How to make different stitches in crochet

Are you new to crochet or are you thinking of taking on this amazing hobby but feel overwhelmed by all the stitches and terminology?

In this blog, I will explain the different stiches that are commonly encountered in crocheting.  At the end of the blog, there is a link to a beautiful, step by step instructional chart, complete with all the stitches that you need to get started in crocheting. You can print and laminate this chart as a your reference guide. While the chart is absolutely FREE to print and share as you like, please credit www.ARTerey.net for the effort it took to make this great resource.

Here is a glimpse of the terminology that is explained in the chart above. Please refer to this chart for all the step by step instructions.

Slip knot

This is how you are going to attach the yarn to your hook for crocheting both, projects worked in rows or in rounds.

Magic circle- MC

This is the best way to start crocheting things that are worked in rounds such as hats and amigurumis.  While it is a little challenging to get it at first, it becomes much easier with practice.

Chain- ch

This is the base of every project that is worked in rows, such as scarves, blankets, apparel and hats that are started from the bottom up.  It can also be the way to start certain projects worked in rounds where you don’t want the tip of the round to be closed for instance a messy bun beanie.

Single crochet- Sc

This is the simplest stitch in crochet and is used when you want a more “dense” more “closed” appearing product.  This is the best stitch to use when making amigurumi as you don’t want the filling to show.

Half double crochet- Hdc

This is a fun stitch and is between the Sc and dc in length.  The interesting thing about this stich is that it has something called the 3^rd loop which is behind the regular front loop and back loop of a stich.  Crocheting in this 3^rd loop gives your work a beautiful look.

Double crochet- Dc

This is a longer stitch and can be used in various projects.  Because it is “longer”, it is less dense appearing but can be used to make projects quickly.

Front post and back post double crochet- FpDc/BpDc

This is a variation of the double crochet.  Instead of the stitch being worked on the top of the work, it is worked in the actual post of the stitch.  Alternating these stitches give a beautiful ribbed appearance and is especially wonderful for ribbing for beanies.

Treble Crochet- Tr

This stich is just like the double crochet but longer.  Once again, because it is longer, it can be used to make projects quickly but will not give you the more “closed/dense” appearance.

Slip stitch- sl st

This stitch is used to complete each round of your work. It can also be used as a finishing row for your projects.

Decrease- dec

Single crochet decrease- Sc dec/ double crochet decrease- Dc dec/ treble crochet decrease- Tr dec

This is how you can start decreasing the width/size of your work.  For instance if you are making amigurumi or hats and you need the width/size of the work decreased from the brim to the top of the hat.

This requires combining two stitches into one- for instance sc dec means you will use 2 stitches from the previous row and combine them to make one stitch.

Increase- inc

Single crochet increase- Sc inc/ double crochet increase- Dc inc / treble crochet increase – Tr inc

This is how you can start increasing the width/size of your work.  For instance if you are making amigurumi or hats and you need the width/size of the work increased from the top to the bottom of the hat.

This requires adding an extra stich to the same stich – for instance sc inc means you make 2 single crochets in one stitch.

Puff stitch -PS

This is a fun stitch that is made with a cluster of stitches in the same stitch that is held securely with a chain one. Great in scarves or hats.

Puff stitch decrease -PS dc

You will combine two PS to make one PS in order to decrease your work.  Important when making hats.