Crochet 101 (Perfect for Beginners)

 Lesson 1.8: The Chain Stitch

 

Now that you've learned how to make a slip knot and hold your yarn and hook, it's time to make your first crochet stitch—the chain stitch!

The chain stitch is one of the most important basic crochet skills because it's used to create foundation chains, turning chains, spaces, decorative details, and parts of many crochet patterns.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you'll know:

• What a chain stitch is.
• How to make a chain stitch.
• What a yarn over means.
• How to count your chains.
• How to keep your chain tension even.
• How to fix a chain that is too tight or too loose.

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What Is a Chain Stitch?

A chain stitch is created by pulling yarn through the loop already on your crochet hook.

When you make several chain stitches in a row, they form a foundation chain.

Think of the foundation chain as the starting line for many crochet projects.

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Step 1: Start With Your Slip Knot

Place your slip knot onto your crochet hook.

Make sure the loop is snug but loose enough for your hook to move freely.

You should still have your working yarn coming from your yarn ball or skein.

 

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Step 2: Hold Your Yarn

Hold the yarn in your non-dominant hand.

Keep your yarn tension comfortable.

Your fingers should guide the yarn rather than squeeze it tightly.

Remember from Lesson 6:

Relaxed hands = easier crocheting.

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Step 3: Yarn Over

Bring your crochet hook under and then over the working yarn.

This is called a yarn over, often abbreviated as YO in crochet patterns.

The yarn should sit in the hook's groove.

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Step 4: Pull the Yarn Through

Once the yarn is on your hook, gently pull it through the loop that is already on your hook.

Congratulations! 🎉

You've made one chain stitch!

You should now have one new chain below your hook and one loop remaining on your hook.

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Step 5: Make Another Chain

To make another chain:

1. Yarn over.
2. Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook.

That's it!

Repeat those two movements to create as many chains as your pattern requires.

 

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How to Count Your Chains

This is something beginners often find confusing.

Look at the chain from the front. Each chain creates a little V shape.

For example:

V – V – V – V – V

Each V represents one chain stitch.

Important Tip

The loop currently sitting on your crochet hook does NOT count as a chain.

If your pattern says:

Chain 10

you should have 10 completed chain stitches below your hook, plus the loop currently on your hook.

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Keeping Your Chain Even

Your chain should have a consistent appearance.

If Your Chain Is Too Tight

You may have trouble inserting your hook into the chain later.

Try:

• Relaxing your yarn hand.
• Using a slightly larger hook while practicing.
• Avoiding pulling each chain tightly against the hook.

If Your Chain Is Too Loose

Your chain may become oversized or uneven.

Try:

• Keeping a consistent amount of tension.
• Avoiding large loops.
• Moving your hook smoothly rather than pulling aggressively.

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Practice Exercise 🧶

Grab your:

#4 Medium yarn + 5.0 mm or 5.5 mm crochet hook

Start with a slip knot.

Then practice making:

Practice 1

Chain 5

Practice 2

Chain 10

Practice 3

Chain 20

After each one, look at your chain and check whether the stitches are approximately the same size.

Don't worry if they're not perfect yet!

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Try Counting Backward

Here's another useful exercise.

Make a chain of 10 stitches.

Lay it flat and count the V shapes from your hook toward the beginning of the chain.

This will help you become familiar with identifying individual stitches a skill you'll need when you start working into your foundation chain.

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Common Beginner Mistakes

❌ Pulling the Chain Too Tight

This makes it difficult to insert your hook into the chain.

❌ Making Each Chain a Different Size

Try to maintain a similar amount of tension throughout the chain.

❌ Counting the Loop on Your Hook

Remember:

The loop on your hook doesn't count as a chain.

❌ Losing Count

If you're making a long foundation chain, count as you go.

You can also place a stitch marker every 10 or 20 chains to make counting easier.

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Beginner Tip ⭐

If you're having trouble inserting your hook into a tight chain, try making your chain with a slightly larger hook and then switch back to the hook size called for in your pattern.

This can make the first row much easier to work.

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Lesson Summary

Today you learned:

• What a chain stitch is.
• How to perform a yarn over.
• How to pull yarn through the loop on your hook.
• How to count chain stitches.
• How to maintain consistent chain tension.
• How to avoid common beginner mistakes.

⭐ Remember:

Yarn over → pull through → repeat!

That's the basic motion that creates your chain.

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Homework

Practice making chains of:

5 → 10 → 15 → 20 chains

Try to make each chain approximately the same size.

Don't focus on speed. Focus on making smooth, comfortable movements.

The more you practice, the more natural the motion will become.

Crochet 101 (Perfect for Beginners)

 

 

Lesson 1.7: The Slip Knot

The slip knot is usually the first step you'll make when beginning a crochet project. It creates an adjustable loop that goes onto your crochet hook.

Don't worry if it feels awkward at first once your hands learn the movement, you'll be able to make one quickly!

What You'll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you'll know:

• What a slip knot is.
• How to make one step by step.
• How to put it on your crochet hook.
• How tight the loop should be.
• Common beginner mistakes.

