Beginner's Guide to Free Crochet Patterns
Learn how to crochet with our five-part beginner's guide to crochet. Read beginner crochet instructions and watch a beginner crochet video in each section to master the techniques used in all crochet projects.
As a complete novice to the craft, knowing where to begin in crochet is difficult. First, you need a crochet hook and basic yarn. An “H” hook is often recommended for beginners with some inexpensive acrylic yarn. American sizes range from B (smallest) to S (biggest), so you can get an idea of where this size sits. Use the image above as a guide to how to hold the hook and yarn.
For background information on crochet, abbreviations and free crochet patterns for beginners, see this article.
Table of Contents
Beginner Crochet Part 1: Yarn Over and Initial Knot
Beginner Crochet Part 2: Chain Stitch and How to Join into a Ring
Beginner Crochet Part 3: Four Basic Crochet Stitches
Beginner Crochet Part 4: Slip Stitch, Adds and Decreases
Beginner Crochet Part 5: Finishing
Beginner Crochet Part 1
Yarn Over (abbreviation yo)- Don’t laugh crafters! I’ve seen this several places now and basically it means bring the yarn over the hook so that the hook can catch the yarn and draw it through the loop. Literally, the yarn comes over the hook ... hence the name.
Initial Knot- The initial knot in crocheting is generally a slipknot. You can tie this knot by hand or use the hook. You wrap the yarn around the hook, bringing the end portion of the yarn on top into a working loop. Then you “yarn over” by bringing the bottom thread over the hook so that the hook can catch it, twisting, and pulling it through the loop. Don’t tighten it too much! Here is a great video on how to make that initial slipknot. (I had to watch it several times!)
That’s the beginning. Read on for the first stitches!
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tscutt 6072286
Jan 10, 2013
please tell me how to dopatterns ionly make square blankets starting with a chain made into a loop,i would like to make something else p.s dont understand abreveations teresa
caroledeonne 52375 35
Aug 01, 2012
Do you have beginner instructions for someone who is left handed?
goberfam 7210900
Dec 28, 2011
I'm a beginner on making granny afghans, the one that is continuous squares, do you have a tutorial on that? Thank you.
editorKS
Dec 29, 2011
Hi, goberfam 7210900. We have many granny square tutorials on the YouTube channel for our sister site AllFreeCrochet. Here is a link: http://www.youtube.com/user/AllFreeCrochet/search?query=granny+square Hope this helps! --Editors of FaveCrafts
cjgibbs 9505753
Jun 26, 2011
Thank you for such a wonderful web site. I wanted to learn a craft so that I could contribute to a group of marvelous ladies who do crafts for their church. I'm really in the learn mode and excited about getting started. Thanks again. cjgibbs
editorKS
Dec 29, 2011
Thanks for the kind words, cjgibbs 9505753 :) So happy to hear you enjoy the site! --Editors of FaveCrafts
debberg 1581534
Jun 14, 2011
I resently became disabled and need something to past the day. I have limited hand and finger mobility but wanted to try to crochet again. This article help me brush up on the different stitches. I am 3/4 the way done with a baby afghan and I am thrilled with the results so far. Thanks for helping remember how to crochet and giving me a challange.
editorKS
Dec 29, 2011
Thanks for the kind words, debberg 1581534! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed this tutorial :) You might also like to check out the YouTube channel for our sister site AllFreeCrochet for lots of other video tutorials! www.youtube.com/allfreecrochet --Editors of FaveCrafts
chicklette
Oct 11, 2012
cheers debberg I too am disabled my disability effects my body as well as reading comprehension - as I am not able to crochet or knit for very long it still does help me in many other ways-thats to the very kind people associated with this site that provide videos free patterns and of course patience my days are so much easier to put in-also that they take time to answer & provide links is amazing - not sure what else to say just nice not being alone I guess thank you for your time & to all involved w/this site
barbarajholloway 0 343485
Apr 29, 2011
Wow this is amazing... how easy is this? Play by play showing you how to do it... Thanks so much for sharing.
editorKS
Dec 29, 2011
We're glad you enjoyed it, barbarajholloway 0343485! Check out the YouTube channel for our sister site AllFreeCrochet for lots of other video tutorials! www.youtube.com/allfreecrochet --Editors of FaveCrafts
tammylynnecollins 8079396
Apr 14, 2011
i didn't understand what the numbers meant could you please explain them more to me?
yellieshelly
Apr 04, 2011
I am just beginning to crochet. I have made several samples of many different stitches. I was starting to make a of slippers with some yarn that someone bought for me, I did the first row and i am stuck. the instructions say " row 1: Ch 23 (25, 27) dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across, turn-21 (23, 25) sts." I am stuck on that last part. I understand how to turn, but I don't know what the numbers mean. The instructions say this after each row. Can anyone help please? Thank you for your time.
Ev Webb
Feb 26, 2011
looking for a crochet pattern for adult sized tube socks and leg warmers.
usejms 8063026
Jan 13, 2011
Readerwoman: I found a left-handed crochet tutorial at http://lefty-crochet-mania.blogspot.com. If you want something to have at home you can purchase a kit by Boye or an American School of Needlework book, both of which have left-handed instruction. Once you are comfortable with your crochet skills, you will be able to make any pattern.
crtvcrlyn
Jan 10, 2011
Looking for Afghan (easy Patterns) using Red Heart Super Saver Acrylic Worsted Medium #4. I have lots of that yarn and need to make an afghan or throw using it. Also, I have lots of Caron acrylic worsted weight 4 ply, enough to make an afghan too. Please help...cannot afford to go out and buy new yarn for all of the patterns which I have printed out. Thank you for your condsideration. Carolyn Smith carolynreasmith@yahoo.com
addiemcgrady 43065 03
Dec 11, 2010
i have done this for years , but now i have cancer an want to do it again, but finger are slow , so i want to do it again,
Readerwoman
Dec 09, 2010
There isn't enough info out there for left-handed crocheters. I have about given up on crocheting, because I am not good enough to transform the patterns myself to lefties use...
Member 14523
Jun 28, 2010
Here's how to do a magic circle: http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Tutorials/How-to-Crochet-the-Magic-Circle
Big Red
Apr 09, 2010
Responding to Crocheted Heart Shaped Pattern sugarncream.com. You must register to view or download patterns. The pattern you may be seeking is titled Love Bugs. When you type that into the Search window, it will appear. I hope this has been helpful.
Member 17371
Apr 02, 2010
Looking for the crochet Heart shaped pattern that could be stuffed with cotton suitable use as sachet holder -pattern was featured several months ago -anyone that has a copy of it -please forward
Bon21
Mar 17, 2010
Looking for a crochet pattern on sea shells for the edge of towels. thank-you
LGanske
Feb 26, 2010
zwesome video. I have crocheted for years but always just did the very basics. I was so excited to see how to triple and half double. THANK YOU
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