12 easy crochet stitches for beginners
The easiest crochet stitches for beginners are the chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet. Once those feel natural, simple pattern stitches such as moss stitch, granite stitch, V-stitch and shell stitch combine the same movements into texture, so you can make attractive projects without learning anything difficult.
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Which simple crochet stitches should you learn, and in what order?
Learn the five basic stitches first, in order of height, then move on to the simple pattern stitches. Each pattern stitch in this list uses only chains, single crochet and double crochet, arranged in a repeat, so it adds no new hand movements — just a different place to put the hook.
Practise each one on a swatch of about 20 stitches in smooth, light-coloured medium (#4) yarn with a 5 mm hook, and count your stitches at the end of every row until the count stays the same without thinking about it.
| Stitch | US abbr. | Skill level | What it makes | Try it on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Stitch | ch | Beginner | The foundation for rows and the spaces in lace | A chain-stitch bookmark or hair tie |
| Slip Stitch | sl st | Beginner | Joins rounds and moves the hook without adding height | Joining granny square rounds |
| Single Crochet | sc | Beginner | A dense, firm fabric with small holes | Dishcloths, baskets and amigurumi |
| Half Double Crochet | hdc | Beginner | A soft fabric that grows faster than single crochet | Beanies, headbands and chunky scarves |
| Double Crochet | dc | Beginner | A tall, drapey fabric that works up quickly | Blankets, shawls and granny squares |
| Moss Stitch | moss st | Beginner | A flat, woven-looking texture that doesn't curl | Dishcloths and baby blankets |
| Granite Stitch | granite st | Beginner | The same woven texture as moss stitch, tighter | Placemats and cushion covers |
| V-Stitch | v-st | Beginner | An open, airy fabric in neat columns of V shapes | Baby blankets and summer shawls |
| Shell Stitch | sh | Beginner | Scalloped rows of fanned stitches | Cowls, blanket borders and stoles |
| Mesh Stitch | mesh st | Beginner | A light grid of chain spaces | Market bags and produce bags |
| Front Post Double Crochet | fpdc | Easy | Raised ribs when paired with back post stitches | Hat brims and ribbed cuffs |
| Crab Stitch (Reverse Single Crochet) | rev sc | Easy | A corded, rope-like edge | A finishing edge on any blanket |
What is the easiest crochet stitch of all?
The chain stitch is the easiest crochet stitch: you wrap the yarn over the hook and pull it through the single loop, over and over. Single crochet is the easiest stitch that builds real fabric, because it has only two short steps and every stitch is easy to see and count.
How long does it take to learn basic crochet stitches?
Most people can make a recognisable chain and single crochet in their first sitting of an hour or two. Even tension usually takes a few weeks of regular short practice. A small, flat project such as a dishcloth or a scarf in half double crochet is the quickest way to get there, because the same stitch repeats hundreds of times.
Which easy stitch looks the most impressive?
Moss stitch and V-stitch look far more complex than they are. Moss stitch alternates single crochet and chain 1 across the row, giving a woven look that lies perfectly flat. V-stitch works a double crochet, chain 1 and double crochet into the same stitch, making tidy open columns that suit baby blankets and summer shawls.
The patterns
Easy moss stitch crochet dishcloth
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 100 yd
Free pattern
Ribbed half double crochet chunky scarf
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Bulky (#5)
- Hook size
- 8 mm hook
- Yardage
- 400 yd
Free pattern
Quick chunky half double crochet throw
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Super bulky (#6)
- Hook size
- 10 mm hook
- Yardage
- 1000 yd
Free pattern
Soft V-stitch crochet baby blanket
- Skill level
- Easy
- Yarn weight
- Light (#3)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 1150 yd
Free pattern
Classic shell stitch crochet cowl
- Skill level
- Easy
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 5.5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 280 yd
Free pattern
Cotton mesh crochet market bag
- Skill level
- Easy
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 360 yd
Free pattern
How to crochet a classic granny square
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 35 yd
Free pattern
Wilshire Shell Stitch Stole (1951): vintage crochet pattern
- Skill level
- Easy
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 6 mm hook
- Yardage
- Amount as printed
Free pattern
Frequently asked questions
Is single crochet or double crochet easier?
Single crochet has fewer steps, so it is easier to learn. Double crochet is only one extra yarn over and grows twice as fast, which makes it popular for a first blanket.
What yarn is best for practising crochet stitches?
A smooth, light-coloured medium (#4) acrylic or cotton yarn with a 5 mm hook. Dark, fuzzy or novelty yarns hide the stitches.
Do I need to learn UK stitch names too?
Only if you use UK patterns. The same stitch has a different name in UK terms — US single crochet is UK double crochet — so check which terms a pattern uses.