Almost every crochet pattern is built from a handful of basic stitches. Once you know them, you can read and work nearly any pattern, from a simple potholder to a detailed toy. This guide goes through the basic crochet stitches from shortest to tallest, with the abbreviation for each one, how to make it and when you'd use it.
One thing to know first: US and UK patterns use the same names for different stitches. This article uses US terms, with the UK name next to each one.
All basic crochet stitches at a glance
| US name (abbr.) | UK name | Height | Turning chain | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain (ch) | Chain (ch) | No height | - | Foundation chains, spaces, reaching the height of the next stitch |
| Slip stitch (sl st) | Slip stitch (ss) | Almost flat | - | Closing rounds, edges, joining pieces |
| Single crochet (sc) | Double crochet (dc) | Short, dense | 1 ch | Amigurumi, sturdy fabric, borders |
| Half double crochet (hdc) | Half treble (htr) | Medium | 2 ch | Blankets, garments, quick but still firm |
| Double crochet (dc) | Treble (tr) | Tall, more open | 3 ch | Scarves, blankets, projects that grow fast |
| Treble crochet (tr) | Double treble (dtr) | Tallest, open | 4 ch | Airy scarves and shawls, lacy patterns |
The turning chain is the number of chains you make at the start of a row to reach the height of the stitch you're about to work. Patterns vary a little, so if yours says something different, follow the pattern.
Chain (ch): where nearly every pattern starts
To make a chain, wrap the yarn over your hook and pull it through the loop already on the hook. That's it. You don't insert the hook anywhere. A row of chains forms the foundation chain that the rest of the project is built on, but chains also turn up within rows, for example to make a gap or to climb to the right height before the next stitch.
Slip stitch (sl st): the lowest stitch
Insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull the yarn through the stitch and the loop on your hook in one go. A slip stitch adds almost no height, which makes it the stitch for closing a round neatly, finishing an edge, or joining two pieces without needle and thread.
Single crochet (sc): the stitch you'll use most
Insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (two loops on the hook). Yarn over again and pull through both loops. Single crochet makes a tight, firm fabric with very few gaps, which is why it's the standard stitch for amigurumi: the stuffing stays hidden. It's also the logical choice for potholders, small bags and anything else that needs to hold up to daily use. In UK patterns this same stitch is called double crochet, so check which terms a pattern uses before you start.
Half double crochet (hdc): between single and double
Yarn over first, then insert the hook into the stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop, so you have three loops on the hook, then yarn over and pull through all three at once. The result is a little taller and softer than single crochet, but still firm enough for garments and blankets. Plenty of knitters who switch to crochet like hdc because it works up quickly without losing too much density.
Double crochet (dc): faster work, lighter fabric
Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook). Then yarn over and pull through two loops, and yarn over and pull through the last two. A double crochet is about twice as tall as a single crochet, so your work grows much faster. Double crochet is also the stitch behind the granny square and many blanket patterns, where speed and a slightly open texture are what you want.
Treble crochet (tr): the tallest basic stitch
Wrap the yarn over the hook twice, then insert the hook into the stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop (four loops on the hook), then work off two loops at a time, three times. Treble crochet is the tallest and most open of the basic stitches and gives a light, almost lacy look. It's popular for summer scarves and shawls, where you want air to move through the fabric.
How to choose the right stitch for your project
- Needs to be firm and hold its shape (amigurumi, bags, potholders)? Use single crochet.
- Want a large blanket or scarf to grow quickly? Double or treble crochet gives you more fabric per ball of yarn.
- Something in between, like a sweater or a baby blanket? Half double crochet is a good middle ground.
- Slip stitch is rarely used for a whole project, but you'll use it constantly to close rounds and tidy up edges.
To practice, a smooth, light-colored acrylic such as Durable Comfy (100% microfiber acrylic, 3-4 mm hook, roughly US D-3 to G-6) shows each stitch clearly.
Common mistakes when learning the basic stitches
Beginners often don't count their stitches at the end of a row. The count slowly drifts and the piece gets wider or narrower than intended. Count at the end of every row until it becomes a habit. The other usual problem is tension: crochet too tightly and the fabric gets stiff and hard to insert the hook into, too loosely and it feels limp. A small practice swatch before the real project saves a lot of frustration.
Frequently asked questions about crochet stitches
What's the difference between a slip stitch and a single crochet?
A slip stitch has almost no height and is mostly used to close or join. A single crochet does have height and makes a usable, dense fabric you can crochet a whole project with.
Which stitch should a beginner learn first?
Chain first, then single crochet. The motion is easy to follow and you can see your progress right away. Our guide to crochet for beginners walks you through your first rows.
How many chains do I need for the foundation chain?
That depends entirely on the pattern. If you're designing something yourself, chain the number of stitches you want in your first row, plus the turning chain for the stitch you'll use (see the table above).
Why does my pattern say "dc" when it looks like a single crochet?
You're probably reading a UK pattern. UK double crochet is the same stitch as US single crochet. UK patterns also never use "single crochet", so if you see "sc" anywhere, the pattern uses US terms.
Can I use a different stitch than the pattern says?
You can, but the height and density of your work will change. You'll often need more or less yarn and the measurements will be off. For your first projects, it's easiest to follow the pattern as written.
Is Tunisian crochet made with these same stitches?
No. Tunisian crochet uses a longer hook and keeps a whole row of loops on the hook at once, a bit like knitting. Read more in our guide to Tunisian crochet.
Where to go from here
With chain, slip stitch, single, half double, double and treble crochet in your hands, you can read and follow almost any pattern. Practice each stitch on its own little swatch before you start a project, and you'll get a feel for tension and speed along the way. A potholder or a granny square makes a good first project to put them together.
