Basic Stitches

The chain stitch is the most basic of all crochet stitches. You'll use the chain stitch in several different ways:

• Chain stitches are used to begin most crochet projects. When a grouping of chain stitches is used at the beginning of a project, it can be referred to as a "starting chain," "base chain," or a "foundation chain."
• A "turning chain" is often used between rows of crochet stitches.
• Many crochet patterns utilize chain stitches within the stitch pattern; they can create a variety of interesting effects, ranging from picots to lacy openwork areas.

If you're brand new to crochet, this is the first stitch you should learn. Here are some resources for learning about the chain stitch:

• Chain stitch tutorial -- learn the chain stitch, step by step.
• Chain stitch video
• Chain stitch abbreviation

Slip stitches are useful and versatile. Pictured here is one possible use for the slip stitch; when your crochet instructions tell you to "join with a slip stitch to form a ring," this photo shows an example of what your work might look like.

In general, slip stitches are useful for joining one crocheted element to another. There are many other ways you could use them; in my surface crochet tutorial, you'll learn about different ways you can use slip stitches to add color and visual interest to the surface of a crochet or knitting project. This page also details more uses for slip stitches, and includes simple instructions for crocheting the slip stitch.

The single crochet stitch is another basic crochet stitch you'll need to know. It's a short stitch that appears frequently in many different crochet patterns.

Here are some resources for learning the single crochet stitch:

• Single crochet stitch tutorial -- learn the single crochet stitch, step by step.
• Single crochet video
• Single crochet stitch variations -- once you've learned the single crochet stitch, you'll be able to make it look different depending on which loops you work through. For more information, you'll also want to visit our pages about loops and crocheting through loops.
• Single crochet stitch abbreviation

Half double crochet stitch is taller than the single crochet, and shorter than the double crochet.

• Half double crochet instructions
• Half double crochet abbreviation

Double crochet is another basic crochet stitch you'll need to know. It's a tall, textured stitch with many potential uses. Double crochet combines well with all of the other basic stitches, and there are unlimited ways to use it.

Here are some resources for learning the double crochet stitch:

• Double crochet stitch tutorial -- learn the double crochet stitch.
• Double crochet video
• Double crochet stitch variations -- once you've learned the double crochet stitch, you'll be able to make it look different depending on which loops you work through.
• Double crochet stitch abbreviation

The treble crochet stitch is also known as the triple crochet stitch. It's taller than the double crochet stitch, and requires a tiny bit more effort to crochet.

• Treble crochet stitch instructions
• Treble abbreviation