Learn How to Crochet

In most cases, a crocheted fabric begins with a chain and builds with a variety of stitches to form a pattern or shape. Here are some basics.

How to Single Crochet Photo Tutorial

How to Single Crochet Photo TutorialOne of the first stitches people learn is the single crochet. We’ve created a tutorial that includes step-by-step photos and step-by-step written directions for how to single crochet.

This How to Single Crochet Photo Tutorial also includes 7 patterns for easy dish clothes. Learn to single crochet like a pro!

US Terms – All abbreviations below are those commonly used in the United States.

How to Crochet Basic Stitches by Size (smallest to largest)

st(s) = stitch(es)

YO = Yarn Over
Bring yarn over the hook (usually scooped from below). It’s important that you yarn over the same way ever time – be consistent.

ch = Chain
With loop on hook, YO, draw through loop on hook.

sl st = Slip Stitch
Insert hook through stitch (or chain), YO, draw through stitch (or chain) and through loop on hook.

sc = Single Crochet
Insert hook through stitch (or chain), YO, draw through stitch (or chain), YO, draw through both loops on hook.

hdc = Half Double Crochet
YO, insert hook through stitch (or chain), YO, draw through stitch (or chain), YO, draw through all loops on hook.

dc = double crochet
YO, insert hook through stitch (or chain), YO, draw through stitch (or chain), YO, draw through two loops on hook, YO, draw through two loops on hook.

trc = treble (triple) crochet
YO twice, insert hook through stitch (or chain), YO, draw through stitch (or chain), YO, draw through two loops on hook, YO, draw through two loops on hook, YO, draw through two loops on hook.

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How to Crochet Advanced Techniques

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FRONT LOOP AND BACK LOOP

blo = Back Loop Only
BL = Back Loop
Insert hook through the back loop (the loop farthest away from you) and work the stitch as normal.

flo = Front Loop Only
FL = Front Loop
Insert hook through the front loop (the loop closest to you) and work the stitch as normal.

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INCREASING AND DECREASING 

dec = decrease (i.e. “sc dec” = single crochet decrease), or
sc2tog = Single Crochet 2 Stitches Together
Crochet two stitches together; make the next stitch across two stitches

inc = increase (i.e. “sc inc” = single crochet increase), or
2 sc in next st = 2 Single Crochet in Next Stitch
Crochet two stitches in the next stitch.

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POST WORK

bp = back post (i.e. “bpdc” or “BPdc” = back post double crochet)
Slant work toward you so you can see the back of the work. Insert hook under the post (Right handed: from right to left; Left handed: from left to right) instead of the loops. Work stitch as if you inserted the hook through the loops.

fp = front post (i.e. “fbdc” or “FPdc” = front post double crochet)
Slant work away from you so you can see the front of the work. Insert hook under the post (Right handed: from right to left; Left handed: from left to right) instead of the loops. Work stitch as if you inserted the hook through the loops.

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PICOT

Picot
Chain 3, slip stitch in 3rd chain from hook, or
Chain 3, slip stitch into front loop and side of stitch the picot is on top of.

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BAR WORK

bhdc = Bar Half Double Crochet
Slant work toward you so you can see the back of the work. YO, insert hook in the bar on the back of the stitch (behind the loops), YO and pull through bar, YO and pull through all loops on hook.

fbhdc = Front Bar Half Double Crochet
Slant work away from you so you can see the front of the work. YO, insert hook from the front below the loops and bar, hook the bar and pull it to the front, YO and pull through the bar, complete the hdc by yarning over and pulling through all loops on hook.

 More Resources on How to Crochet

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