Master the Most Essential Crochet Stitches!
Crochet Starter Guide: Learn 10 Essential Stitches
Perfect for Plushies, Scarves & Beyond!
By Veronika
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Crochet! 💫
Starting your crochet journey? You’re in the right place. Whether you're here to make plushies, cozy gifts, or just learn a relaxing new skill, this beginner guide will show you the 10 stitches you’ll use again and again.
We’ll go slow, explain clearly, and keep things fun. By the end, you’ll feel confident holding your hook and dreaming up your own soft and squishy creations!
Ready to get started? Grab your yarn and let’s do this! 🧶
Abbreviation Table Page
Crochet Abbreviations Quick Guide 🧵
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| sl knot | Slip Knot | How you start your yarn on the hook |
| ch | Chain | Foundation row or base of any project |
| sc | Single Crochet | A short, tight stitch |
| dc | Double Crochet | Taller stitch for looser fabric |
| hdc | Half Double Crochet | A stitch between sc and dc |
| tr | Treble Crochet | A long, loopy stitch |
| mr | Magic Ring | Circle foundation for amigurumi |
| inc | Increase | Make 2 stitches in one space |
| dec | Decrease | Combine 2 stitches into one |
| BLO / FLO | Back Loop / Front Loop | Stitching into only half the loop |
Video Tutorials for all the stitches:
Slip Knot
- What it is: Your very first move! This creates the loop that starts everything.
- How to:
- Make a loop with your yarn (like a pretzel).
- Pull a second loop through the middle.
- Tighten it gently on your hook.
- Tip: Don’t pull too tight! Your hook needs room to move.
✨ Chain (ch)
- What it is: The basic building block of any crochet row.
- How to:
- Yarn over (wrap yarn around hook).
- Pull through the loop on your hook.
- Repeat!
- Tip: Count your chains and keep them even—it helps later!
✨ Single Crochet (sc)
- What it is: A short, dense stitch used in almost everything (especially plushies!)
- How to:
- Insert hook into stitch.
- Yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
- Yarn over again, pull through both loops.
- Tip: Practice in rows until you feel comfy!
✨ Double Crochet (dc)
- What it is: A taller stitch, looser than single crochet.
- How to:
- Yarn over, insert hook.
- Pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops.
- Yarn over, pull through remaining 2.
- Tip: Great for blankets or scarves.
✨ Half Double Crochet (hdc)
- What it is: A stitch between single and double—best of both!
- How to:
- Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop (3 loops).
- Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
- Tip: Nice for smooth, slightly stretchy fabric.
✨ Treble Crochet (tr)
- What it is: A tall stitch used for lacy or open looks.
- How to:
- Yarn over twice, insert hook.
- Pull up loop (4 loops on hook).
- Yarn over, pull through 2… repeat 3 times.
- Tip: Keep your tension light so it stays flowy.
✨ Magic Ring (mr)
- What it is: A magic way to start circular crochet (great for plushies!)
- How to:
- Loop yarn over fingers twice.
- Insert hook under the front loop, pull back loop through.
- Work stitches into the ring, then pull the tail to close.
- Tip: This stitch takes practice. Watch a video demo if you get stuck!
✨ Increase (inc)
- What it is: Adding stitches to shape your work (widening)
- How to:
- Work 2 stitches into the same stitch from the row below.
- Tip: Common in plushie heads, arms, and legs!
✨ Decrease (dec)
- What it is: Shrinking your work by combining two stitches
- How to:
- Insert hook in first stitch, pull up loop.
- Insert into next stitch, pull up another loop.
- Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
- Tip: Use a stitch marker to track where you decrease.
✨ Single Crochet in Back Loop (BLO) / Front Loop (FLO)
- What it is: A way to add texture and dimension!
- How to:
- BLO: Insert hook under the back half of the V.
- FLO: Insert under the front half only.
- Tip: Creates cool ridges or fabric folds. Use it in plushie bellies or hat brims!