Crochet 101 (Perfect for Beginners)

 Lesson 2:  Half Double Crochet

 Now that you've learned the chain stitch and single crochet, it's time to add another important stitch to your crochet toolbox: the

The half double crochet, usually abbreviated HDC, is a little taller than a single crochet and creates a fabric that is soft and has a nice amount of drape.

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What You'll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you'll know:

• What a half double crochet is.
• How to make a half double crochet.
• Where to insert your hook.
• How to count your stitches.
• How to turn your work.
• How to recognize a half double crochet stitch.
• Common beginner mistakes.

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What Is a Half Double Crochet?

A half double crochet is a stitch that falls between a single crochet and a double crochet in height.

It's:

Taller than a single crochet

but

Shorter than a double crochet.

The abbreviation you'll see in patterns is:

HDC

Half double crochet is commonly used for:

• Blankets
• Hats
• Scarves
• Sweaters
• Bags
• Baby items
• Amigurumi
• Home décor

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The Half Double Crochet Formula

Here's the basic sequence:

Yarn Over → Insert → Yarn Over → Pull Up a Loop → Yarn Over → Pull Through 3

That's the big difference between single crochet and half double crochet.

With single crochet, you pull through 2 loops at the end.

With half double crochet, you pull through 3 loops all at once.

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Step 1: Start With Your Foundation Chain

For practice, make a foundation chain of 11 chains.

Remember from our previous lessons:

The loop currently on your hook doesn't count as a chain.

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Step 2: Yarn Over

Before inserting your hook, wrap the working yarn over your hook.

This is your first yarn over.

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Step 3: Insert Your Hook

Insert your hook into the third chain from the hook.

Why the third chain?

The first two chains act as your turning chain for this practice row.

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Step 4: Yarn Over Again

Yarn over once more.

Then pull the yarn back through the chain.

You should now have:

3 loops on your hook

This is your checkpoint.

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Step 5: Yarn Over One More Time

Yarn over again.

You'll still have your three loops on the hook.

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Step 6: Pull Through All 3 Loops

Pull your yarn through all three loops at once.

🎉 You've made your first half double crochet!

You should now have one loop remaining on your hook.

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The HDC Formula Again

Let's make it easy to remember:

YO → Insert → YO → Pull Up → YO → Pull Through 3

Or:

Over → In → Over → Up → Over → Through 3

Practice saying the steps while you crochet until the movement becomes natural.

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Continue Across the Row

Repeat the same process in each chain:

1. Yarn over.
2. Insert hook.
3. Yarn over.
4. Pull up a loop.
5. Yarn over.
6. Pull through all 3 loops.

Continue across your foundation chain.

With an 11-chain foundation, you'll make 9 half double crochet stitches when working into the third chain from the hook.

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How to Turn Your Work

Once you've reached the end of the row:

Chain 2

The chain-2 turning chain gives your next row the height it needs.

Then:

Turn your work.

Now you're ready to make your next row of half double crochet.

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Where Do You Insert Your Hook?

Look at the top of your half double crochet stitches.

You'll see little V shapes.

For standard HDC, insert your hook under both loops of the V unless your pattern tells you to work into a specific loop.

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Counting Your HDC Stitches

Each completed half double crochet counts as one stitch.

Look along the top edge of your row and count the V shapes.

For your practice swatch, you should have:

9 HDC stitches per row

Try counting each row before moving on to the next one.

 

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Common Beginner Mistakes

❌ Forgetting the First Yarn Over

Unlike single crochet, HDC begins with a yarn over before inserting the hook.

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❌ Pulling Through Only 2 Loops

Remember:

HDC pulls through all 3 loops at once.

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❌ Working Into the Wrong Chain

Your first HDC goes into the third chain from the hook for this exercise.

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❌ Making Your Stitches Too Tight

If your hook is difficult to insert into the stitches, relax your tension.

Don't force the hook through.

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❌ Losing the Last Stitch

The last stitch of a row can be easy to miss.

Count your stitches before turning.

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Practice Exercise 🧶

Let's make a small HDC swatch.

Foundation

Chain 11.

Row 1

HDC in the third chain from the hook.

Continue across.

You should have:

9 HDC

Row 2

Chain 2 and turn.

HDC across the row.

Again, aim for:

9 HDC

Continue for 5–10 rows.

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Compare Your Stitches

Now compare your HDC swatch with your single crochet swatch from Lesson 9.

