Crochet stitches: 26 types, from basic to textured

The crochet stitch library explains each stitch in numbered steps, with its US and UK name and abbreviation. Basic stitches differ mainly in height: single crochet is shortest, then half double, double and treble crochet. Textured stitches such as moss, waffle and bobble combine those basic stitches in repeating sequences.

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Row of small crochet stitch swatches showing different textures

What are the basic crochet stitches?

The basic crochet stitches are the chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet and treble crochet. Nearly every crochet pattern is built from these six stitches.

Basic crochet stitches by height (US terms)
StitchUS abbr.UK nameTurning chainRelative height
Slip stitchsl stSlip stitch0Almost none
Single crochetscDouble crochet11×
Half double crochethdcHalf treble crochet21.5×
Double crochetdcTreble crochet32×
Treble crochettrDouble treble crochet43×

What are the different types of crochet stitches?

Crochet stitches fall into four groups: basic stitches that set the height of a row, shaping stitches that add or remove stitches, textured stitches that combine basics into raised or bumpy fabric, and lace or decorative stitches built from chains and skipped stitches. The library below covers 26 stitches, grouped by skill level.

Crochet stitches in this library by skill level
Skill levelStitches
BeginnerChain Stitch (ch), Slip Stitch (sl st), Single Crochet (sc), Half Double Crochet (hdc), Double Crochet (dc), Magic Ring (mr), Crochet Increase (inc), Crochet Decrease (dec), Moss Stitch (moss st), Shell Stitch (sh), Granite Stitch (granite st), V-Stitch (v-st), Mesh Stitch (mesh st), Crochet Borders and Edgings (border)
EasyTreble Crochet (tr), Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc), Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc), Waffle Stitch (waffle st), Bobble Stitch (bo), Puff Stitch (ps), Crab Stitch (Reverse Single Crochet) (rev sc)
IntermediatePopcorn Stitch (pc), Star Stitch (star st), Basketweave Stitch (basketweave), Alpine Stitch (alpine st)
AdvancedCrocodile Stitch (croc st)

Which crochet stitches should you learn first?

Start with the chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet, in that order — almost every pattern is built from them. Next learn the magic ring, increases and decreases, which let you work in the round for hats, amigurumi and granny squares. Front and back post stitches add ribbing, and textured stitches such as moss, waffle, bobble, puff and shell combine the basics in repeating sequences.

Each stitch page gives numbered steps, the US and UK name and abbreviation, the turning chain, common mistakes and patterns that use the stitch, so you can practise it on a real project straight away.

Frequently asked questions

Why are US and UK crochet stitch names different?

US names count the loops on the hook after the first yarn over is pulled through, while UK names count the yarn overs. The result is that the same stitch has a name one step higher in UK terms.