Crochet Stitch Guide for Beginners: 10 Essential Stitches to Master

When I taught my first crochet class 15 years ago, a student asked me how many stitches she needed to learn before she could make a blanket. The answer surprised her: just three. Chain, single crochet, and double crochet are all you need for your first project. Everything else is a variation of these foundational movements. In the years since, I have refined my teaching approach to focus on 10 essential stitches that open the door to virtually every crochet pattern ever published.

Crochet stitches are built on a simple principle: pull a loop of yarn through another loop. The only difference between stitches is how many loops are on your hook and how tall the resulting stitch is. Once you understand this concept, learning new stitches becomes intuitive rather than intimidating. Let me walk you through each one in the order I teach them to my students.

The 10 Essential Crochet Stitches

1. Chain Stitch (ch)

The chain stitch is the foundation of almost every crochet project. It creates the initial row of loops that you build upon. To make a chain: create a slip knot on your hook, yarn over (wrap yarn around hook from back to front), pull through the loop on your hook. That is one chain. Repeat for as many chains as your pattern requires. Keep your chains loose and even; tight chains make the first row extremely difficult to work into.

2. Slip Stitch (sl st)

The slip stitch is the shortest crochet stitch and is primarily used for joining rounds, creating seams, and surface decoration. Insert hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion. It adds no height to your work.

3. Single Crochet (sc)

Single crochet creates a tight, dense fabric perfect for amigurumi, pot holders, and items that need structure. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops. This is the stitch I recommend beginners master first because it feels manageable and builds confidence.

4. Half Double Crochet (hdc)

Half double crochet is the midpoint between single and double crochet in height and density. Yarn over first, then insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops at once. It creates a slightly stretchy fabric with beautiful texture. I love it for hats and cowls.

5. Double Crochet (dc)

Double crochet is the most versatile stitch and the backbone of most blanket patterns. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops left), yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops. It creates an open, drapey fabric that works up quickly. It is roughly twice the height of single crochet.

6-10. Advanced Foundation Stitches

Treble Crochet (tr): Yarn over twice before inserting hook, then work off 2 loops at a time three times. Creates a very tall, open stitch perfect for lace patterns and decorative work.

Increase (inc): Work 2 stitches into the same stitch point. Used to widen fabric, shape garments, and create circles. The type of increase (sc inc, dc inc) depends on the stitch pattern.

Decrease (dec/sc2tog): Combine 2 stitches into 1 to narrow fabric. Insert hook into first stitch, pull up a loop, insert into next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops. Essential for shaping hats, amigurumi, and garments.

Magic Ring (MR): The cleanest way to start crocheting in the round. Creates an adjustable loop that closes completely with no center hole. Essential for hats, amigurumi, and any circular project. Takes practice but is worth mastering. See our Circle Calculator for round-by-round stitch counts.

Shell Stitch: A decorative combination stitch where you work multiple stitches (usually 5 dc) into the same stitch point, creating a fan or shell shape. The gateway to decorative crochet patterns and beautiful blanket borders.