You should notice that HDC:

• Is taller.
• Works up faster.
• Creates a softer, more flexible fabric.
• Has a slightly different texture.

This is one reason choosing the correct stitch matters when following a crochet pattern.

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⭐ Beginner Tip

Don't worry if your first HDC stitches look a little loose.

HDC can feel awkward at first because you're managing three loops on your hook.

Once your hands get used to the movement, the stitch becomes much easier.

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Lesson Summary

Today you learned:

✔ What half double crochet means.

✔ The abbreviation HDC.

✔ How to make an HDC.

✔ Where to insert your hook.

✔ How to pull through all three loops.

✔ How to turn your work.

✔ How to count HDC stitches.

✔ Common beginner mistakes.

⭐ Remember:

Yarn Over → Insert → Yarn Over → Pull Up → Yarn Over → Pull Through 3

That's your half double crochet!

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Homework

Make a small HDC swatch that's approximately:

9 stitches × 10 rows

As you work, practice keeping your stitches approximately the same size.

Then compare your HDC swatch with your single crochet swatch.

Notice the difference in height, texture, and drape.

Crochet 101 (Perfect for Beginners)

 

Lesson 1.9: Single Crochet

 

Now we're ready to turn those foundation chains into actual crochet fabric! 🎉

The single crochet is one of the most important basic crochet stitches. You'll find it in blankets, amigurumi, hats, bags, clothing, borders, and countless other projects.

If you can make a chain and a single crochet, you've already learned the foundation of a huge amount of crochet.

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What You'll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you'll know:

• What a single crochet is.
• How to work into a foundation chain.
• Where to insert your hook.
• How to complete a single crochet.
• How to turn your work.
• How to count your stitches.
• How to recognize the top of a single crochet.
• How to avoid common beginner mistakes.

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What Is a Single Crochet?

A single crochet, abbreviated SC, is one of the basic crochet stitches.

The basic movement is:

Insert → Yarn Over → Pull Up a Loop → Yarn Over → Pull Through 2

It creates a fairly short, dense stitch that produces a sturdy fabric.

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Before You Start

For practice, gather:

🧶 #4 Medium/Worsted yarn

🪝 5.0 mm or 5.5 mm crochet hook

Start with a foundation chain of about 11 chains.

Why 11?

Because for this exercise, we'll work 10 single crochet stitches across the chain.

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Step 1: Insert Your Hook

Look at your foundation chain.

For your first row of single crochet, insert your hook into the second chain from your hook.

Why the second chain?

The loop currently on your hook doesn't count as a chain stitch.

So skip the first chain directly below your hook and insert your hook into the next one.

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Step 2: Yarn Over

Once your hook is inserted into the chain:

Yarn over (YO).

Bring the working yarn over your hook.

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Step 3: Pull Up a Loop

Pull the yarn back through the chain.

You should now have two loops on your hook.

This is an important checkpoint:

2 loops = you're ready for the next step.

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Step 4: Yarn Over Again

Yarn over one more time.

You'll now have the yarn sitting on your hook with your two existing loops.

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Step 5: Pull Through Both Loops

Pull the yarn through both loops on your hook.

🎉 You've made one single crochet!

You should now have one loop remaining on your hook.

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The Single Crochet Formula

Here's the whole stitch in a simple sequence:

Insert → YO → Pull Up Loop → YO → Pull Through 2

Or remember it as:

IN → OVER → UP → OVER → THROUGH

Once this movement becomes familiar, single crochet will become much easier.

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Continue Across the Row

Repeat the same process in each chain:

1. Insert hook.
2. Yarn over.
3. Pull up a loop.
4. Yarn over.
5. Pull through both loops.

Continue until you reach the end of your foundation chain.

If you started with 11 chains, you should have 10 single crochet stitches.

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How to Turn Your Work

When you reach the end of your row, it's time to turn.

Step 1

Make 1 chain.

This is called a turning chain.

Step 2

Turn your crochet piece around so you can work back across the row.

Step 3

Now you'll work your next row of single crochet into the stitches you just made.

Here's a video I made a while back showing single crochet

 

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Where Do You Insert Your Hook?

This is one of the most important things to learn.

When you look at the top of a crochet stitch, you'll see something that looks like a little V.

That V has:

• A front loop
• A back loop

For standard single crochet, you'll normally insert your hook under both loops of the V.

Think:

V = two loops

Your hook goes underneath both loops unless your pattern tells you otherwise.

