Basics and Beyond
By Sandi Marshall, About.com Guide to Crochet
This is where you'll find resources for learning how to crochet, from very beginner to advanced. Tutorials for both basic and advanced stitches and techniques, plus free patterns that are ranked as easy or for a beginner skill level. If you are looking for free patterns for skill levels beyond beginner, those are listed at the second tab above, named Patterns.
Basic Stitches
Listed here are free step-by-step photo tutorials and instructions for learning basic crochet stitches. The very first step is to learn to make a chain. When that is mastered, move on to the single crochet stitch by crocheting along with my step-by-step photos. At that point, you may be ready to try some of the free patterns listed in the Patterns For Very Beginners section on this page, learning additional basic stitches whenever you feel ready.
Basic Techniques
These photos and instructions may answer questions that crocheters may have while in the process of crocheting from a pattern. Every crocheter will wonder about these basic techniques at one time or another. Taking a look at these how-to photos can advance your crochet skills, giving you basic knowledge that can help to take the mystery out of pattern directions that are new to you.
- Skipping a Stitch
- Crocheting in a Chain Space
- Double Crochet Row: Where is Stitch After Turning Chain Made?
- Join-As-You-Go
- Crocheting in One Loop Only
- Crocheting in the Space Between Two Shells
- Meaning of "2nd ch from hook"
- Row End: Turning Chain-3 Counting as a Double Crochet
Patterns For Very Beginners
Free patterns especially for anyone just beginning to crochet. Extra explanation is given. Some patterns have the words spelled out (no abbreviations) to help beginners.
- Beginner's Dishcloth
- Single Crochet Scarf
- Learn To Crochet a Baby Blanket or Lapghan
- Shells/Vs Scarf - Easy Way to Learn About Abbreviations
Next Level Beginner Patterns
Free patterns for beginners who have learned a few basic stitches and who have practiced reading a pattern and crocheting basic stitches by making some of the Patterns For Very Beginners.
More Crochet Stitches
What fun it can be to learn a new crochet stitch! I've made it easier with photos showing close looks at the process of making many of the stitches. Why not pick one out and give it a try.
- Boxed Shell Stitch (My Version)
- Cluster Over Skipped Stitches
- Clusters
- Corner Start
- Crossed Double Crochet
- Cross-Over Long Double Crochet
- Diagonal Shell Photo Tutorial
- Herringbone Double Crochet
- Knot Stitch
- Long Single Crochet
- Shell Stitch (3 dc)
- Shell Stitch (4 dc)
- Sideways Long Single Crochet
- Solid Shell Stitch
More Crochet Techniques
When you're ready to go beyond the basics, this list of instructions for learning further crochet techniques can be valuable.
- Cables Made Over 4 Stitches
- Cables Made Over 6 Stitches
- Chain Fringe
- Crocheting on Rick Rack - Basics
- Joining Crochet to Kitchen Towel or Other Fabric
- Hairpin Lace
- Pineapple Lace Basic Motif Photo Tutorial
- Ruffling How-To, Reading Ruffling Charts
- Surface Stitches on Filet Crochet
- Surface Stitches on Scarf
- Surface Stitches on Shawl
- Venetian Lace Photo Tutorial
- Working in Skipped Stitches
Pattern Reading
At these links, you will find explanations to help in understanding various parts of crochet pattern directions.
