When you are learning how to crochet, you may become overwhelmed by the variety of crochet stitches out there. But don’t fret: there are a few basic crochet stitches you can learn that will give you a basic grounding in the craft that you can build on. Plus, you’ll be able to make plenty of projects just with these crochet stitches!
Introduction to Crochet Stitches
Crochet stitches are the foundation of learning how to crochet. Knowing different crochet stitches gives you the opportunity to make projects with a variety of looks and be able to follow crochet patterns with confidence.
As you explore how to start crocheting, you will see that there are many patterns built on the same basic crochet stitches, which we are going to teach you in this post.
And the crochet stitches themselves are based on the same basic techniques including chains, yarnovers, and slip stitches.
Crochet Supplies You’ll Need to Get Started
One of the nice things about crocheting for beginners is that you don’t need a lot of supplies to get started. And as you practice the basic crochet stitches, the main things you need are yarn and a crochet hook.
The Best Yarn for Learning How to Crochet
If you’ve been in a yarn store or craft store lately, you know that there are lots of options when it comes to yarn.
The best yarn choices for beginning crochet are going to be yarns that are smooth, something that isn’t too fuzzy or otherwise textured which will make it hard to form the crochet stitches or see your stitches as you work. Any fiber that feels nice to you is fine, but wool or a soft acrylic are great choices.
You’ll also want to pick something that’s light in color, which also makes it easier to see your stitches.
Choosing the Right Crochet Hook
There are also lots of options when it comes to crochet hooks. If you want to buy one or a couple to try out as you are learning to crochet, you’ll want to choose hooks of the correct size for working with the yarn you chose.
Hook sizes can be given in metric measurements or with a letter/number designation widely used in the United States.
Crochet hooks can be made from metal (usually steel or aluminum), plastic, wood, or bamboo. At your local craft store you may only be able to find a couple of these options. Most people start crocheting with metal needles.
Another consideration you might not even notice in the store is the choice between an inline head and a tapered head on your crochet hook.
Inline Crochet Hooks
The inline crochet hook style is just what it sounds like: the hook part of the crochet hook is in line with the handle.
The throat of the hook – which is the part that goes from the shaft into the hook part itself – has a deep slant in it. The tip of the hook tends to be a little pointier than a tapered hook.
Some people say that an inline hook helps the hook go into the stitch more easily because of that pointier end, and that pulling through stitches is a little easier, too. The main brand of inline crochet hooks you will find in stores is Susan Bates.
Tapered Crochet Hooks
Tapered crochet hooks, on the other hand, have a hook end that’s tapered away from the shaft, so it isn’t in line with the rest of the hook. The throat is less pronounced because of the taper, and the end of the hook tends to be more round.
The main brand of tapered crochet hooks you will find in many craft stores is Boye, and many of the ergonomic crochet hooks on the market also have a tapered design. People who like tapered crochet hooks say they are easier on the wrists.
You might want to try both styles of crochet hooks as you are learning to crochet to see which one you like better.
Common Questions about Crochet Stitches
Before we get into how to crochet the basic stitches, let’s dive into some general questions you might have about crochet stitches.
What Are the Main Crochet Stitches?
The most basic crochet stitches include the chain stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, and the slip stitch.
As you might guess from the names of most of these stitches, they are produced in similar ways but make different sizes of stitches, with single crochet being the shortest and treble (also sometimes called triple crochet) being the largest of the basic stitches.
The chain stitch is the foundation for beginning crochet stitches and can be used to add space to a pattern. The slip stitch is a way to join stitches or move your working yarn to another point in the project without adding height.
How Many Crochet Stitches Are There?
There are hundreds of different crochet stitches out there, though the good news is they are mostly built on the same basic skills you will learn in these crochet stitches for beginners.
If you’re interested in going deeper into different crochet stitches, our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library includes 45 crochet stitches to learn, but there are many more out there!
What Are the Fastest Crochet Stitches to Make?
In general, the fastest crochet stitches to make will be the ones you are the most comfortable with. The taller the stitch the faster it is to make, too, because they take up more space.
So a project worked in treble crochet, for example, should be a lot faster to stitch than one of the same size worked in single crochet, because each row is so much taller. Then again if you are more comfortable stitching single crochet you will still be able to crochet pretty quickly even though the stitch takes up less space.
What Are Some Beginner Tips for Learning Crochet Stitches?
When you are first learning crochet stitches, whether you are new to crochet or just picking up a new-to-you stitch, there are some things that will help you to be more successful.
Take it slow. Learning new crochet stitches takes time and there are usually several steps that need to be completed correctly to make the stitch turn out right.
Start small. Work on a practice swatch until you are comfortable with the stitch before you start on a full-fledged project.
Try words and videos. Some people are better at learning from words describing how to crochet, while others do better with video or a mix. Try our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library if you need to look at videos to help you learn the basic crochet stitches.