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Counting Single Crochet Stitches

Counting stitches is an important skill.

After completing your row, look along the top edge of your crochet.

Each stitch looks like a little V.

Count the Vs.

If you started with 11 chains and followed the instructions above, you should have:

10 single crochet stitches

If you have 9 or 11, don't panic!

Simply go back and find where a stitch was accidentally skipped or added.

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Common Beginner Mistakes

❌ Skipping the First Stitch

Remember to work into the second chain from the hook when starting your first row.

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❌ Working Into the Wrong Part of the Stitch

When working subsequent rows, make sure you're inserting your hook under the correct loops.

For standard single crochet, that's usually both loops of the V.

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❌ Losing a Stitch at the End

The last stitch can be easy to miss.

Before turning your work, count your stitches.

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❌ Making Your Stitches Too Tight

If you can barely insert your hook into the stitches, your tension may be too tight.

Try relaxing your yarn hand.

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❌ Adding Extra Stitches

Sometimes beginners accidentally crochet into the turning chain when they shouldn't.

Keep track of your first and last actual stitches.

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Practice Exercise 🧶

Let's make a little practice swatch.

Row 1

Chain 11.

Single crochet into the second chain from the hook.

Continue across.

You should have:

10 SC

Row 2

Chain 1 and turn.

Single crochet across.

You should still have:

10 SC

Row 3

Chain 1 and turn.

Single crochet across again.

Continue until you have around 5–10 rows.

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Look at Your Fabric

Now take a moment to look at what you've made.

You should see rows of small, fairly compact stitches.

That's your first piece of crochet fabric! 🎉

And this simple stitch can eventually become:

• Blankets
• Hats
• Bags
• Amigurumi
• Clothing
• Coasters
• Borders
• And much more

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⭐ Beginner Tip

Don't worry if your first few rows don't look perfectly straight.

Your edges may wiggle.

Your stitches may be different sizes.

You might accidentally skip a stitch.

That's completely normal when you're learning.

The goal at this stage isn't perfection—it's learning to recognize the movement and understand where your hook goes.

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Lesson Summary

Today you learned:

✔ What single crochet means (SC).

✔ How to insert your hook.

✔ How to yarn over and pull up a loop.

✔ How to complete the stitch.

✔ How to work across a foundation chain.

✔ How to turn your work.

✔ How to recognize the V-shaped top of a stitch.

✔ How to count your stitches.

✔ How to avoid common beginner mistakes.

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Homework

Make a small single crochet practice swatch.

Try to make:

10 stitches × 10 rows

As you work, practice counting each row.

Then look at your finished piece and see if you can identify:

• The individual stitches
• The rows
• The turning chains
• The top Vs of the stitches

This little swatch is going to become a very useful reference as we move into the next stitches.

Crochet 101 (Perfect for Beginners)

 Lesson 1.8: The Chain Stitch

 

Now that you've learned how to make a slip knot and hold your yarn and hook, it's time to make your first crochet stitch—the chain stitch!

The chain stitch is one of the most important basic crochet skills because it's used to create foundation chains, turning chains, spaces, decorative details, and parts of many crochet patterns.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you'll know:

• What a chain stitch is.
• How to make a chain stitch.
• What a yarn over means.
• How to count your chains.
• How to keep your chain tension even.
• How to fix a chain that is too tight or too loose.

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What Is a Chain Stitch?

A chain stitch is created by pulling yarn through the loop already on your crochet hook.

When you make several chain stitches in a row, they form a foundation chain.

Think of the foundation chain as the starting line for many crochet projects.

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Step 1: Start With Your Slip Knot

Place your slip knot onto your crochet hook.

Make sure the loop is snug but loose enough for your hook to move freely.

You should still have your working yarn coming from your yarn ball or skein.

 

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Step 2: Hold Your Yarn

Hold the yarn in your non-dominant hand.

Keep your yarn tension comfortable.

Your fingers should guide the yarn rather than squeeze it tightly.

Remember from Lesson 6:

Relaxed hands = easier crocheting.

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Step 3: Yarn Over

Bring your crochet hook under and then over the working yarn.

This is called a yarn over, often abbreviated as YO in crochet patterns.

The yarn should sit in the hook's groove.

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Step 4: Pull the Yarn Through

Once the yarn is on your hook, gently pull it through the loop that is already on your hook.

Congratulations! 🎉

You've made one chain stitch!

