Have you been wanting to learn how to crochet? It’s such a great hobby, especially for the fall and winter months. We introduced this series with a post on getting started and reading patterns, and in this post, I will demonstrate two fundamental steps: a slip knot and a foundation chain (or chain stitch). These steps are needed to begin all crochet projects. A slip knot is how to secure the yarn on your hook to begin any stitch.
To begin, take your yarn and wrap it around your index and middle fingers twice, crossing it over to make an “X”. Take the first loop, lift it up and grab the second loop, and pull it through the first one. Pull gently to make the knot, leaving a loop. Insert your hook into the loop and pull on the shorter strand of yarn to secure it on your hook. You’ve made a slip knot!
To make a chain stitch, hook your yarn over your left-hand ring finger, and with your right-hand middle finger and thumb holding the loop on the hook, wrap the yarn over the hook end (yarn over/yo) and pull it through the loop of yarn on the hook. That’s your first chain stitch (ch st). Yarn over again and pull it through the loop of yarn on the hook. That’s 2 ch st. If a pattern says to “ch 12”, you would do this 12 times. You can count each stitch in the chain easily. Now you’ve made a foundation chain!
Here’s a fun tip: use a jar to hold your ball of yarn in place while you’re crocheting! I like to wind my skeins of yarn into balls before I start a project, and the jar keeps it from rolling away. You can also use bowls and other dishes that are specifically made for this purpose. Just choose something bigger than your ball of yarn and it will be able to roll around freely as you work.
Keep practicing these simple steps, and then you’ll be ready to learn some stitches! – Holly
Credits // Author: Holly Neufeld, Photography: Sarah Rhodes, Video and Music: Jeremy Larson.
I love crochet and I love learning more about it. So I’m already looking forward to your more advanced posts! Would be really cool if you’d make a crochet rug DIY 🙂
x Eveline from http://fragilityofbeauty.com/
You made that so simple, I will be trying that this week!
Thank you!
that all sounds good! Not sure we have Knit Picks here in Europe, but I will check it out. I’m sure I’ll find something awesome either way. yay! thanks!
I’ve been crocheting for years and I love it. Hope you will have more posts and ideas in the future!
Totally! That’s a brilliant idea. Thanks so much for sharing! -Holly
Hi Sarah, yes I did, and yep they’re granny squares! I will be sharing the pattern in this series, but if you know how to make granny squares, then you can make your own pattern for it! 🙂 -Holly
It’s “Mille Big” by Lang Yarns. -Holly
Hi Sarah, I did! Stay tuned for the pattern! 🙂 xo Holly
Hi Joy, I usually get inspired by yarn first, and think of a pattern to use it for, later. But it’s probably smart to find the pattern you would like to use, and buy the yarn according to the suggestions on the pattern. A baby blanket with medium weight yarn would be great! Something washable, ideally. Knit Picks has a great super wash merino in worsted weight that would be perfect for a baby blanket. 🙂
-Holly
Glad to hear! -Holly
Hi Melissa, I will be covering how to make the magic loop in an upcoming post in this series. Stay tuned! 🙂
Hi Laura, the pattern for the throw will be coming up in this series. Stay tuned! Xo
love love love that you’re doing a crochet series! i have a super long bus commute and crocheting is a great way to make that time feel productive. i’ve used the abm app to edit quite a few photos of my projects, i’d love to share them with you! what hashtag should i use? it would be so cool to have a crochet-specific abm hashtag so i can get inspired by all your awesome readers 🙂
I think you need one of these… 😉
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/200333533/knitting-bag-project-bag-striped-pouch?ref=shop_home_feat_2
Jésabelle B.
Crocheting is very dear to my heart! When I was younger I used it as a fundraiser to raise money for a church/orphanage in Uganda! Seeing these tutorials is making me want to start again!
-carrie
caretolook.com
I just made the comment about the afghan. They’re black and white granny squares. Brilliant. Answered my own question.
Can we talk about the beautiful afghan you’re sitting on? Did you make it? Can you share the pattern or tell me where I could purchase the pattern? Please please please! I need a new crochet project and that is it!
Yes! I can’t wait to come back to look at this tutorial later this weekend. I have been dying to learn how to crochet 😉
charity
lifeafterbaseball.net
My mom taught me to crochet when I was about 13 but I have long forgotten the skill! This definitely brought me back, maybe I’ll pick it up again this winter! You always need a scarf 😉
-Emily x | http://emilysbees.blogspot.com
I’m absolutely in love with that green neon yarn. What brand is it?
Thank you!