Count stitches. One problem a lot of beginning crocheters have is that the sides of their projects are uneven because they are adding or subtracting stitches as they go. Count every stitch as you make it or count the chains at the top of each stitch at the end of the row to ensure you have the same number of stitches you intend to.
Make an easy crochet project first. Once you’ve got the crochet stitches down, start with an easy project like a washcloth, scarf, or blanket squares that allows you to really focus on the stitch you’re learning. Our Crochet Anything with Rectangles class has 24 different projects you can make just with rectangles!
How to Start Crochet
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what you need to know before you get started crocheting, here’s a little more specific information that will make beginning crochet easier for you.
Suggested Hook Size and Yarn to Use
In addition to the suggestions above that you choose a yarn that is light in color and smooth when you are practicing crochet stitches, you’ll also want to pay attention to the weight of the yarn.
Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn and is usually denoted on the ball band (that piece of paper wrapped around the yarn) in words and with a number designation.
Medium weight is a 4. It’s not too thick and not too thin. You might also see the term “worsted weight” on the ball band. This is an ideal choice when it comes to learning to crochet.
If you are working with medium-weight yarn, the right hook size for you will be 5.5-6.5 mm, or a US size I/9 to K/10.5.
If you want to try both inline and tapered crochet hooks, you can buy one of each in different sizes within this range. Otherwise, try an inline hook that’s a size J/10 or 6 mm.
How to Hold the Hook and Yarn
Crochet is usually worked with the crocheter holding the hook in their right hand and the yarn in their left. If you are strongly left-handed and want to work with the crochet hook in your left hand you can find left-handed crochet tutorials, or watch right-handed videos in a mirror.
The Knife Hold
Some crocheters hold their crochet hook like they would hold a knife. If there’s a flat place on the shaft of the hook (known as the grip or thumb rest) place your thumb there. The index finger rests on top of the shaft, as if you were holding a knife.
The other 3 fingers wrap around the back of the crochet hook and support it as you form the stitches.
The Pencil Hold
The other popular option is the pencil hold. The thumb goes in the same place, but the index finger is more to the back of the shaft, resting on the other side of the thumb rest. The middle finger supports the hook from the bottom while the other fingers don’t do much of anything.
To try this hold out just grab the crochet hook as if it were a pencil.
You might want to try both holds and see which is more comfortable for you.
Holding the Yarn for Crochet
The yarn is held in the left hand and usually wrapped around or through the fingers to help keep the yarn under control.
Every crocheter has their own way of holding the yarn. As you observe other people crocheting or watch crochet videos you can see how other people do it and refine your hold. At the very least the working yarn should loop over your index finger and run down the palm side of your hand as you stitch.
How to Keep an Even Tension
As you learn different crochet stitches you will face the challenge of keeping an even tension. Here tension refers to how tight or loose your stitches are.
Tension is a function of how you hold your yarn and how tightly you pull as you form the stitches. Some people naturally crochet more tightly than others, but the key when learning to crochet is to try to make sure your stitches are even across the row and from row to row.
If the height of your stitches is coming out different, that’s a good sign that your tension is uneven. Slow down and make sure you aren’t pulling the yarn too tightly as you work.
If the bottom of your practice swatch (or project when you start crocheting projects) curls up, that’s a good sign that your tension is too tight. An easy fix is to try working with a larger crochet hook and easing up on your yarn grip.
How to Make a Slip Knot
The first thing you need to do before you can make any crochet stitches is to make a slip knot. This is the foundation for the chain stitch that will be the beginning of your project.
To make a slip knot, start with the tail end of the yarn in front of you. Loop the ball end of the yarn over the tail end so that it makes a lowercase “e” shape.
Reach into the loop of the e from front to back and grab the ball end of the yarn and pull it through the loop. Gently pull on the ball end of the yarn to close up the knot until there is a loop that can comfortably fit on your crochet hook.
How to Yarn Over
The yarn over is an essential skill in crochet, which you will use for everything from making your crochet chain to forming your stitches.
All you need to do to make a yarn over in crochet is to place the working yarn over the hook and pull it through the chain or stitch that you are working with.
The yarn comes over the hook from back to front as opposed to the yarn coming under the hook from front to back. Doing your yarn overs this way makes your stitches a little looser and easier to work.
Basic Crochet Stitches
These crochet stitch tutorials will walk you through all the basic crochet stitches you need to get started. If you want more step-by-step crochet tutorials and a lot more stitches to try, check out our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library, which has video instructions for 45 different crochet stitches.
How to Crochet Chain Stitch (ch)
The beginning of most crochet projects is a chain stitch, often abbreviated ch in patterns.
The pattern might say something like ch 12, which means you need to chain 12 stitches.