You should now have one new chain below your hook and one loop remaining on your hook.

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Step 5: Make Another Chain

To make another chain:

1. Yarn over.
2. Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook.

That's it!

Repeat those two movements to create as many chains as your pattern requires.

 

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How to Count Your Chains

This is something beginners often find confusing.

Look at the chain from the front. Each chain creates a little V shape.

For example:

V – V – V – V – V

Each V represents one chain stitch.

Important Tip

The loop currently sitting on your crochet hook does NOT count as a chain.

If your pattern says:

Chain 10

you should have 10 completed chain stitches below your hook, plus the loop currently on your hook.

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Keeping Your Chain Even

Your chain should have a consistent appearance.

If Your Chain Is Too Tight

You may have trouble inserting your hook into the chain later.

Try:

• Relaxing your yarn hand.
• Using a slightly larger hook while practicing.
• Avoiding pulling each chain tightly against the hook.

If Your Chain Is Too Loose

Your chain may become oversized or uneven.

Try:

• Keeping a consistent amount of tension.
• Avoiding large loops.
• Moving your hook smoothly rather than pulling aggressively.

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Practice Exercise 🧶

Grab your:

#4 Medium yarn + 5.0 mm or 5.5 mm crochet hook

Start with a slip knot.

Then practice making:

Practice 1

Chain 5

Practice 2

Chain 10

Practice 3

Chain 20

After each one, look at your chain and check whether the stitches are approximately the same size.

Don't worry if they're not perfect yet!

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Try Counting Backward

Here's another useful exercise.

Make a chain of 10 stitches.

Lay it flat and count the V shapes from your hook toward the beginning of the chain.

This will help you become familiar with identifying individual stitches a skill you'll need when you start working into your foundation chain.

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Common Beginner Mistakes

❌ Pulling the Chain Too Tight

This makes it difficult to insert your hook into the chain.

❌ Making Each Chain a Different Size

Try to maintain a similar amount of tension throughout the chain.

❌ Counting the Loop on Your Hook

Remember:

The loop on your hook doesn't count as a chain.

❌ Losing Count

If you're making a long foundation chain, count as you go.

You can also place a stitch marker every 10 or 20 chains to make counting easier.

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Beginner Tip ⭐

If you're having trouble inserting your hook into a tight chain, try making your chain with a slightly larger hook and then switch back to the hook size called for in your pattern.

This can make the first row much easier to work.

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Lesson Summary

Today you learned:

• What a chain stitch is.
• How to perform a yarn over.
• How to pull yarn through the loop on your hook.
• How to count chain stitches.
• How to maintain consistent chain tension.
• How to avoid common beginner mistakes.

⭐ Remember:

Yarn over → pull through → repeat!

That's the basic motion that creates your chain.

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Homework

Practice making chains of:

5 → 10 → 15 → 20 chains

Try to make each chain approximately the same size.

Don't focus on speed. Focus on making smooth, comfortable movements.

The more you practice, the more natural the motion will become.

Crochet 101 (Perfect for Beginners)

 

 

Lesson 1.7: The Slip Knot

The slip knot is usually the first step you'll make when beginning a crochet project. It creates an adjustable loop that goes onto your crochet hook.

Don't worry if it feels awkward at first once your hands learn the movement, you'll be able to make one quickly!

What You'll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you'll know:

• What a slip knot is.
• How to make one step by step.
• How to put it on your crochet hook.
• How tight the loop should be.
• Common beginner mistakes.

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What Is a Slip Knot?

A slip knot is an adjustable loop that can tighten or loosen when you pull on the yarn.

For many crochet projects, it's the starting point before making your foundation chain.

Think of it as creating your first loop on the hook.

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Step 1: Make a Loop

Take your yarn and make a loop, leaving a short yarn tail.

You don't need a huge tail about 4–6 inches is a comfortable amount for beginners.

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Step 2: Cross the Yarn

Cross the working yarn over the yarn tail to create an X-shaped crossing.

You'll now have:

• The yarn tail
• The working yarn
• A loop  

 

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Step 3: Pull Yarn Through the Loop

Reach through the loop and pull a small section of the working yarn through it.

This creates a new adjustable loop.

Don't pull it completely tight yet.

 

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Step 4: Place the Loop on Your Hook

Place your crochet hook through the new loop.

Gently pull the yarn tail to tighten the slip knot around the hook.

Important!

The knot should be snug but not tight.

Your hook should still be able to slide easily through the loop.

