Almost all crochet projects begin with a chain stitch, so
this is where we will begin. A chain
stitch is simply a series of chain stitches, which are called a chain:
Make a
slipknot on the hook.
Hold
the hook with your right hand between your thumb and third finger near the
tip of the hook.
With
your left hand, hold the base of the slipknot with your thumb and index
finger.
Thread
the yarn over your third finger and through your remaining fingers on your
left hand to retain tension on the yarn as you work.
Bring
the yarn over the hook from back to front.
Draw the yarn through the loop on the hook. Be sure to always bring the yarn over
the hook from back to front and not from front to back.
Move
your thumb and index finger up closer to the hook after each stitch. Move each new stitch away from the loop
on the hook to keep your stitches the same size and to keep them from
becoming too tight.
Continue to bring the yarn over the hook and draw the yarn
through the loop on the hook. Make about
20 for practice. Do not count the loop
on the hook or the starting slipknot.
Congratulations! You
have just made your first chain stitch.
Next you will learn how to make the different crochet stitches that you
will use in your crochet projects such as sweaters, afghans, potholders,
purses, pillows, doilies, etc.
Single Crochet (sc)
The first stitch is the single crochet stitch. It is essential to master this move as it the
base of the double crochet and the half double crochet. Always skip the first chain stitch from the
hook when beginning a new row of crochet stitches.
Skipping the first chain stitch from the hook, insert your
hook into the second chain stitch under the top loop. Bring the yarn over the hook from the back to
the front and draw it through the stitch.
Hook and draw the yarn through both the loops on the hook.
That’s it! You’ve
completed your first single crochet stitch.
Continue practicing with the remainder of the chain stitch you made.