To do that, take the yarn over the hook as described above and pull a loop through the slip knot. Pull it through enough so the loop can move easily on the hook but not so much that it easily falls off the hook.
The slip knot does not count as a stitch.
As you practice making chains you will get a feel for how loose to make the chains. A tight chain can also cause your work to curl, so if you have that problem you might want to try making your chain with a larger hook than the pattern calls for.
Want to get lots of practice making chains? You can make a whole necklace using just chain stitch!
How to Single Crochet (sc)
Single crochet is one of the most basic crochet stitches out there, and it’s really easy to learn.
One thing you need to know when you are starting to crochet is that different stitches have different heights and you need to account for that as you begin each row of crochet.
This is done with extra chains at the end of each row, known as turning chains. You will need more chains at the end of the row the taller your stitch is.
For single crochet you need just one chain. When you start the single crochet stitch in a chain, you will begin working on the second chain from the hook.
Place the hook into the chain from front to back. Yarn over and pull through a loop. There are now 2 loops on your hook.
Yarn over and pull through both loops to complete the stitch.
Repeat this technique across the row. Chain 1 at the end to make your turning chain.
Now that you will be working into stitches instead of the chain, you form the crochet stitches by slipping the hook under both loops of the top of the stitch, unless another method is specified in the pattern you are working.
Crochet Patterns Using Single Crochet
You already know everything you need to know to make a basic project using single crochet. Here are a few to try.
Easy Crochet Scarf for Beginners
Designer: Easy Crochet
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick
The name pretty much says it all on this one! Lots of single crochet makes for an easy scarf that’s perfect for your first project.
Single Crochet Dishcloth
Designer: Craftsy
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Theory
If you’ve never knit or crocheted a dishcloth before, you might be surprised at how much you enjoy using them. A single crochet dishcloth is easy to stitch and great to use because single crochet’s nubbiness is good for scrubbing dishes.
Single Crochet Baby Blanket
Designer: GretchKal’s Yarny Adventures
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue and Me
Another simple crochet project for beginners is a baby blanket. This single crochet baby blanket is sure to keep a little one warm since single crochet makes a nice solid fabric.
Single Crochet Hat
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Rewind Yarn
Lest you think the only crochet projects that are good for beginners are flat, here’s a simple crocheted hat pattern made with single crochet. It looks so warm and cozy and it’s super easy to stitch, too.
Single Crochet Chevron Blanket
Designer: Daisy Farm Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Chevron stitches can be a little intimidating to new crocheters, but this pattern makes it easy. It’s all single crochet and single crochet 2 together, so this is a great first chevron project. And you can make it in so many different ways including using a solid color, stripes or even multicolored yarn.
How to Double Crochet (dc)
Double crochet is one of the most popular crochet stitches, and it is both an easy and fast crochet stitch.
When starting double crochet in a chain, you’ll start working into the 4th chain from the hook.
This time do a yarn over first, then insert the hook through the center of the chain from front to back. Yarn over and pull through a loop. You now have 3 loops on your hook.
Yarn over and pull through 2 loops, then yarn over and pull through 2 loops again to finish the stitch.
Repeat in this manner across the row, ending with a chain 3 for your turning chain.
If you are just practicing how to crochet double crochet, you can decide if you want your turning chain to count as a stitch or not (if it does, you work a stitch in the top of the chain at the end of the row before your turning chain). When you are working from a crochet pattern it will tell you if it wants you to count the chain as a stitch.
Crochet Patterns Using Double Crochet
Now that you know the basics of double crochet, try these fun patterns to practice it.
Simple Double Crochet Blanket
Designer: Sigoni Macaroni
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Landscapes
There’s little more satisfying and comforting than stitching miles and miles of double crochet. And that’s exactly what you’ll get in this simple blanket pattern. It’s a great stash buster, too.
Double Crochet Hat
Designer: Oombawka Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
Crocheting a hat doesn’t really increase the level of difficulty once you understand how to work in the round. This easy hat is worked from the top down in double crochet, with the option of front post and back post stitches at the end for a ribbed look.
Chunky Button Slippers
Designer: Love Life Yarn
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue & Me
These sweet little slippers are just the thing for wearing around the house when you don’t want to wear socks or shoes. They’re worked in bulky yarn and finished with a strap and a sweet little button for extra cuteness.
Easy “Done in a Day” Crochet Baby Blanket
Designer: Dabbles and Babbles
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue & Me
One great thing about double crochet is that it stitches up pretty quickly. Combine double crochet with bulky yarn and you can make something great in no time at all. You might not really finish it in a day on your first go, but it is really fast to work up!
Seasoned Sweater Vest
Designer: Meg Made with Love
Yarn weight: (1) Superfine
Suggested yarn: Universal Yarn Bamboo Pop Socks
Now that you’ve got a couple of stitches under your belt, why not try crocheting your first garment? This open front vest only slightly increases the difficulty by adding back loop only double crochet to your repertoire. This fun vest includes optional fringe for a boho look.
