List of basic crochet stitches for beginners.
If you are new to crochet, learning how to read crochet diagrams will be an essential skill to master. There are countless crochet patterns available, and crocheters often use a mix of different stitch guides to share their designs.
That’s why in this post, I want to share video tutorials on 17 basic crochet stitches for beginners. These stitches are commonly used in crochet patterns, so learning them will help you follow patterns with ease. I will also include their corresponding crochet symbols, abbreviations, and a handy crochet chart.
Basic Crochet Stitches Overview
Below is a list of the basic crochet stitches we will be covering in this post. You will also find a table with the common crochet abbreviations used in crochet patterns. Once you familiarise yourself with these, reading crochet patterns and stitching them up will become much easier!
Crochet Abbreviations & Stitch Guide
| Crochet Abbreviations | Crochet Stitches |
| MR | Magic Ring |
| CH | Chain |
| SL ST | Slip Stitch |
| SC or X | Single Crochet |
| V | Single Crochet Increase |
| A | Single Crochet Decrease |
| FLO | Front Loop Only |
| BLO | Back Loop Only |
| HDC or T | Half Double Crochet |
| TV | Half Double Crochet Increase |
| TA | Half Double Crochet Decrease |
| DC or F | Double Crochet |
| FV | Double Crochet Increase |
| FA | Double Crochet Decrease |
| TR or E | Triple Crochet |
| TR TR or G | Double Triple Crochet |
| K | Empty Stitch |
Now, let’s go through each stitch step by step.
Crochet Stitches Guide
1: Magic Ring
Abbreviation: MR
To crochet a Magic Ring, pull the yarn and wrap it around your index and middle fingers twice. Then, insert your hook through the loop, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Then, chain one to secure it. You can now work your desired number of stitches into the ring before pulling it tight.
2: Chain
Abbreviation: CH
To make a chain stitch, yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook. Repeat this step until you reach the desired chain length.
3: Slip Stitch
Abbreviation: SL ST
Insert your hook into a stitch, yarn over, and pull through both loops on your hook in one motion. This creates a tight, nearly invisible stitch.
4: Single Crochet
Abbreviation: SC or X
Insert your hook into a stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook.
5: Single Crochet Increase
Abbreviation: V
Work two single crochet stitches into the same stitch to increase the stitch count.
6: Single Crochet Decrease
Abbreviation: A
Insert your hook into the first stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up another loop. Then, pull through all three loops on your hook.
7: Front Loop Only
Abbreviation: FLO
To crochet in the front loop only, insert your hook into the front loop of the stitch (the loop closest to you), yarn over, and pull up a loop. Complete the stitch as you normally would, following the pattern instructions. This technique creates a ribbed effect and is often used in textured crochet patterns.
8: Back Loop Only
Abbreviation: BLO
To crochet in the back loop only, insert your hook into the back loop of the stitch (the loop farthest from you), yarn over, and pull up a loop. Finish the stitch according to the pattern. This method adds texture and elasticity to crochet projects.
9: Half Double Crochet
Abbreviation: HDC or T
Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over again, and pull up a loop. You now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over once more and pull through all three loops. This stitch is taller than a single crochet but shorter than a double crochet, making it a great choice for soft and dense fabric.
10: Half Double Crochet Increase
Abbreviation: TV
To increase in half double crochet, work two half double crochet stitches into the same stitch. This is commonly used to shape projects or create patterns that gradually widen.
11: Half Double Crochet Decrease
Abbreviation: TA
To decrease in half double crochet, do 2 unfinished half double crochet in separate stitches. You will now have 5 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through 3 of the loops. Then, yarn over again and pull through the rest to complete the decrease.
12: Double Crochet
Abbreviation: DC or F
Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over again, and pull up a loop. You now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over, pull through the first two loops, yarn over again, and pull through the last two loops. This creates a taller stitch that works up quickly.
13: Double Crochet Increase
Abbreviation: FV
To increase in double crochet, work two double crochet stitches into the same stitch. This technique helps expand your project gradually and is commonly used in shaping patterns.
14: Double Crochet Decrease
Abbreviation: FA
To decrease in double crochet, yarn over, insert your hook into the first stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops again. Yarn over one last time and pull through all three loops on the hook.
15: Triple Crochet
Abbreviation: TR or E
Yarn over twice, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. You now have four loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. Yarn over again and pull through the next two loops. Yarn over one last time and pull through the remaining two loops. This stitch is taller than a double crochet and creates a lacy effect.
16: Double Triple Crochet
Abbreviation: TR TR or G
Yarn over three times, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. You now have five loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. Repeat this step three more times until you have only one loop left on your hook. This stitch is tall and great for decorative or openwork designs.
17: Empty Stitch
Abbreviation: K
The empty stitch is not a typical crochet stitch but is used in diagrams to indicate skipped stitches or spaces. It can help create lace patterns or intentional gaps in projects.
Basic Crochet Stitches Chart
Now that you are familiar with these crochet stitches, let’s explore how crochet symbols are used. Some crocheters prefer visual guides over written patterns. The chart below shows the corresponding crochet symbols for each stitch, helping you learn how to read crochet diagrams effectively.
Understanding these crochet symbols and abbreviations will make it much easier to follow patterns, whether you prefer written instructions or diagrams. Keep this crochet cheat sheet handy as you practice and create your own projects!
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Mastering these 17 basic crochet stitches for beginners will set you up for success in your crochet journey. Whether you are looking for easy crochet stitches, a basic crochet stitches chart, or a guide on how to read crochet patterns, this post has everything you need to get started.
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