There are four basic crochet stitches every crochet designer needs to know! These basic stitches shouldn’t be optional! They are definitely a must-know!
If you’ve ever purchased a crochet pattern (and I know you have!) you’ve probably seen these stitches! Almost all crochet patterns will have a variation or multiple of these stitches! And if you’re planning on designing any kind of crochet project, you’ll need to get very familiar with these stitches well!
With these four basic stitches, you’ll be able to design a plethora of crochet projects. I’m talking an endless number of designs!
Let’s get into it!
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The Single Crochet:
The single crochet is one of the most basic and versatile crochet stitches! It’s normally the first stitch any new crocheter learns…after the chain stitch, of course! The standard abbreviation for single crochet is SC. You can write it all uppercase, (SC) or all lowercase, (sc) in your crochet pattern instructions.
If you’re planning on creating a stitch diagram for your pattern, the symbol for single crochet is:
Here’s some great tools and programs every designer needs to get familiar with, including a few to create stitch diagrams! Read the article HERE.
When you work a project in single crochets, your fabric will be dense without many holes or big gaps. If you want to design a project that can withstand some wear and tear, this stitch is the one to use!
The single crochet can be used for projects worked in rows, like blankets, dishtowels, washcloths, pillows or even scarves. You can also use this stitch in the round to create top-down beanies, coasters, and definitely an amigurumi design.
Did you know in the UK, the US single crochet is called a double crochet?
Instructions on how to complete a Single Crochet:
Step One: Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. There should be two loops on your hook.
Step Two: Yarn over and pull up through both loops on your hook.
Here’s a little hint when working with the single crochet:
When working in rows or turning rounds, you should chain 1 (ch 1) at the end of the row/round. The chain 1 gives you the height needed to turn your work. The chain 1 (ch 1) at the end of the row/round DOES NOT count as a stitch so you’ll work your 1st stitch of the new row/round into the last stitch of the previous row/round.
The Double Crochet:
The double crochet is another basic and versatile crochet stitch! It’s the second stitch I teach all my students! The standard abbreviation for a double crochet is DC. Again, you write the abbreviation for double crochet in either all caps (DC) or lowercase (dc) in your pattern instructions.
Use the following symbol when creating a stitch diagram for your double crochet pattern instructions:
Some people can be intimidated by the double crochet. But, once you understand that it’s simply a single crochet with a few extra steps, then it becomes fun!
The double crochet stitch usually creates a sturdy fabric with a bit of drape. Drape is the way in which any fabric flows. The double crochet isn’t as stiff as a single crochet, so it’s perfect for pieces that need some movement.
Afghans, granny squares, sweaters, and any design that you want to have drape with some durability, the double crochet is the stitch to work with.
Did you know in the UK, the US double crochet is called a treble crochet?
Instructions on how to complete a Double Crochet:
Step One: Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. There should be three loops on your hook.
Step Two: Yarn over and pull up through two loops on your hook. There should be two loops left on your hook.
Step Three: Yarn over and pull through the last two loops on hook.
Here’s a little hint when working with the double crochet:
When working in rows or turning rounds, you should chain 3 (ch 3) at the end of the row/round. A chain 3 gives you the height needed to turn your work AND DOES count as a stitch! You won’t place a double crochet into the first stitch of the row/round but rather into the 2nd stitch.
The Half Double Crochet:
The half double crochet is another one of our basic crochet stitches. It’s just like a single crochet but with an extra yarn over at the beginning. The half double crochet is a very fun stitch to work with. This stitch creates a unique ‘third loop‘ that no other crochet stitch can create.
The standard abbreviation for a double crochet is HDC. Again, you write the abbreviation for half double crochet in either all caps (HDC) or lowercase (hdc) in your pattern instructions.
When creating a stitch diagram for your half double crochet patterns, use this stitch symbol:
A Half double crochet is a stitch whose height is literally half the height of the double crochet!
Of all the crochet stitches, I think the half double crochet is one of my favorites. It’s the fun, crazy cousin of all the crochet stitches. There are so many fun variations of this stitch to create a wide variety of project. You can create fun pillows, blankets, bags, cowls, and scarves.
Did you know in the UK, the US half double crochet is called a half treble crochet?
Instructions on how to complete a Half Double Crochet:
Step One: Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. There should be three loops on your hook.
Step Two: Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook.
Here’s a little hint when working with the half double crochet:
When working in rows or turning rounds, you should chain 2 (ch 2) at the end of the row/round. The chain 2 gives you the height needed to turn your work AND depending on the pattern and the designer, doesn’t always count as a stitch. If the ch 2 counts as a stitch, then you’ll skip the 1st stitch in the row/round. If the ch 2 doesn’t count, then you’ll hdc into the 1st stitch.
The Treble Crochet:
The treble crochet is last of our basic crochet stitches. The treble crochet is just like a double crochet but with an extra yarn over at the beginning. The treble crochet is the tallest of the basic stitches and seems to be the least favorite stitch of many designers.
The standard abbreviation for a treble crochet is TR. As I’ve stated with the other stitches, you write the abbreviation for treble crochet in either all caps (TR) or lowercase (tr) in your pattern instructions.
When creating a stitch diagram for your treble crochet patterns, use this stitch symbol:
If you want drape and flow in your crochet project, you’ll fall in love with this beautiful stitch!
The best project to work up with this stitch will be airy blankets and flowy garments. The treble crochet is a great stitch to use if you’re wanting to create designs with cables!
Did you know in the UK, the US treble crochet is called a double treble crochet?
Instructions on how to complete a Treble Crochet:
Step One: Yarn over twice and insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. There should be four loops on your hook.
Step Two: Yarn over and pull up through two loops on your hook. There should be three loops left on your hook.
Step Three: Yarn over and pull up through two loops on your hook. There should be two loops left on your hook.
Step Three: Yarn over and pull through the last two loops on hook.
Here’s a little hint when working with the treble crochet:
When working in rows or turning rounds, you should chain 4 (ch 4) at the end of the row/round. The chain 4 gives you the height needed to turn your work AND always count as a stitch. As like the double crochet, you’ll have to skip the 1st stitch and place a treble crochet into the 2nd stitch.
With these four basic stitches, you can create a variety of stitch combinations and designs!