How to Half Double Crochet (hdc)
It’s kind of funny that single crochet and double crochet are two of the first easy crochet stitches people usually learn, when there’s actually another stitch that fits right in between them in terms of height.
Half double crochet starts in the third chain from the hook. First, yarn over, then place the hook through the chain from front to back. Yarn over and pull through a loop. You now have 3 loops on the hook.
Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
Continue in this way across the chain, and work a turning chain of 2 at the end of the row.
Crochet Patterns Using Half Double Crochet
You might not find a lot of patterns using half double crochet, but it is a lot of fun to do. Here are a few projects you can try to practice this stitch.
Half Double Crochet Hat
Designer: Delia Creates
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
This warm crochet hat has a classic look thanks to working half double crochets in the front loop only. It adds a great texture without making it any more difficult. Top it with a contrasting color pompom and you have your go-to gift for the next holiday season.
Half Double Crochet Blanket
Designer: Stitching Together
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Bulky
Just like all the stitches we’ve covered so far, half double crochet is a great choice for a blanket. You can really get into a rhythm with this stitch that makes it meditative and faster than you’d think it ought to be. The color blocking on this one is great but you can also use up all your yarn leftovers if you want.
HDC Infinity Scarf Pattern
Designer: Easy Crochet
Yarn weight: (6) Super Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick
Try half double crochet in the back loop for a fun variation on this looped scarf. This project is worked from a long side in super bulky yarn, so once you get the hang of the technique you’ll have it all stitched up in no time.
Striped Half Double Crochet Dishcloth
Designer: Stitching Together
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Theory
This sweet dishcloth uses two different colors and two variations on the double crochet stitch to make it a little more fun to stitch. It also makes it that much more giftable because it looks really special. Make a dishcloth and grab a nice bar or bottle of soap and you’ve got a great gift for a teacher or someone who needs a little pick me up.
Cozy Hygge Blanket Wrap
Designer: Sigoni Macaroni
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Premier Basix Chunky
This giant wrap is super cozy and easy to stitch. It’s mostly straightforward half double crochets, but on some rows you work into the third loop for extra texture. If you have no idea what that means, the pattern has a full tutorial.
How to Treble Crochet (tr)
The treble crochet stitch, also known sometimes as triple crochet, is the fastest of the basic crochet stitches because it is the tallest. Once you get the hang of how to treble crochet you’ll be flying through your projects in no time.
When starting in the chain, yarn over twice then insert hook into the fifth chain from the hook. Yarn over and pull through a loop. You now have 4 loops on the hook.
Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. Repeat 2 times, until you are down to one loop on the hook again.
Continue in this manner across. End with a turning chain of 4.
Crochet Patterns Using Treble Crochet
Treble crochet projects are super fast and fun to stitch. Here are a few for you to try.
Modern Chunky Tweed Crochet Blanket
Designer: A More Crafty Life
Yarn weight: (6) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hometown
The fun thing about learning basic crochet stitches is that you can combine them in different ways to make projects that are more interesting than you could make with a single stitch. This fun blanket uses single, half double and treble crochet, as well as front and back post stitches.
Quick and Easy Summer Crochet Top
Designer: Han Jan Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
Beginner crochet projects don’t have to just be blankets, washcloths and hats! You can make a sweet and simple summer women top pattern like this one, which uses single and treble crochet.
Bulky Triple Crochet Afghan Pattern
Designer: Crochet N Crafts
Yarn weight: (6) Super Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Butta
Triple crochet is a great, quick stitch pattern that becomes meditative as you get into the rhythm of it. This bulky afghan is a great project to work on when it’s cold outside and to snuggle under when you’re done. Make it in a solid color or throw in stripes to add to the flair.
Summer Crochet Cardigan
Designer: For the Frills/Make and Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mako Cotton
Here’s another sweet crocheted garment you can make with stitches you already know. This long, short sleeved cardigan uses single, double and treble crochet for a great warm weather garment.
How to Crochet Slip Stitch (sl st)
Slip stitch is the final easy crochet stitch you need to know. It’s a handy way to move your yarn across the work without adding any height to your project, and it can be used to add texture to projects similar to what the chain stitch looks like.
To crochet slip stitch, you simply put your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop and pull through the existing stitch.
Crochet Patterns Using Slip Stitch
There aren’t a lot of projects that use slip stitch as a prominent design element, but here are a couple for you to try!
Knit Look Pillow
Designer: Sewrella
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky or (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick
The fun thing about using slip stitch as a pattern is that it looks like the v of knit stitches. This pillow uses slip stitches and bulky or super bulky yarn for a super textured look.