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Step 5: Check Your Loop

Before continuing, make sure:

✔ The loop is on your hook.
✔ The knot isn't too tight.
✔ The hook can move freely.
✔ Your working yarn is coming from the ball or skein.
✔ Your yarn tail is hanging separately.

If your loop is squeezing the hook, loosen it a little.

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A Common Beginner Mistake

❌ Making the slip knot too tight

This is extremely common!

If you pull the knot tightly against the hook, your first chain can become difficult to make.

Instead, think:

"Snug, not squeezed."

Your hook needs room to move.

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Another Way to Think About It

Your slip knot should look something like this:

Yarn → adjustable loop → crochet hook

The loop should be able to slide along the hook without falling off.

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Practice Exercise 🧶

Grab your #4 Medium yarn and your 5.0 mm or 5.5 mm crochet hook.

Practice making 5 slip knots.

Don't worry about making them quickly.

Focus on:

1. Making the loop.
2. Pulling the working yarn through.
3. Placing the loop on your hook.
4. Adjusting the tension.

Then try making five more.

You'll probably notice that your hands start remembering the movement.

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What If I Can't Make One?

That's okay!

There are several ways to make a slip knot, and different crocheters prefer different techniques.

If one method feels awkward, try another.

The important thing is that you end up with an adjustable loop that sits comfortably on your hook.

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Lesson Summary

Today you learned:

• What a slip knot is.
• How to create an adjustable loop.
• How to place the slip knot on your hook.
• How to adjust the tension.
• Why your slip knot shouldn't be too tight.

⭐ Remember:

Your slip knot doesn't need to be perfect.

The goal is simply to create a comfortable loop that allows you to begin crocheting.

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Homework

Practice making slip knots until you can make one comfortably without having to think about every step.

Try making 10 slip knots and see how consistent you can make the loops.

Don't worry about speed yet. Accuracy and comfort come first!

Crochet 101 (Perfect for Beginners)

 Lesson 1.6: Holding Your Yarn & Crochet Hook

 

Learning how to comfortably hold your yarn and hook is one of the first skills every crocheter needs. There isn't just one correct way to hold them the goal is to find a position that feels comfortable and gives you good control over your stitches.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you'll know:

• The two common ways to hold a crochet hook.
• How to hold your yarn.
• How to control yarn tension.
• How to position your hands comfortably.
• How to avoid gripping your hook too tightly.

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Part 1: Holding Your Crochet Hook

There are two common ways to hold a crochet hook.

The Pencil Grip ✏️

Hold the hook similarly to the way you would hold a pencil.

Your thumb and index finger control the hook while your remaining fingers provide support.

This grip can feel natural if you're already comfortable holding a pencil.

The Knife Grip 🔪

Hold the hook as though you're holding a knife.

Your hand wraps around the handle, with your thumb and index finger helping control the hook.

This grip can give some crocheters more stability and control.

Which Grip Is Correct?

Both!

There is no single "correct" grip. Try both and see which feels more comfortable.

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Part 2: Holding Your Yarn

Your yarn hand controls the tension of your yarn.

If the yarn is too tight, your stitches can become difficult to work.

If it's too loose, your stitches may become very large and uneven.

A simple starting position is:

1. Hold your crochet hook in your dominant hand.
2. Hold the working yarn in your other hand.
3. Wrap the yarn loosely around a finger or guide it between your fingers.
4. Let the yarn slide smoothly as you crochet.
5. Keep your hand relaxed.

Don't worry about getting your tension perfect immediately. Tension improves with practice.

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Part 3: What Is Yarn Tension?

Tension is how tightly or loosely you hold and work your yarn.

Think of your yarn like a garden hose. You want enough control to guide it, but you don't want to squeeze it so tightly that nothing can move.

Too Tight

Your stitches may:

• Be difficult to insert your hook into
• Look very small
• Create stiff fabric
• Make your hands tired

Too Loose

Your stitches may:

• Become oversized
• Have large gaps
• Look uneven
• Make it difficult to maintain consistent stitch size

Just Right

Your yarn should:

• Move smoothly
• Have some resistance
• Allow your hook to move easily
• Create consistent stitches

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Part 4: Relax Your Hands

One of the biggest beginner mistakes is holding everything too tightly.

Your hook doesn't need to be squeezed.

Your yarn doesn't need to be pulled tight.

