12 Crochet Stitches for Beginners

If you are asking, "How do I crochet?" then you need to learn these crochet stitches.

By: Jeanette Benoit, Editor, AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns.com

Have you always wondered "How do I crochet?" Well, today is your lucky day! Learn how to crochet today with this very informative article.

Learn these 12 Crochet Stitches for Beginners and you will be well on your way. This page is chock full of helpful tutorials. It will teach you everything you need to know about the most common stitches in crochet.

You will want to start with chaining and single crochet and then move on to some slightly more difficult stitches (like half double crochet), and then harder stitches, like the basketweave stitch. If you build up your skills, the process will be natural.

Basic Crochet Stitches
Most Common Crochet Stitches

Basic Crochet Stitches

These two simple crochet stitches will help you learn to crochet today.

How Do I Crochet: Chain Stitch and Single CrochetMost projects in crochet begin with the chain stitch. It's an integral part of learning to crochet, which is why this is such an important stitch for beginners to know how to do.
How Do I Crochet: Double Crochet StitchThe Double Crochet Stitch is one of the most important stitches in crochet. An item that is made entirely of the double crochet stitch will be solid, but not stiff. It is a great stitch to use for projects such as sweaters, shawls, afghans, placemats, and other home decor items. Once you've learned how to crochet the double crochet stitch, you can combine it with other stitches to produce a variety of interesting patterns and textures.
How Do I Crochet: Half Double Crochet StitchIf you're stumped on how to crochet a half doubled crochet stitch then this is the perfect tutorial for you. In only five easy steps you can learn this stitch to use every day in your crochet adventures.

Most Common Crochet Stitches

Now that you've learned how to crochet basics, the next question on your mind is most likely, "How do I crochet with advanced stitches?" Well, you're in luck because we have collected 10 wonderful tutorials to illustrate the most common stitches in crochet.

How Do I Crochet: Basketweave StitchAlso known as the waffle stitch, the texture of this crochet stitch is what makes it so unique. Yes, you guessed it-- it looks like a basket! Follow this great tutorial to create your very own basketweave stitch.
How Do I Crochet: Cable StitchInspired by knitters, the cable stitch is such a classic looking crochet stitch that every crocheter should know how to do. Learn how to crochet a cable stitch in only eight steps.
How Do I Crochet: Checkerboard StitchThe checkerboard stitch is a really neat stitch. You can use just one for a dishcloth or crochet the squares together for a really neat-looking afghan. This tutorial is a great step by step guide.
How Do I Crochet: Crazy Shell StitchFollow this step by step tutorial to learn how to make a crazy shell stitch. You first begin in a chain with multiples of three, but you'll read that in the tutorial. This is a beautiful stitch you will want to learn.
How Do I Crochet: Picot StitchTraditionally used as an edging, the picot stitch usually gets added onto a finished garment. Follow this tutorial and learn how to crochet three different picot stitches.
How Do I Crochet: Popcorn StitchTo crochet the popcorn stitch, all you do is make a cluster of double crochet stitches in the same stitch.
The seed stitch is an alternating single and double crochet stitch. It gives a closed stitch, which resembles a knitted seed stitch.
How Do I Crochet: Treble StitchThis tutorial shows many images that will help you crochet a treble stitch.
How to Tunisian CrochetFollow this step by step tutorial to learn the famous Tunisian crochet stitch. Unless you have a traditional Tunisian crochet hook, which is a very long handled crochet hook, then Tunisian crochet is really only practical for making smaller items, such as wallets, headbands, belts, and other small items which don’t require more than a dozen stitches across the row.
Crochet V-Stitch TutorialBONUS! Learn a new skill for your next project with the Crochet V-Stitch Tutorial. As you might have figured out, the v-stitch is named as such because it's shaped like a V. It's a fast stitch to work up and great for working crochet afghans in.