Perfect Hat
Designer: Svetlana Kochkina via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Butta
Here the slip stitch is used to make a knit-look hat that’s all crochet! The pattern includes tutorial videos (they are in Russian but you should be able to figure it out) as well as step by step photos to make it easy.
Beyond the Basics: Beautiful and Easy Crochet Stitches
While the basic crochet stitches described above are some of the most common stitches used in crochet, there are a lot of other stitches you can try. Some are more advanced crochet stitches, but others are simply combinations of the easy stitches. Eventually, these will lead you to fun motifs like the popular crochet granny squares.
These may look like complex stitches but they are accomplished with the same basic steps, so you shouldn’t feel at all intimidated to try these stitches!
If you do feel like you need extra help or want to see videos of exactly how to form these stitches, our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library course covers these and many more stitches you can try (45 in all)!
Moss Stitch Crochet
The Moss stitch is one of the common crochet stitch patterns that sometimes goes by other names, such as linen stitch, granite stitch, or woven stitch.
It’s pretty and versatile, and so easy to stitch because you already know everything you need to know to make it.
To crochet moss stitch, you need to start with an even number of chains.
Begin with a single crochet in the 4th chain from the hook. Then chain 1, skip 1 chain, single crochet in the next stitch.
Repeat the chain 1, skip 1, single crochet across the work.
In a pattern you might see this written as *ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc in next ch. Repeat from * across. That means you do what it says, then go back to the first * and repeat until you get to the end of the row. The last stitch will be a single crochet.
Chain 2 for your turning chain, then single crochet in the chain space (that’s the hole left where you chained and skipped a stitch on the previous row.)
Then *ch 1, sk 1 sc, sc in next ch sp. Repeat from * across. Or, said in words again, chain 1, skip the next single crochet, single crochet in the next chain space. Repeat from chain 1 across. Again you will end with a single crochet and a chain of 2 for the turning chain.
Crochet Patterns Using Moss Stitch
Moss stitch is a fun crochet stitch pattern you’ll enjoy working. Try it out with these fun patterns.
Moss Stitch in a Square Blanket
Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Ice Cream Roving
This cozy blanket is sort of like a giant granny square, but worked in moss stitch. It’s worked from the center out using self striping yarn, so you can make it as big or as small as you like.
Moss Stitch Cowl
Designer: Dabbles and Babbles
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease
This simple moss stitch cowl is a classic look that will keep you warmer than a scarf because it's a loop that stays up close to your neck. It’s gorgeous in black, but if you’re new to crochet you might want to try a lighter color so you can see the stitches a little better.
Modern Moss Stitch Blanket
Designer: Daisy Farm Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love
This is a gorgeous blanket that will look good in any room. The stripes pop in such a lovely way on this white version, but of course you can use any colors you like to coordinate with your home.
Baby Moss Stitch Mittens
Designer: Mermaids and Monkeys
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Plymouth Encore
These sweet little mitts are perfect for keeping baby’s hand warm. These are really easy because the thumb sticks straight out from the side of the hand. The chain to hold the mittens together is both cute and helpful to keep the pair together.
Moss Stitch Pillow
Designer: Melaine Kahm
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue & Me
Moss stitch has such a fun texture that’s great for home décor. This moss stitch pillow uses four colors for extra cuteness, but you can use as many or as few as you like to make it your own.
Bobble Stitch Crochet
If you’re looking for a crochet stitch with a lot of texture, bobble crochet is it! Made with stitch clusters, bobbles are a lot of fun to make and give your project a really fun look.
One thing to know before you learn how to crochet bobble stitch is that the bobbles are actually formed from what will be the back (or “wrong” side) of the fabric. They puff up and show their texture on the front (or “right” side).
To make bobble stitch crochet, you will need an even number of chains. Start with a row of either single or double crochet stitches. (If working from a pattern it will tell you which to use, but I like to do double crochet because the bobble stitch is similar to working double crochet stitches.)
The pattern you are working from will tell you how to space your bobbles across the row, but I like to start with a plain double crochet or 2 at the end before the first bobble stitch, and I work a few plain stitches in between the bobbles. Patterns can vary around how often you work the bobbles and how you place them.
Bobble stitch can even be used in a decorative manner to make designs or even spell out a word on the surface of your crochet project.
The general technique is as follows.
Yarn over, put your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull through a loop. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. You now have 2 loops on the hook.
*Yarn over, put the hook in the same stitch, yarn over and pull through a loop. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops.
Now there are 3 loops on the hook.
Repeat from * until you have 6 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops.
Crochet Patterns Using Bobble Stitch
Practice your bobbles on these fun patterns, then see where your imagination takes you.
Crochet Hugs and Kisses Baby Blanket
Designer: The Crochet Crowd
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Bundle of Love
This pretty ripple blanket has rows of bobbles worked in for added texture and interest. They help emphasize the color changes in the yarn as well.
