its top loops. They push stitches forward or back, creating ribbing, cables and basketweave. If you can double crochet, you already know 90% of it.
Related Educational Guides & Tutorials
What Is Crochet Gauge? How to Measure It and Why It Matters
Gauge is the translation key between the designer's hands and yours. Learn how to make a swatch that tells the truth, measure it, match the pattern, and use the math to size any project.
How Much Yarn for a Crochet Blanket? Chart and 3 Ways to Estimate
A full yardage chart for every blanket size, what changes the numbers, and three ways to estimate, including a swatch method that's accurate to within a few percent.
How to Fix Uneven Crochet Edges and Keep Them Straight
Almost every wobbly edge comes from the first and last stitch of each row. Learn the turning chain rules, the fixes for gappy edges, and how to tidy a finished piece with a border.