So you’ve decided to take up a creative hobby? Let me be the first to welcome you to the wonderful, satisfying, and fulfilling world of crochet! If you are an absolute beginner this page will walk you through ALL of the steps you need to get started on your crafty journey. How exciting!

Crochet for Absolute Beginners

The greatest thing about learning to crochet is that it is an extremely inexpensive initial investment. All you’ll need is one crochet hook (or an inexpensive set like this) and a ball (skein) or two of yarn. That’s it! You can pick these two items up at any craft store – or even Walmart!

You’ll most likely want to start with a medium, worsted weight yarn (with the size “4” listed on the yarn label). Some of the best worsted weight yarns for learning to crochet are Brava Worsted, Red Heart Super Saver, I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby, and Vanna’s Choice from Lion Brand.

If you’re looking to get just one crochet hook to start (instead of investing in a whole set) you’ll most likely want to start with an I/5.5mm or J/6mm size hook. These are standard sizes that are used quite frequently in all kinds of crochet patterns.

For more detailed information about crochet hooks, you’ll want to head over to this article that explains everything in great detail.

Now that you’ve got your hook(s) and your yarn, you are ready to start practicing!

How to Make a Slip Knot

The first thing we learn how to make is the slip knot. You’ll need to know how to make a slip knot in order to start any project.

 

How to Hold Yarn to Crochet

Next we will learn how to hold the yarn in your “working hand”. The working hand is your non-dominant hand. If you are right-handed you’ll want to hold your yarn with your left hand so that you can easily wield the crochet hook. If you are left handed you’ll want to hold the working yarn with your right hand.

 

How to Crochet the Chain Stitch

To start virtually any project you’ll need to make the CHAIN stitch. This is the foundation for most crochet projects and is an absolute must when learning to crochet.

 

How to Crochet the Single Crochet

Once you get a decent size chain made (around 10″ should suffice, and it does NOT have to be pretty!) the next step is to learn how to make a Single Crochet.

 

Once you get the single crochet mastered – as in how to insert your hook, how to pull up that loop, and how to complete the stitch, the rest of the basic crochet stitches will be much easier to master! Practice the single crochet by making a piece of crochet around 4″ tall. The more you practice the more consistent your stitching will be.

How to crochet the Half Double Crochet

Now that you’ve worked on the Single Crochet, it’s time to learn the Half Double Crochet stitch. The half double is a bit taller than the single crochet so it works up a bit faster. This is one of my favorite stitches and another “must” when learning to crochet.

 

How to crochet the Double Crochet

Next we’ll learn how to crochet the Double Crochet stitch. This is one of the most popular crochet stitches. It is twice as tall as the single crochet, which means it works up super fast!

 

After you’ve mastered the Chain Stitch, the Single Crochet, Half Double Crochet, and the Double Crochet, you are WELL on your way to mastering the art of crochet! Most other crochet stitches are made up of a combination of these stitches.

See a directory of ALL crochet stitch tutorials on the Heart Hook Home tutorial section. With patience and practice, I just know you’ll enjoy this new crafty adventure. ♥

Below I have linked some of my very beginner-friendly crochet patterns:

Painted Canyon Cardigan Crochet Pattern (great first wearable pattern using only the half double crochet stitch!)

Basic Back Loop Beanie: Free Crochet Pattern (7 sizes) (great first hat pattern)

Sonny’s Baby Blanket: Free Crochet Pattern (excellent beginner baby blanket pattern)

Denim Dreams Triangle Scarf Crochet Pattern (great for practicing double crochet)

Easiest Twisted Ear Warmer Crochet Pattern (great for practicing the single crochet stitch)

There is such a great sense of accomplishment when you finish your first project. Be sure to share that excitement with me by tagging @HeartHookHome on all social media! I am SO excited to see your progress!