Bobble Stitch Clutch
Designer: B Hooked Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Ever Soft
Make a big statement with a little accessory with this fun project. This bag stitches up in no time an can hold all your daily necessities, and maybe even a little crochet project, too.
Messy Bun Hat Pattern
Designer: Simply Collectible Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
There’s nothing better for those don’t want to mess with it hair days then a messy bun hat. Your bun or ponytail can stick out of the top, and skipping the top of the hat makes these projects a little faster than standard hats, too.
Bobble Stitch Boot Cuff
Designer: Cream of the Crop Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220
The great thing about crochet is that you can use it to make projects for every part of your home and your body. These boot cuffs are easy to stitch and so useful for helping keep cold off your legs in the winter.
Waffle Stitch Crochet
Waffle stitch is such a fun graphic crochet stitch that’s really easy to make. It just looks like a warm hug on a winter’s day and is great for all sorts of cold-weather projects.
The key technique when learning how to make waffle stitch is double crochet, and also a special kind of double crochet called front post double crochet or fpdc.
In order to do a front post double crochet, you start with a row of plain double crochet stitches, then insert the hook from back to front (right to left) into the post of the stitch below. That means instead of going into the chain at the top you’re working around the post of the stitch instead.
To make waffle stitch crochet, start with a multiple of 3 chains, plus 2 for your turning chain (if you prefer to chain 3 for double crochet you can.)
Work a double crochet into the third (or 4th if you chain 3) chain from the hook and every chain across. Chain 2 for your turning chain.
On the next row, work a standard double crochet in the first stitch, *front post double crochet in the next stitch, double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * across. The last set will be a fpdc and a double crochet. Chain 2 for your turning chain.
For the next row, double crochet into the first 2 stitches. *fpdc in the next 2 stitches, double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat from * across. The last stitch will be a double crochet.
Repeat these 2 rows for the pattern.
Waffle Stitch Crochet Patterns
Once you get the hang of waffle stitch, you’ll want to use it for all sorts of projects. Let this selection get you started.
Waffle Stitch Blanket
Designer: Amanda Crochets
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala Ombre
The first thing I wanted to do when I learned how to crochet waffle stitch was to make a waffle stitch blanket. The bad news for me is I don’t actually need another blanket, but maybe you can make one of these super warm throws for yourself.
Waffle Stitch Dishcloths
Designer: I Can Crochet That
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
The great thing about waffle stitch is how the waffle stand out from the base fabric. This is a huge asset in washcloths or dishcloths because they give you extra scrubbing power. You’ll want to make these over and over for yourself and whenever you need a quick, useful gift for someone.
Waffle Stitch Scarf
Waffle Stitch Throw Pillow
Designer: Left in Knots
Yarn weight: (6) Super Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick
Waffle stitch makes a bold statement in home accessories, too, like this great throw pillow. The tassels add an extra bit of sweetness but of course are totally optional.
Waffle Stitch Market Tote
Designer: The Lavender Chair
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick
Totes are a great way to practice crochet stitches, and it seems like we can always use another bag when headed to the farmer’s market, library or bookstore. This one uses waffle stitch on the body paired with single crochets for extra durability.
Puff Stitch Crochet
Puff stitch crochet is similar to the bobble stitch discussed above. Like the bobble stitch, the puff stitch is worked from the wrong/back side of the work and puffs out onto the right/front side.
Instead of being based on the double crochet, this one is more like working a bunch of partial half double crochets into the same stitch, then closing them off all at once. It tends to be a little flatter and smaller than a bobble.
Puff stitch is typically worked on an even number of stitches. To practice, chain an even number and work a row of single or half double crochet as your foundation. Chain 1 if you’re working single crochet or 2 for half double and work 1 stitch on the next row.
To make the puff stitch, yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. *yarn over, insert the hook into the same stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Repeat from * as many times as you like. If you do it 2 more times you will have 7 loops on the hook; if you do it 3 more times you’ll have 11.
However you choose to do it, once you have worked as many loops as you want, yarn over one more time and pull through all the loops.
The pattern you are working will tell you how often to do the puff stitch across the row.
Crochet Patterns Using Puff Stitch
Try these fun patterns to explore what you can do with puff stitch and how it differs from bobbles.
Textured Puff Stitch Blanket
Designer: Easy Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love
Allover puff stitches bring great texture to this crocheted blanket, and you will definitely be a puff stitch pro by the end of it!
Puff Face Scrubbie
Designer: Cream of the Crop Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar’N Cream
This scrubbie has extra cleaning texture thanks to puff stitches. You can literally stitch one of these in minutes with a tiny bit of yarn. Make a whole stack in an afternoon and replace your throwaway wipes and cotton balls!
