Basic Crochet Stitches for Beginners: Names, Abbreviations and How They Work

Almost everything in crochet is made from a small set of basic stitches. If you learn the chain, the slip stitch, the single crochet, the half double crochet and the double crochet, you can follow most beginner patterns. This page lists each stitch with its abbreviation, a short description of how it is made, and the projects it suits. For the full step-by-step instructions, follow the link under each stitch.

The basic stitches at a glance

Notice that the same abbreviation, "dc", means a different stitch in the US and the UK. Always check which system a pattern uses before you start. Our US and UK crochet terms chart lists the names side by side.

The slip knot

Every project starts with a slip knot, which holds the first loop on the hook. Make a loop in the yarn, pull a second loop of yarn through it, put that second loop on the hook and pull the tail to tighten it. The knot should slide easily on the hook, but it should not fall off.

Chain (ch)

Yarn over the hook and pull the yarn through the loop that is already on the hook. Repeat to make a longer chain. A chain forms the foundation of flat projects, makes the turning chains at the end of rows, and creates space in lace patterns. Keep the loops even, and do not count the loop on the hook when you count your chains. Learn it in our guide to how to crochet for beginners.

Slip stitch (sl st)

Put the hook into a stitch, yarn over, and pull the yarn through both the stitch and the loop on the hook in one motion. The slip stitch is very flat. It is used to join the end of a round to the beginning, to finish a project's edge and to travel across stitches without adding height.

Single crochet (sc)

Put the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on the hook), then yarn over and pull through both loops. It makes a short, dense fabric that does not show stuffing, so it is the main stitch for amigurumi toys, and it also suits bags and coasters. See the full steps in how to single crochet.

Half double crochet (hdc)

Yarn over first, then put the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook), then yarn over and pull through all 3. It is taller than a single crochet and makes a soft but sturdy fabric, good for hats, scarves and blankets. See how to half double crochet.

Double crochet (dc)

Yarn over, put the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops), then yarn over and pull through 2 loops, and yarn over again to pull through the last 2. It is tall and drapey, and it covers ground quickly, which makes it the favorite for blankets, shawls and granny squares. See how to double crochet.

Increase and decrease

• Increase (inc): work two stitches into the same stitch. It makes the fabric wider.
• Decrease (dec): work two stitches together into one. It makes the fabric narrower. For single crochet, this is written "sc2tog".
• Invisible decrease: a decrease worked through the front loops only. It leaves a smaller gap, so toy patterns often prefer it.

Increases and decreases are how crocheters shape a flat circle into a ball or a toy. Most toys start with a magic ring, then increase every round until the shape is wide enough, and decrease to close it.

Front loops and back loops

The top of every stitch has a V made of two loops: a front loop closest to you, and a back loop farther away. Unless a pattern says otherwise, you put the hook under both loops. Some patterns ask you to work in the back loop only (blo) or the front loop only (flo). Working in one loop creates a ridge, which is used for ribbing, textured fabric and for turning a flat shape into a corner.

Which stitch for which project

How to practice

1. Master the chain and the slip stitch on a short practice chain.
2. Make a swatch of single crochet, and check the stitch count of each row.
3. Learn the half double crochet and the double crochet the same way, one at a time.
4. Learn the magic ring and a flat circle.
5. Try a project that uses the stitches you now know.

Ready to try a real pattern? Browse our crochet patterns for beginners, where the free patterns are listed first, or open the free crochet patterns page. Our guide on how to read a crochet pattern explains the abbreviations you will meet.