Have you ever wanted to try crocheting? Or maybe you’re already familiar with crocheting, and would like to learn a few more stitches? Do tutorials with clear step-by-step instructions and images help you? Grab your materials, get comfortable, and follow along with these easy, beginner-friendly YouTube tutorial recommendations! Please note that this tutorial is intended for right-handed crocheters only. Don’t worry – there are plenty of tutorials out there for left-handed crocheters!
Materials You Will Need
First, you need to get the right materials in order to begin crocheting. You will need, at a minimum, a pair of scissors, a crochet hook that is the appropriate size for the yarn you will be using, yarn, and a comfortable place to relax and start crocheting! If you haven’t thrown the yarn wrapper away yet, you can most likely find where it says the correct size crochet hook to use with the yarn. Most light-medium sized yarn use a 5mm (US size H/8) crochet hook, and most of these tutorials will be using said materials. Once you’ve got your materials ready, let’s start crocheting!
How to Make a Slip Knot:
To actually begin crocheting, you will first need to learn how to make a slip knot. There are several different ways you can make one, so make sure you watch the video above to figure out which way best suits you! The slip knot will act as a foundation for your first stitch and will be the starting point for most crochet projects. Once you’ve mastered this basic step, you can move on to learning the chain stitch, which is the next essential building block in crochet.
How to Begin Chaining:
Once you’ve made your slip knot and placed it through your crochet hook, the next step is learning how to make a chain stitch. The chain stitch is probably one of the most basic and important stitches in crochet, as it forms the foundation for most patterns. It’s made by looping the yarn from the back to the front over your hook, and pulling it through the loop already on the hook. It might take a few tries to get the tension just right, but with a bit of practice, you’ll be chaining in no time! Be sure to check out the video above to see it in action for a better visual.
How to Crochet a Slip Stitch:
Once you’re comfortable with the chain stitch, it’s time to learn the slip stitch. A slip stitch is a simple yet useful stitch for many crochet projects. The slip stitch is often used to join rounds, move your yarn to a different position, or create a smooth, flat border around your work. To make one, insert your hook into the desired stitch, yarn over, and pull the loop directly through both the stitch and the loop on your hook. Watch the video above to see how it’s done, since it’s pretty hard to keep your tension balanced!
How to Crochet a Single Crochet Stitch:
Next up is the single crochet stitch – a basic building block in many crochet projects. It adds height and structure, and once you’ve mastered it, you can use it to create projects like plushies, scarves, bags, and more! Click the video above to watch it step-by-step and follow along at your own pace.
How to Crochet a Half Double Crochet Stitch:
After mastering the single crochet stitch, you can try using the half double crochet stitch for similar projects. Keep in mind that this stitch tends to be looser and more delicate than the single crochet. As you move to taller stitches, the spacing between each stitch increases, which can affect the texture and structure of your project. Watch the video above for clearer instructions.
How to Crochet a Double Crochet Stitch:
The double crochet stitch is especially useful for larger or more time-consuming projects, such as blankets, scarves, cardigans, or even table runners, because it works up more quickly and creates a looser, more breathable fabric. Follow the video above for a detailed tutorial.
How to Crochet a Treble Crochet Stitch:
A treble crochet stitch is easier to distinguish than a single crochet, as it is much taller and looser. Learning this stitch can be really tricky, as the more we go up, so do the loops you have to make on your hook! Hit the play button on the video above to follow along to the tutorial.
How to Crochet a Front Post Double Crochet Stitch:
A front post double crochet stitch adds texture and depth to your work by wrapping around the post of the stitch instead of going through the top loops. It can be a bit confusing at first, especially if you’re used to working into the top of stitches. But with a little practice, it becomes a great way to create ribbing or raised patterns. You are also able to do this front post stitch with other stitches, like a double crochet stitch, treble crochet stitch, and more! Refer to the video above for the complete step-by-step instructions.
How to Crochet an Increase Stitch:
After learning the front post stitch, an increase stitch can also be useful for projects that need shaping. This stitch is used to add width to your project by working two stitches into the same space or stitch. Increases are essential for shaping, whether you’re making hats, amigurumi, or garments. You can increase using any type of stitch – single crochet, half double, double, and more! Follow the video tutorial above for detailed instructions.
How to Crochet a Decrease Stitch:
After becoming familiar with the increase stitch, the decrease stitch can be easier to understand, as this technique reduces the number of stitches by combining two stitches into one, narrowing your work. Decrease stitches are also commonly used in projects that include increase stitches. You can decrease using any stitch, such as single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and more. Be sure to check out the video above to see it in action for a better visual.
How to Crochet a Magic Circle:
Just like a slip knot, a magic circle is an important first step in many projects! It’s commonly used for making plushies, amigurumi, coasters, granny squares, and more. This technique is quite similar to creating a slip knot, so stay focused and follow along with the video above for easier, step-by-step instructions.
How to Crochet a Granny Square:
Once you’ve learned most of these stitches – especially the slip knot and double crochet stitch – you can start learning how to crochet a granny square! Granny squares are currently one of the most popular projects. They serve as a versatile foundation for blankets, tote bags, book covers, coasters, water bottle holders, and much more. Hit the play button on the tutorial above for instructions suitable for all crochet skill levels.
How to Crochet a Granny Hexagon:
A granny hexagon can be a great alternative to a granny square, as it has a similar look and feel and can serve as the foundation for many projects. It may be tricky to learn at first since it requires more attention to detail, but if you follow along with the tutorial above, you’ll be crocheting your own projects in no time!
Top 10 Must-Watch Crochet Channels on YouTube!
Don’t forget to check out these awesome crochet YouTubers! The first five are creators I have been following since the beginning of my crochet journey, and I highly recommend them. The last five are other popular creators at the moment in the crochet community, and they also offer some great tutorials to follow along with.
- naztazia
- Donna Wolfe, the instructor who runs the channel, makes tutorials related to crochet, knitting, gardening, beading, sewing, and other DIY projects! She mainly uses US terms in her crochet tutorials. I highly recommend her videos for intermediate crocheters who want to learn more patterns!
- Bella Coco
- Sarah-Jayne, the instructor and podcast host who runs the channel, makes tutorials for crocheting and other arts & crafts ideas! She mainly uses UK terms in her crochet tutorials; however, she does mention the equivalent UK terms for US term users.
- TL Yarn Crafts
- Toni, the instructor, podcast host, and designer behind the channel, focuses on crochet patterns and tutorials on her platform. She mainly uses US terms in her tutorials. She also has free patterns for you to check out, as well as tunisian crochet tutorials to follow along!
- Marly Bird
- Marly, the instructor/teacher, designer, and podcast host behind the channel, creates beginner-friendly crochet and knitting tutorials. She mainly uses US terms in her tutorials. Her warm and supportive energy makes it easy to follow along with her tutorials.
- VivCrochets
- VivCrochet, who began crocheting in middle school and also learned through YouTube, created the channel to share her crochet patterns and creations with others. She primarily uses US terms in her tutorials. Her tutorials are very detail-oriented, and her straightforward approach resonates with viewers of all crochet levels.
- Jayda InStitches
- Hooked by Robin
- HappyBerry Crochet
- The Crochet Crowd
- Fiber Spider
What Are Your Thoughts on Crochet?
Whether you were just skimming through today’s recommendations or actually completed a stitch or two, what are your thoughts on crocheting? Did it seem more difficult or easier than you expected? Do you think you’ll try learning more crochet patterns in the future? Share your thoughts on this cool hobby by clicking the comment button on your right-hand side. Stay tuned for more articles!