Puff Stitch Toddler Dress
Designer: Winding Road Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
We haven’t included a lot of garments in this collection, but this toddler dress is a great place to start if you want a bit more of a challenge for your next project. It is so pretty and gives you a chance to try several different stitches.
Puff Stitch Market Bag
Designer: Ideal Me
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima
Here’s another great market bag pattern you can try for practicing puff stitch. Like the bag mentioned before, it uses puff stitch on the body and single crochet at the base, so you don’t have to worry you’ve put too much stuff inside. The stripes on this one is fun, too, or work it in a single color.
Shell Stitch Crochet
The shell stitch is a super fun and decorative crochet stitch that looks harder than it is. It’s fun for when you want a project that’s a little fancy but that doesn’t take a lot more work.
To begin the shell stitch crochet pattern, you’ll need a multiple of 6 chains plus 2.
Begin your row with a single crochet in the second chain from the hook. *Skip the next 2 chains, then work 5 double crochets into the next stitch. Repeat from * across, then work a single crochet in the last stitch.
Chain 3 for your turning chain, which counts as a stitch. Work 2 double crochets in the single crochet from the last row. *Skip 2, work a single crochet in the next double crochet (which is the middle stitch of the shell from the last row.) Skip 2 and work 5 double crochet in the space where you skipped stitches on the last row.
Repeat from * across, working 3 double crochet into the last stitch.
Repeat these two rows for your pattern.
Crochet Patterns Using Shell Stitch
If I’ve convinced you this easy stitch is worth a try, check out these fun patterns that use crochet shell stitch
Simple Crochet Shells Dishcloth
Designer: Look at What I Made
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Universal Uptown Worsted
If you like your dishcloths pretty as well as functional, this one is a great choice. The color on this one is spectacular but use whatever cotton yarn you have to make yours.
Shell Stitch Baby Blanket
Designer: The Stitchin’ Mommy
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Shell stitch is kind of delicate looking, which makes it perfect for projects for baby. This striped baby blanket crochet pattern uses shell stitch in two row bands of different colors.
Shell Stitch Basic Hat
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala Ombre
This pretty hat uses ombre yarn and the shell stitch along with post stitches for the brim and a fun pompom to make your new favorite hat. Use a solid color if you’d rather – it will still be super cute crochet idea!
Shells Preemie Baby Blanket
Designer: Cream of the Crop Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Premier Anti-Pilling Butterfly
Here’s another sweet shells pattern for a baby in your life. This preemie blanket is great to make for charity crochet projects or as a doll blanket for your little one.
Star Stitch Crochet
Star stitch crochet is a fun stitch pattern based on single crochet. It is dense but pretty and it uses a lot of yarn, so it’s great for winter accessories or any time you want to use a lot of yarn from your stash! This stitch is also sometimes referred to as daisy stitch, so if you see crochet flower instead of stars, it’s the same pattern.
What you’re doing when you crochet star stitch sounds a little confusing in words, but take it step by step and you’ll be fine. You can always check out our Ultimate Stitch Library for video tutorials on this and all the other stitches mentioned here.
Star stitch is worked on a multiple of 10 stitches plus 1. Insert the hook into the second chain, yarn over and pull through a loop. Insert the hook in the next chain, yarn over and pull through a loop. Do this 2 more times until you have 5 loops on the hook.
Yarn over and pull through all 5 loops (basically this is a single crochet 5 together). Chain 1.
*Insert the hook into the side of the chain 1, yarn over and pull through a loop. Insert the hook into the stitch at the base of the star, yarn over and pull through a loop. Insert the hook in the next chain, yarn over and pull through a loop. Do this 1 more time. There are 5 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all the loops. Chain 1.
Repeat from * to the end of the row.
On the second row, work 2 half double crochets into each of the chain 1 spaces, ending with 1 half double crochet in the last stitch and a chain 3 for the turning chain.
For the third row, start in the second chain of the turning chain, yarn over and pull up a loop. Insert the hook into the first stitch of the previous row, yarn over and pull up a loop. Do the same in the next 2 stitches, then yarn over, pull through all the loops and chain 1. Work the remaining star stitches across as established in the first row.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 for pattern.
Star Stitch Crochet Patterns
Give star stitch a try for yourself with these fun crochet patterns.
Star Stitch Washcloth
Designer: Bethany Simpson/Ravelry
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Catona
As mentioned before, a washcloth is a great place to practice a new stitch, and even if it doesn’t come out perfect you’ll still have a new cloth you can use. This pretty washcloth elevates an at-home spa day or a day of doing the dishes.
Taylor Star Stitch Hat
Designer: Oombawka Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart with Love
This pretty hat uses a star stitch variation known as Marguerite Stitch, altered to work in the round as a two-round repeat. The result is a super feminine hat that will also keep you warm.
