Complete Beginner's Guide to Crochet: Everything You Need to Start

Welcome to the world of crochet. I am Sarah Mitchell, and I have been teaching people to crochet for over 15 years. In that time, I have worked with everyone from 8-year-olds to 80-year-olds, people who have never held a hook and people who tried years ago and gave up. Here is what I have learned: absolutely anyone can crochet. It is a skill, not a talent. If you can tie a knot, you can learn to crochet.

This guide is structured the same way I teach my in-person beginner workshop. We start with supplies (you need less than you think), move to holding the hook and yarn (the initial awkwardness is normal and temporary), learn the foundation stitches, and complete your first small project. By the end of this guide, you will have the knowledge to crochet a dishcloth, scarf, or simple blanket.

What You Need to Start (Minimalist Edition)

That is it. You do not need an expensive hook set, a yarn bag, a row counter, a stitch guide, or any of the dozens of accessories marketed to beginners. Start with a single hook and a single skein. You can always buy more later once you know what you like.

Holding the Hook and Yarn

This is the part that feels awkward for everyone. There is no single correct way to hold a crochet hook; there are two common grips (pencil and knife), and after a few hours, one will feel more natural to you. Try both:

Pencil Grip: Hold the hook between your thumb and index finger like a pencil, with the flat thumb rest under your thumb. This gives precise control and is easier on the wrist for long sessions.

Knife Grip: Hold the hook in your fist like a butter knife, with the handle resting in your palm. This uses more arm movement and feels powerful but can strain the wrist.

For yarn tension, wrap the yarn around your non-dominant hand: over the index finger, under the middle finger, over the ring finger. This creates the tension needed to form consistent stitches. The yarn should flow smoothly, not tightly gripped.

Your First Stitches

Step 1: Slip Knot. Make a loop with the yarn, reach through and pull the working yarn through to create an adjustable loop. Slide it onto your hook. This is the starting point for almost every crochet project.

Step 2: Chain (ch). Yarn over (wrap yarn around hook from back to front), pull through the loop on your hook. That is one chain. Make 20 chains for practice. Keep them loose and even, not tight.

Step 3: Single Crochet (sc). Skip the first chain from your hook (it is the turning chain). Insert hook into the second chain from the hook (under both strands of the V). Yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). Yarn over again, pull through both loops. One single crochet completed. Continue across all 20 chains.

Step 4: Turning and Row 2. Chain 1 (turning chain), turn your work around. Single crochet into the first stitch of the new row (not the turning chain). Continue across. Count your stitches, you should still have 19. If you have 18, you probably missed the last stitch. If you have 20, you probably crocheted into the turning chain.

Your First Project: Dishcloth

Chain 30. Single crochet across (29 sc). Chain 1, turn. Repeat rows of 29 sc until the piece is square (about 28-30 rows). Fasten off, weave in ends. Congratulations, you have made a functional dishcloth. Use it in the kitchen, give it as a gift, or keep it as a reminder of how far you have come.

Next Steps After Your First Project

Learn double crochet (dc), which is taller, faster, and opens up most blanket patterns. Then learn half double crochet (hdc) for a nice middle ground. With these three stitches plus chain and slip stitch, you can tackle 90% of crochet patterns. Check our Stitch Guide for Beginners for detailed instructions on each stitch.