Crochet Stitches and Techniques for the New Crafter

I remember my first skein of yarn: a soft brown variegated that was left over from one of Grandma's afghans. She gave me a G crochet hook and showed me a few stitches. From then on, I was... well, hooked. It's a great way to unwind after a stressful day. And I love that I can begin with a tried-and-true pattern and add my own touches to create a unique piece. Best of all, crocheting is inexpensive and easy.

The only equipment you need to start crocheting today is a skein of yarn and a hook. The yarn aisle can be intimidating. However, you will typically see only a few types of yarn. Baby yarn is a soft, light yarn that is typically used in items that will be worn or cuddled. Worsted-weight yarn is very popular. It is the "regular" yarn that most stores carry in large supply. You may also see specialty yarns, which can be fluffy or textured; thin, light yarn that is best used for lace and very tiny projects; and bulky products that are appropriate for large hooks. For your first project, choose a worsted-weight yarn in a fun color.

Hooks can be purchased individually or in sets. You can choose from metal, plastic or bone hooks in standardized sizes. Most companies mark the hooks with the size in both millimeters and letters, and some also color-code their products. It's a good idea to begin with a hook that is size G, H or I. Many patterns call for a hook of this size, so you will be able to work new projects without making another purchase.

If you're like me, you'll find it easier to work with a ball of yarn. Rolling your new skein into a ball can prevent knots that form inside of the skein. I start a ball by wrapping the yarn loosely around my fingers, twisting the loops together and wrapping the yarn around the loops. Then fold the piece in half so that it is more compact and begin wrapping in different directions. The yarn will have a square shape at first, but will form into a round ball.

Don't worry about patterns for now. It's best to get the hang of basic stitches and techniques first. They're the building blocks for every crocheted project.

Chain

Every afghan, scarf and pillow begins with a chain. The chain allows you to start a straight side on which you can build your creation.

Begin by knotting the yarn around your hook. Make sure that the loop around your hook is not so tight that you can't remove the hook. Leave a tail of yarn long enough to hold onto - at least two or three inches.

Hold onto the hook in one hand and the tail and loose end of your yarn in the other. Wrap the loose end around one of your fingers to help keep it straight. This will make your stitches the same size.

Begin your chain by wrapping the yarn around your hook. Pull the new loop through the loop created by your knot. This is one chain stitch.

You can make your chain as long as you'd like by repeating this stitch.

Counting Stitches

You can keep track of your stitches by counting as you go. But you will soon find that it's easy to loose track. I like to crochet while listening to music or my favorite movies, and it's impossible to focus on counting and Heroes at the same time. A better way to determine where you are in your work is to learn to count the stitches you have made.

Keep track of your chain stitches by counting the loops on one side. Each loop is one stitch.

Other stitches have two loops at the top edge. However the counting process is the same. One set of loops is one stitch.

Turning

Once you've made a chain, how do you build on it? You must turn, which means that your piece is turned around and your new stitches are made on top of your chain. This is the way that you will create new rows.

Turn and create your second row. The last chain stitch in your chain is your turn stitch. Do not try to make a new stitch in this loop. It allows you to have slack that makes your rows even. Make sure that you turn your work over so that you are working in the opposite direction.

In subsequent rows, you will make a turn stitch once you have made a new stitch over every stitch in the previous row. Then you will make extra chain stitches to turn.

Most patterns will ask you to make one turn stitch at the end of a row of single crochet stitches, and three turn stitches at the end of a row of double crochet stitches. However, I find that three turn stitches makes a noticeable loop at the end of the row. I always use two turn stitches. The result is a smoother edge.

Single Stitch

For your second row, try a single stitch. Single stitches are used for stuffed animals and pillows because they make a tighter fabric that can be stuffed. They are also used in clothing and warm afghans.

Insert your hook into the second stitch. (Remember, the first stitch is your turn stitch.) Wrap the loose end of yarn around your hook and pull it through. You now have two loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn around your hook again and pull that loop through the other two. This is a single stitch.

Make a single stitch in each of the chain stitches. When you run out of stitches, make one chain stitch so that you can turn.

Now you can make another row of single stitches. Try to keep them the same size. Consistency is important. You will soon find what is most comfortable for you and it will be easy to maintain.

At the end of this row, make two chain stitches to turn. You will need two because you will be trying a double stitch. Double stitches are taller than single stitches, so you will need more slack.

Double Stitch

Begin your first double stitch by wrapping the loose end of your yarn around the hook. Then insert the hook into the first stitch of the previous row. Wrap the yarn around the hook and pull it through. You should now have three loops on the hook: the loop you started with, the loop you created with the first wrap, and the loop you've pulled through your previous stitch.

Wrap the yarn around the hook once more. Pull this loop through the first two loops only. You will then have two loops on the hook: the first loop and the loop you've pulled through. Wrap your yarn around the hook again and pull this loop through the remaining two loops.

You've just completed your first double stitch! You'll notice that it is taller than a single stitch and creates a looser fabric.

Make double stitches in each of your previous single stitches. When you reach the end, chain two stitches to turn. Make one more row of double stitches for more practice.

Working in the Round vs Circular Rows

Some patterns will ask you to "work in the round." This means that your piece will be circular or tubular, not flat. When you're working in the round, there are no distinct rows. The stitches are worked in a continuous spiral.

Other circular pieces will ask you to join each row with a slip stitch. In these pieces, each row is separate. At the end of the row, you must attach the last stitch to the first stitch using a slip stitch. Then you will chain one or two turn stitches to begin the next row.

Slip Stitch

A slip stitch is sometimes used to join circular rows, as discussed in the last section. I sometimes use slip stitches to finish the edge of a piece. It created a unique look, especially if that row uses a different color of yarn.

To make a slip stitch, pull a loop of yarn from the back, just like the beginning of a single stitch. Instead of looping the loose end over your hook, pull the second loop through the first.

You can see that a slip stitch is very flat. It can also be difficult to make a new stitch into a slip stitch because they tend to be tighter than single or double stitches. If your pattern asks you to make a stitch in a slip stitch for the next row, you can make the stitch looser and easier to work in.

Finishing

At the end of your piece, you can fasten off the loose end of your yarn by making a slip stitch instead of a turn stitch. Once you've completed the stitch, pull on the loop until the end of the yarn has come through. Pull it tight and cut off the extra length, leaving a few inches as a tail.

Get rid of the tails at the beginning and end of your project by weaving them into the finished stitches with your hook. This leaves a seamless and professional appearance. In some patterns, such as toy animals, the tails can be hidden inside the piece with the stuffing.

Your First Piece

You can practice these basic stitches until you're comfortable with them. They're the building blocks of every pattern. Try using single and double stitches to make your first complete piece. Scarves are easy and functional, making them a perfect first project. A skein of yarn will easily make a full scarf. You don't even need a pattern.

Make your first chain long enough to be the short side of your scarf. Turn and use whatever stitch you like for the next row. Just keep turning and adding rows until your scarf has reached the desired length. Then finish as described above.

Once you've mastered these stitches and techniques, you'll be ready to try new patterns. Remember to keep your yarn and hooks organized. It helps to designate a comfortable place for stitching. It doesn't hurt to find a place to store your projects. Crocheting is addictive, and you may soon find yourself buried in joyful new treasures.

Sources: personal experience.