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What Is a Slip Knot?

A slip knot is an adjustable loop that can tighten or loosen when you pull on the yarn.

For many crochet projects, it's the starting point before making your foundation chain.

Think of it as creating your first loop on the hook.

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Step 1: Make a Loop

Take your yarn and make a loop, leaving a short yarn tail.

You don't need a huge tail about 4–6 inches is a comfortable amount for beginners.

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Step 2: Cross the Yarn

Cross the working yarn over the yarn tail to create an X-shaped crossing.

You'll now have:

• The yarn tail
• The working yarn
• A loop  

 

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Step 3: Pull Yarn Through the Loop

Reach through the loop and pull a small section of the working yarn through it.

This creates a new adjustable loop.

Don't pull it completely tight yet.

 

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Step 4: Place the Loop on Your Hook

Place your crochet hook through the new loop.

Gently pull the yarn tail to tighten the slip knot around the hook.

Important!

The knot should be snug but not tight.

Your hook should still be able to slide easily through the loop.

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Step 5: Check Your Loop

Before continuing, make sure:

✔ The loop is on your hook.
✔ The knot isn't too tight.
✔ The hook can move freely.
✔ Your working yarn is coming from the ball or skein.
✔ Your yarn tail is hanging separately.

If your loop is squeezing the hook, loosen it a little.

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A Common Beginner Mistake

❌ Making the slip knot too tight

This is extremely common!

If you pull the knot tightly against the hook, your first chain can become difficult to make.

Instead, think:

"Snug, not squeezed."

Your hook needs room to move.

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Another Way to Think About It

Your slip knot should look something like this:

Yarn → adjustable loop → crochet hook

The loop should be able to slide along the hook without falling off.

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Practice Exercise 🧶

Grab your #4 Medium yarn and your 5.0 mm or 5.5 mm crochet hook.

Practice making 5 slip knots.

Don't worry about making them quickly.

Focus on:

1. Making the loop.
2. Pulling the working yarn through.
3. Placing the loop on your hook.
4. Adjusting the tension.

Then try making five more.

You'll probably notice that your hands start remembering the movement.

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What If I Can't Make One?

That's okay!

There are several ways to make a slip knot, and different crocheters prefer different techniques.

If one method feels awkward, try another.

The important thing is that you end up with an adjustable loop that sits comfortably on your hook.

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Lesson Summary

Today you learned:

• What a slip knot is.
• How to create an adjustable loop.
• How to place the slip knot on your hook.
• How to adjust the tension.
• Why your slip knot shouldn't be too tight.

⭐ Remember:

Your slip knot doesn't need to be perfect.

The goal is simply to create a comfortable loop that allows you to begin crocheting.

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Homework

Practice making slip knots until you can make one comfortably without having to think about every step.

Try making 10 slip knots and see how consistent you can make the loops.

Don't worry about speed yet. Accuracy and comfort come first!

Crochet 101 (Perfect for Beginners)

 Lesson 1.6: Holding Your Yarn & Crochet Hook

 

Learning how to comfortably hold your yarn and hook is one of the first skills every crocheter needs. There isn't just one correct way to hold them the goal is to find a position that feels comfortable and gives you good control over your stitches.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you'll know:

• The two common ways to hold a crochet hook.
• How to hold your yarn.
• How to control yarn tension.
• How to position your hands comfortably.
• How to avoid gripping your hook too tightly.

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Part 1: Holding Your Crochet Hook

There are two common ways to hold a crochet hook.

The Pencil Grip ✏️

Hold the hook similarly to the way you would hold a pencil.

Your thumb and index finger control the hook while your remaining fingers provide support.

This grip can feel natural if you're already comfortable holding a pencil.

The Knife Grip 🔪

Hold the hook as though you're holding a knife.

Your hand wraps around the handle, with your thumb and index finger helping control the hook.

This grip can give some crocheters more stability and control.

Which Grip Is Correct?

Both!

There is no single "correct" grip. Try both and see which feels more comfortable.

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Part 2: Holding Your Yarn

Your yarn hand controls the tension of your yarn.

If the yarn is too tight, your stitches can become difficult to work.

If it's too loose, your stitches may become very large and uneven.

A simple starting position is:

1. Hold your crochet hook in your dominant hand.
2. Hold the working yarn in your other hand.
3. Wrap the yarn loosely around a finger or guide it between your fingers.
4. Let the yarn slide smoothly as you crochet.
5. Keep your hand relaxed.

Don't worry about getting your tension perfect immediately. Tension improves with practice.

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Part 3: What Is Yarn Tension?

Tension is how tightly or loosely you hold and work your yarn.

Think of your yarn like a garden hose. You want enough control to guide it, but you don't want to squeeze it so tightly that nothing can move.

Too Tight

Your stitches may:

• Be difficult to insert your hook into
• Look very small
• Create stiff fabric
• Make your hands tired

Too Loose

Your stitches may:

• Become oversized
• Have large gaps
• Look uneven
• Make it difficult to maintain consistent stitch size

Just Right

Your yarn should:

• Move smoothly
• Have some resistance
• Allow your hook to move easily
• Create consistent stitches

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Part 4: Relax Your Hands

One of the biggest beginner mistakes is holding everything too tightly.