Try keeping your:

• Shoulders relaxed
• Wrists comfortable
• Fingers relaxed
• Hook grip gentle

If your hand starts feeling tired, stop for a moment and shake your hands out before continuing.

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Part 5: Practice Exercise

Grab your 5.0 mm or 5.5 mm hook and some #4 Medium yarn from the earlier lessons.

Practice 1: Hook Grip

Hold your hook using the pencil grip for a few minutes.

Then switch to the knife grip.

Notice which feels more natural.

Practice 2: Yarn Tension

Make a few chains while holding the yarn loosely.

Then make a few more chains while holding it more tightly.

Notice how different the chains feel.

Practice 3: Find Your Comfortable Position

Try adjusting:

• Where the yarn sits on your fingers
• How tightly you hold your hook
• How far your hands are from each other

Your goal isn't perfection. You're looking for a comfortable, repeatable position.

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Beginner Tip ⭐

Don't worry if your first stitches look uneven.

That's completely normal!

As you practice, your hands will begin to develop muscle memory, and maintaining consistent tension will become much easier.

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Lesson Summary

Today you learned:

• The pencil grip and knife grip.
• How your yarn hand controls tension.
• The difference between tight and loose tension.
• Why relaxing your hands is important.
• How to practice finding your own comfortable grip.

 

Crochet 101 (Perfect for Beginners)

  Lesson 1.5: Essential Crochet Tools

 

Scissors, Stitch Markers & Yarn Needles

What You'll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to:

• Identify three essential crochet tools beyond your hook and yarn.
• Understand what each tool is used for.
• Learn when and how to use each tool.
• Know which tools are best for beginners.

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Why Do You Need Extra Crochet Tools?

While you can crochet with just a hook and yarn, a few simple tools can make your projects easier, neater, and more enjoyable.

Today we'll look at three must-have tools that every crocheter should keep in their project bag.

• ✂️ Scissors
• 📍 Stitch Markers
• 🪡 Yarn Needles

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Scissors

Scissors are one of the most frequently used tools in crochet. You'll use them every time you finish a project or change colors.

What They're Used For

• Cutting yarn
• Trimming loose ends
• Changing colors
• Finishing projects

Types of Scissors

• Embroidery scissors
• Yarn snips
• Folding travel scissors
• Precision craft scissors

Beginner Tip

Choose a pair with sharp, pointed blades. They make clean cuts without fraying your yarn.

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Stitch Markers

Stitch markers are small clips or rings that help you keep track of your work.

What They're Used For

• Marking the beginning of a round
• Counting rows
• Marking increases
• Marking decreases
• Holding your place when you take a break

They are especially helpful when making hats, amigurumi, blankets, or garments.

Types of Stitch Markers

• Locking stitch markers (most popular for crochet)
• Split-ring stitch markers
• Bulb safety-pin markers

Beginner Tip

If you don't have stitch markers, you can use a small safety pin, a paper clip, or even a short piece of scrap yarn as a temporary marker.

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Yarn Needles

A yarn needle (also called a tapestry needle) is used after you've finished crocheting.

What They're Used For

• Weaving in yarn ends
• Sewing crochet pieces together
• Closing amigurumi openings
• Joining granny squares
• Adding decorative details

Types of Yarn Needles

• Plastic
• Aluminum
• Steel

The most important feature is a large eye, making it easy to thread bulky yarn.

Beginner Tip

Always weave in your ends securely to help your project stay together after washing and everyday use.

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Choosing Quality Tools

When shopping for crochet tools, look for:

Scissors

✔ Sharp blades
✔ Comfortable grip
✔ Small enough to fit in your project bag

Stitch Markers

✔ Easy to open and close
✔ Smooth edges that won't snag yarn
✔ Bright colors so they're easy to spot

Yarn Needles

✔ Large eye for easy threading
✔ Blunt tip to avoid splitting yarn
✔ Comfortable size for the yarn you're using

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A Simple Beginner Tool Kit

You don't need a lot of supplies to get started. A basic crochet kit can include:

• 5.0 mm or 5.5 mm crochet hook
• #4 Medium (Worsted) acrylic yarn
• Small embroidery scissors
• A pack of locking stitch markers
• Large-eye yarn needle
• Small project bag or pouch

With these essentials, you'll be ready to complete many beginner-friendly crochet projects.

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Lesson Summary

Today you learned:

• Why scissors, stitch markers, and yarn needles are important.
• How each tool is used.
• What features to look for when buying them.
• How these tools can make crocheting easier and more organized.

