The Ultimate Guide For Beginner Crocheters (+FAQ)

Crochet has become so popular as of late, and for good reason: crochet is a relaxing, trendy, and rewarding hobby. This guide will walk you through step by step for how to start crocheting as a beginner and connect you with resources for every step of the way.

Getting Started

Essential Crochet Tools

First, it’s important to get all the tools and materials you’ll need to get started. Check out my guide for the essential tools every beginner crocheter needs here to get a full overview of the tools I use in every project.

Understanding Crochet Hooks

Crochet hooks come in different sizes and materials. The most popular hook material for beginners is aluminum. The best beginner crochet hook size is 5mm, or a size H-8 due to its versatility in projects and comfortable grip. Sizes are displayed either in millimeters or in the corresponding US letter-number size. Here is a guide for how to interpret crochet hook sizing:

Yarn Weight	No. & Name (USA)	Also Known As	Crochet Tension (Gauge)	Suggested Hook Size
2-3 Ply	0: Lace	Ultra Fine, Light Fingering	32-42 sts*	1.50 - 2.25mm
4 Ply	1: Super Fine	Fingering, Sock, Baby	21-32 sts	2.25 - 3.50mm
5 Ply	2: Fine	Light Weight, Sport, Baby	16-20 sts	3.50 - 4.50mm
8 Ply	3: Light	DK, Light Worsted	12-17 sts	4.50 - 5.50mm
10 Ply	4: Medium	Aran, Worsted, Afghan	11-14 sts	5.50 - 6.50mm
12 Ply	5: Bulky	Chunky, Craft, Rug	8-11 sts	6.50 - 9.00mm
14 Ply	6: Super Bulky	Super Chunky	7-9 sts	9.00 - 15mm
15 Ply +	7: Jumbo	Roving	6 or less sts	15mm +

Understanding Yarn Labels

Picking out yarn for a new project can be daunting, especially if the pattern calls for a specific type. That’s why it’s important to understand yarn labels and what they mean.

Yarn is classified by weight, meaning how thick the yarn is. Yarn weight ranges from lace to jumbo and uses a numbered scale from 0 to 6. Different types of projects call for different weights of yarn. Generally, beginners learn best on weight 4 yarn, or worsted weight yarn.

The most important part of reading a yarn label is the yardage, or how much yarn is in the skein of yarn. It will be displayed in both grams and ounces, and yards and meters. Patterns will give you an estimate of the amount of yarn required to make the project and will either tell you the amount of yarn required in ounces/grams or yards/meters.

Included on the yarn label is also the fiber content of the yarn, which tells you what the yarn is made of, as well as any washing instructions the manufacturer may have included.

Finally, the label will include a gauge. A gauge tells you how many stitches and rows per inch or centimeter is required to further help you understand how much yarn might be needed for a project depending on your tension while you crochet.

Check different types of yarn you can choose from and how to select the perfect one here.

How to Hold a Crochet Hook & Yarn

The best way to hold a crochet hook and yarn is ultimately up to the crafter and whether they are right or left handed. There are two mainstream ways to hold your crochet hook:

Pencil grip: Hold your crochet hook like you would hold a pencil. In this grip style, the hook is over your hand, with your wrist and fingers mostly underneath it.

Knife grip: Hold your crochet hook like you would hold a knife while cutting food. In this grip style, the hook is underneath your hand, with your wrist on top and your fingers wrapped around the hook.

Hold your yarn with your non-crocheting hand. The tension, or how taut the yarn is between the skein and your project, makes a big difference in the look of your overall project.

Mastering The Basic Crochet Stitches

Here is your one-stop shop for understanding how to crochet beginner crochet stitches. All stitches are in American terminology.

Chain stitch (ch)

Chain stitches are the foundation of any crochet project. Here’s how to crochet a foundation chain.

To begin, create a slip knot, place your hook through the loop created by the knot, and tighten the loop so it fits nicely around your hook. Then, yarn over and pull through the loop. Repeat as many times as many chains you need.

Slip stitch (sl st)

The slip stitch is used for joining and finishing edges.

Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, and pull through the loop on your hook.

Single crochet stitch (sc)

This is the easiest and most common stitch.

Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through both loops on your hook.

Half-double crochet stitch (hdc)

This stitch is great for creating soft, flexible fabric.

Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through three loops on your hook.

Double crochet (dc)

A faster and taller stitch that’s popular for blankets.

Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the last two loops on your hook.

Stitch increases (inc)

It’s common in crochet patterns to work stitch increases. Increases are very common in garment patterns, when crocheting circular projects, and more. Whenever you want to add more stitches while working, you’ll work an increase. When you work an increase, you will add two stitches into the same stitch. So, to work a single crochet increase, you will work a single crochet into the next stitch and another single crochet into the same stitch.

How to Read Crochet Patterns

Crochet patterns use many abbreviations and symbols in their instructions. They are as important to understand as knowing how to crochet stitches. Below is a crochet abbreviations chart.

Crochet Abbreviations

Abbreviation	Explanation
Ch	Chain
Sl st	Slip stitch
Sc	Single crochet
Hdc	Half double crochet
Dc	Double crochet
Inc	Increase
Lp	Loop
Rep	Repeat
Sk	Skip
Sp	Space
Yo, Y/o	Yarn over
St	Stitch
[ ] or ( ) or	Repeat the content within the brackets, parentheses, asteriks – ex: sc, [sc, ch, sc] until end of row

Frequently Asked Questions for Beginner Crocheters

How long does it take to learn crochet?

Most people can pick up basic stitches within a few hours. However, mastering patterns and techniques, determining your preferences for hooks, yarn, and all the other tools you’ll need to succeed takes practice, commitment, and an open mind.

What is the best beginner crochet project?

The best place to start are projects that contain one or two consistent stitches or row repeats. Projects like washcloths, scarves, granny squares, or coasters. These are versatile projects because they’ll allow you to experiment, but they’re sure to work up fast and be super stylish when they’re completed.

Can I teach myself to crochet?

Absolutely! With online tutorials and guides like this, you can learn at your own pace. There are plenty of resources available that can help you learn at any skill level, from absolute beginner to seasoned veteran.

Where can I find crochet patterns?

There are a ton of crochet patterns available online for a variety of skill levels. Etsy, Pinterest, and Ravelry are very popular. Check out popular yarn brands’ websites as well, like Yarnspirations, Lion Brand, and Hobbii. They have lots of free patterns and offer crochet kits that include yarn, hooks, and the pattern you’ll need for any given project.

How do I wash crocheted items?

It’s best practice to check the yarn label for any washing or care instructions before you wash a garment to ensure proper care for the item.

Conclusion

With crochet, practice makes perfect! Be sure to check back often for more tips, tricks, and updates.