Your hook doesn't need to be squeezed.

Your yarn doesn't need to be pulled tight.

Try keeping your:

• Shoulders relaxed
• Wrists comfortable
• Fingers relaxed
• Hook grip gentle

If your hand starts feeling tired, stop for a moment and shake your hands out before continuing.

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Part 5: Practice Exercise

Grab your 5.0 mm or 5.5 mm hook and some #4 Medium yarn from the earlier lessons.

Practice 1: Hook Grip

Hold your hook using the pencil grip for a few minutes.

Then switch to the knife grip.

Notice which feels more natural.

Practice 2: Yarn Tension

Make a few chains while holding the yarn loosely.

Then make a few more chains while holding it more tightly.

Notice how different the chains feel.

Practice 3: Find Your Comfortable Position

Try adjusting:

• Where the yarn sits on your fingers
• How tightly you hold your hook
• How far your hands are from each other

Your goal isn't perfection. You're looking for a comfortable, repeatable position.

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Beginner Tip ⭐

Don't worry if your first stitches look uneven.

That's completely normal!

As you practice, your hands will begin to develop muscle memory, and maintaining consistent tension will become much easier.

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Lesson Summary

Today you learned:

• The pencil grip and knife grip.
• How your yarn hand controls tension.
• The difference between tight and loose tension.
• Why relaxing your hands is important.
• How to practice finding your own comfortable grip.

 

Crochet 101 (Perfect for Beginners)

  Lesson 1.5: Essential Crochet Tools

 

Scissors, Stitch Markers & Yarn Needles

What You'll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to:

• Identify three essential crochet tools beyond your hook and yarn.
• Understand what each tool is used for.
• Learn when and how to use each tool.
• Know which tools are best for beginners.

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Why Do You Need Extra Crochet Tools?

While you can crochet with just a hook and yarn, a few simple tools can make your projects easier, neater, and more enjoyable.

Today we'll look at three must-have tools that every crocheter should keep in their project bag.

• ✂️ Scissors
• 📍 Stitch Markers
• 🪡 Yarn Needles

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Scissors

Scissors are one of the most frequently used tools in crochet. You'll use them every time you finish a project or change colors.

What They're Used For

• Cutting yarn
• Trimming loose ends
• Changing colors
• Finishing projects

Types of Scissors

• Embroidery scissors
• Yarn snips
• Folding travel scissors
• Precision craft scissors

Beginner Tip

Choose a pair with sharp, pointed blades. They make clean cuts without fraying your yarn.

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Stitch Markers

Stitch markers are small clips or rings that help you keep track of your work.

What They're Used For

• Marking the beginning of a round
• Counting rows
• Marking increases
• Marking decreases
• Holding your place when you take a break

They are especially helpful when making hats, amigurumi, blankets, or garments.

Types of Stitch Markers

• Locking stitch markers (most popular for crochet)
• Split-ring stitch markers
• Bulb safety-pin markers

Beginner Tip

If you don't have stitch markers, you can use a small safety pin, a paper clip, or even a short piece of scrap yarn as a temporary marker.

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Yarn Needles

A yarn needle (also called a tapestry needle) is used after you've finished crocheting.

What They're Used For

• Weaving in yarn ends
• Sewing crochet pieces together
• Closing amigurumi openings
• Joining granny squares
• Adding decorative details

Types of Yarn Needles

• Plastic
• Aluminum
• Steel

The most important feature is a large eye, making it easy to thread bulky yarn.

Beginner Tip

Always weave in your ends securely to help your project stay together after washing and everyday use.

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Choosing Quality Tools

When shopping for crochet tools, look for:

Scissors

✔ Sharp blades
✔ Comfortable grip
✔ Small enough to fit in your project bag

Stitch Markers

✔ Easy to open and close
✔ Smooth edges that won't snag yarn
✔ Bright colors so they're easy to spot

Yarn Needles

✔ Large eye for easy threading
✔ Blunt tip to avoid splitting yarn
✔ Comfortable size for the yarn you're using

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A Simple Beginner Tool Kit

You don't need a lot of supplies to get started. A basic crochet kit can include:

• 5.0 mm or 5.5 mm crochet hook
• #4 Medium (Worsted) acrylic yarn
• Small embroidery scissors
• A pack of locking stitch markers
• Large-eye yarn needle
• Small project bag or pouch

With these essentials, you'll be ready to complete many beginner-friendly crochet projects.

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Lesson Summary

Today you learned:

• Why scissors, stitch markers, and yarn needles are important.
• How each tool is used.
• What features to look for when buying them.
• How these tools can make crocheting easier and more organized.

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Homework

Gather your crochet tools and practice using each one:

1. Cut a piece of yarn with your scissors.
2. Place a stitch marker in a stitch or at the beginning of a row.
3. Thread a yarn needle and weave in one loose yarn end on a small practice swatch.

The more comfortable you become with these tools, the easier finishing your projects will be.