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Homework

Gather your crochet tools and practice using each one:

1. Cut a piece of yarn with your scissors.
2. Place a stitch marker in a stitch or at the beginning of a row.
3. Thread a yarn needle and weave in one loose yarn end on a small practice swatch.

The more comfortable you become with these tools, the easier finishing your projects will be.

Crochet 101 (Perfect for Beginners)

  Lesson 1.4: Crochet Hook Sizes

 

What You'll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to:

• Understand crochet hook sizing.
• Learn the difference between metric and U.S. hook sizes.
• Match the correct hook to your yarn.
• Know when to use a larger or smaller hook.
• Choose the best hook for your next project.

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What Is a Crochet Hook Size?

Crochet hooks come in many different sizes. The size of the hook refers to the diameter of the shaft, which determines the size of the loops you create.

In general:

• Smaller hooks create smaller, tighter stitches.
• Larger hooks create larger, looser stitches.

Using the correct hook size helps your project turn out the way the pattern designer intended.

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Metric vs. U.S. Hook Sizes

You may notice that crochet hooks are labeled in two ways:

• Metric size (millimeters) – used worldwide and the most common system today.
• U.S. letter/number size – found on many hooks sold in the United States.

Here are some common conversions:

Metric Size	U.S. Size
2.25 mm	B-1
2.75 mm	C-2
3.25 mm	D-3
3.50 mm	E-4
3.75 mm	F-5
4.00 mm	G-6
4.50 mm	7
5.00 mm	H-8
5.50 mm	I-9
6.00 mm	J-10
6.50 mm	K-10½
8.00 mm	L-11
9.00 mm	M/N-13
10.00 mm	N/P-15

Beginner Tip: Focus on learning the metric size (mm). Most modern crochet patterns use metric measurements because they are universal.

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Matching Hook Size to Yarn Weight

A yarn label usually recommends a hook size. This is a great place to start.

Yarn Weight	Suggested Hook Size
#0 Lace	1.5–2.25 mm
#1 Super Fine	2.25–3.5 mm
#2 Fine	3.5–4.5 mm
#3 Light	4.0–5.0 mm
#4 Medium (Worsted)	5.0–5.5 mm
#5 Bulky	6.0–8.0 mm
#6 Super Bulky	8.0–10.0 mm
#7 Jumbo	12.0 mm and larger

Keep in mind that these are recommendations. Your pattern may call for a different hook size to achieve the correct gauge.

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What Happens If You Use the Wrong Hook Size?

Using a Hook That's Too Small

Your project may be:

• Stiff
• Tight
• Smaller than expected
• Harder to crochet

Using a Hook That's Too Large

Your project may be:

• Loose
• Stretchy
• Larger than expected
• Have noticeable gaps between stitches

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Which Hook Size Is Best for Beginners?

If you're just learning to crochet, I recommend:

• 5.0 mm (H-8) or 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook
• #4 Medium (Worsted) acrylic yarn

This combination is comfortable to hold, easy to see your stitches, and works well for many beginner projects.

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Types of Crochet Hooks

Crochet hooks are made from different materials, and each has its own feel.

Aluminum

• Lightweight
• Smooth
• Durable
• A popular choice for beginners

Ergonomic

• Soft comfort grip
• Reduces hand fatigue
• Great for longer crochet sessions

Bamboo/Wood

• Warm to hold
• Lightweight
• Helps keep slippery yarn from sliding too quickly

Plastic

• Lightweight
• Often available in larger sizes
• Commonly used with bulky and jumbo yarns

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Tips for Choosing the Right Hook

✔ Check your yarn label for the recommended hook size.

✔ Read your crochet pattern before you begin.

✔ Make a small gauge swatch if your project needs to be an exact size.

✔ If your stitches feel too tight, try going up one hook size.

✔ If your stitches are too loose, try going down one hook size.

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Lesson Summary

Today you learned:

• How crochet hook sizes are measured.
• The difference between metric and U.S. hook sizes.
• How to match a hook to your yarn.
• What happens when a hook is too small or too large.
• Why a 5.0 mm or 5.5 mm hook with #4 Medium yarn is a great starting point for beginners.

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Homework

Gather two or three crochet hooks of different sizes if you have them. Compare the thickness of each hook and make a small swatch using the same yarn. Notice how the fabric changes as the hook size changes. This simple exercise will help you understand how much of an impact your hook choice has on the finished project.