Hobbies & Games

Learn How to Crochet - Basic Stitches, Plus Beginner Patterns and Tutorials

By Amy Solovay, About.com Guide

So you want to learn how to crochet, and you're wondering how to get started. Or perhaps you knew how to crochet at one point, but you've forgotten how. Either way, here's a stress-free guide to learning the basics of crochet.

Crochet Supplies
Crochet Videos
Crochet Basics
Basic Crochet Stitch Tutorials
Learn How to Crochet Left-Handed
How to Read a Crochet Pattern
Granny Squares - The Ideal First Project for Beginning Crocheters

Beginner Crochet Patterns
Easy Crochet Patterns
Basic Crochet Techniques
Help! I'm Stuck!
Breaking Out of Beginner Status
Learn How to Crochet Just About Anything!

Crochet Supplies

You don't need many supplies to get started with crochet. The basics you'll need include a crochet hook, some yarn or thread, a pair of scissors, and a needle with an eye large enough to accommodate your chosen fiber.

One of the beautiful things about crochet is that you can stick to basic, affordable supplies if you're on a tight budget. Plenty of fancier supplies are available if you'd like to upgrade.

There is much to learn about the various hooks and supplies available. This info will help get you started.

Crochet Videos

Crochet videos are a fantastic way to learn how to crochet, especially if you don't have access to an experienced teacher. We invite you to grab a crochet hook and a ball of yarn, and follow along with these videos - you'll be crocheting in no time!

Crochet Basics

These overview pages present the basics of crochet.

Basic Crochet Stitch Tutorials

Basic stitches are the building blocks you'll use to crochet your projects. The basic stitches can be combined to create unlimited different looks.

The following tutorials will teach you how to do the basic stitches:

Learn How to Crochet Left-Handed

Left-handed people face an extra challenge when learning how to crochet; crochet instructions are typically written for right-handed people. If you want to learn how to crochet left-handed, we hope you'll find these resources helpful.

How to Read a Crochet Pattern

These Vintage Crochet Pattern Books Were Published by Novelty Art Studios Prior to 1915.

If you don't know how to read crochet patterns, it might seem like they are written in some sort of secret code. It's actually really easy, once you understand the terms and abbreviations used. This information will help.

Granny Squares - The Ideal First Project for Beginning Crocheters

If you’ve never crocheted before, a basic granny square is an ideal first project. Don't yawn! Perhaps the granny doesn't seem like the most exciting thing you could be crocheting, but it really is a great starting point.

The good ol' granny will help you get comfortable with chains, slip stitches, double crochet, working in rounds, and crocheting corners. After you’ve mastered those basics, you’ll have many of the skills necessary to crochet more complicated projects.

Beginner Crochet Patterns

These crochet patterns are all suitable for total beginners.

Easy Crochet Patterns

If you're looking for an easy crochet project, try any of these patterns.

Basic Crochet Techniques

These are some of the basic crochet techniques you should know.

Help! I'm Stuck!

So, you're off and running. You've figured out the chain and a few other stitches, and you're crocheting along like crazy.

Then it happens - you hit a roadblock and you can't figure out what to do next.

We can help!

Breaking Out of Beginner Status

If you practice crocheting consistently, it won't be long before you're a confident crocheter. Practice is really the key to advancement.

It will also help if you can learn some new tips, tricks, techniques, and stitches along the way. Here are some more resources that will help you master the art of crocheting.

Learn How to Crochet Just About Anything!

If there's a specific type of project you'd like to crochet, chances are good we have instructions and free patterns that'll help.

Crochet