Crochet for Beginners

How To 

Part 1

Basic Stitches

chain (ch)

Make a loop on the hook, then *pass hook under the thread (called yarn over hook (yo) and draw a loop through * (making a stitch on the hook)*   Rep. from  *  to *  for number of stitches required (foundation chain) which is the basis of all crochet work.

slip stitch (sl.st)

On a foundation chain *insert hook in a stitch, yo hook, draw a loop through the stitch and through the loop on hook*   Repeat from * to *  At the beginning of every row make 1 ch before inserting hook.

single crochet (sc)

On a foundation chain *insert hook in a stitch, yo hook, draw a loop through yo hook, draw a loop through the two loops on hook*   Repeat from * to *   At the beginning of every row make 1 ch before inserting hook.

half-double crochet (hdc)

On a foundation chain *yo hook, insert hook in a stitch, yo hook, draw a loop through, yo hook, draw loop through the 3 loops on hook*   Repeat from * to *   At the beginning of a row make 1 ch before inserting hook.

double crochet (dc)

On a foundation chain *yo hook, insert hook in a st, yo hook, draw a loop through, yo hook, draw through 2 loops on hook, yo hook, draw through remaining 2 loops on hook*   Repeat from * to * working 2 ch at beginning of every row.

Part 2

Turning Your Work

In crochet a certain number of chain stitches is added at the end of every row to bring work in position for the next row.  Then the work is turned so that the reverse side is facing you.  You have noticed that in a single crochet, one chain only is used for turning.  The number of turning chains depends upon the stitch with which you intend  to begin the next row.  The exact number will be indicated in the directions.  The turning chain always counts as the first stitch, except in single crochet where the ch 1 only raises the work to position and does not count as the first stitch.

To Attach New Thread

When thread has to be attached to work in progress, work as follows:  leave a 10 cm (4 inches) end, draw up a loop in the stitch specified; then draw end through the loop and pull  tight to fasten.  Draw up another loop in same stitch and continue to follow directions.