Star Stitch Blanket
Designer: Maria’s Blue Crayon
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
Combine start stitch and half double crochet for this fun and colorful blanket pattern. The design includes sizing for a lapghan but also explains how to alter to make it bigger or smaller if you like.
Star Stitch Fingerless Gloves
Designer: Raffamusa Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease
Fingerless gloves are great to keep your hands warm but your finger free when it’s cool outside (or inside a cold office!). This star stitch pair is part of a set that includes a hat and scarf, too.
Suggested Crochet Stitches for Blankets
Blankets are great projects to do when you learn to crochet because you can try out different crochet stitches and just repeat the stitch to make the size you need.
Some of the best crochet stitches for blankets include double and treble crochet when you want something fast, easy, and pretty that doesn’t use a huge amount of yarn.
Waffle stitch crochet is perfect for a warm, chunky blanket with some texture, and moss stitch is another great option to use when you want to crochet a blanket. Shell stitch adds great texture to a blanket without being any more difficult than regular double crochet.
Puff stitch and bobbles might not be the best crochet stitches for blankets because they use a lot of yarn, but they are fun to add as an embellishment such as doing stripes of puff stitch or spelling out words in bobbles.
Of course if your plan is to use a lot of yarn, star stitch is a fun choice!
To design your own blanket, stitch a little square of the stitch you want to use for your crocheted blanket.
Measure out how many stitches you are getting per inch/2.5 centimeters. Decide how wide you want your blanket to be, then multiply by your stitch count per inch to determine how many stitches you need to make a blanket the size you want.
For example if you’re making a 36 inch baby blanket and you’re getting 4 stitches per inch in the crochet stitch you want to use, you would need 144 stitches to get 36 inches.
Of course you can adjust that to fit the multiple of stitches you need for the pattern you want to use, but that will give you an idea of where to start.
Speaking of baby blankets, our Log Cabin Baby Blanket workshop shows you a fun technique for making a patchwork style blanket that uses a bunch of different crochet stitches all in one project!
Easiest Crochet Projects for Beginners to Practice Their Crochet Skills
Once you have started to learn a few crochet stitches, you might wonder what some easy crochet patterns are that you can practice your new skills on.
The best crochet patterns for beginners are those that don’t include shaping, that use the same stitch throughout and use easy crochet stitches like the ones we have covered here.
It’s generally a good idea to start with small projects because that near-instant gratification is satisfying when you are learning. A few of our favorite kinds of projects for those who are learning how to crochet include:
- Washcloths and dishcloths
- Scarves
- Blankets
- Bags and other projects made with squares and rectangles
If only crocheting with rectangles sounds boring to you, check out our Crochet Anything with Rectangles workshop – this may change your mind about rectangles. This class includes 24 different projects, from bags and pillows to sweaters and blankets, all made entirely with rectangles!
Do You Love Making a Variety of Crochet Stitches and Want to Learn More?
While we have covered a lot of different crochet stitches in this article, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what can be done in crochet!
You can learn 45 different crochet stitches in our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library, which has video tutorials for all the stitches, plus links to patterns you can use to try them out today.
Learning more crochet stitches expands your creativity and is just a lot of fun. Though you are sure to have some tried and true favorites, it’s always exciting to learn something new, and with crochet, there is always something new to learn.
Are You a Visual Learner Who Needs More Help to Learn How to Crochet?
If these wordy crochet tutorials weren’t enough to help for you to learn these crochet stitches, our Crochet Fundamentals masterclass can help you with the basics and beyond.
This trove of video instructions includes tips, techniques and tutorials to give you the confidence to take on any crochet project. From the basics of picking yarn and hooks to skill-building projects to help you learn the basics, this class really covers everything you need to know to learn how to crochet and then some!
If you want to see more crochet posts, please go to my other pages: Crochet Stitches for Blankets + 40 Free Patterns, 37 Free and Unique Crochet Cardigan Patterns You’ll Love to Crochet, 50+ Cute Crochet Ideas, 61 Free Women’s Crochet Sweater Patterns, 30 Lovely and Easy Women’s Crochet Hat Patterns, 35 Stunning and Easy Crochet Flower Patterns for All Crocheters, How to Crochet a Granny Square Beginner’s Guide with 20 Patterns, 75+Crochet Women's Top Patterns, 55 Unique Baby Blanket Crochet Patterns, 35+ Free Crochet Hat Patterns For Adults, 40 Eye-Catching and Free Crochet Doily Patterns, 50 Crochet Market Bag Patterns, 30 Easy-to-Follow Crochet Tote Bag Patterns, 30 Free, Comfy, and Stylish Crochet Poncho Patterns, 30 Free and Cute Crochet Hat Patterns for Girls
Susan
All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you so much. This is so packed full of such great useful information. I cannot thank you enough I’ll be referring to this over and over again,