If you are starting to work with crochet, knowing the basic stitches is essential. Chain, single crochet, double crochet and taller stitches are the basis of many projects: bags, scarves, blankets, amigurumi, doilies, accessories and handmade decorations.

In this guide we look at the main stitches, their name in Italian, the most common abbreviation in international patterns and the way they are used in crochet projects.

1

Crochet chain

Abbreviation: ch

The chain is the starting point of many crochet projects. In international patterns it is indicated with ch, from the English chain.

It is used to create the base of the work, to rise at the beginning of a round or to form decorative spaces within the pattern. In diagrams it is often represented with a small oval.

How to work the chain

1. Make an initial knot on the crochet hook.
2. Take the yarn with the crochet hook.
3. Pass it through the loop present on the crochet hook.
4. Repeat the movement until you get the desired number of chains.

2

Slip stitch

Abbreviation: sl st

The slip stitch is a very low and compact stitch. In international patterns it is indicated with sl st, abbreviation of slip stitch.

It is often used to close a round, join two parts of the work or move along the edge without creating height. It is a simple stitch, but very useful in finishing.

How to work the slip stitch

1. Insert the crochet hook into the indicated stitch.
2. Take the yarn with the crochet hook.
3. Pass it directly through the stitch and the loop present on the crochet hook.

3

Single crochet

Abbreviation: sc

The single crochet is one of the most used stitches in crochet. In American patterns it is indicated with sc, abbreviation of single crochet.

It is a compact, resistant and neat stitch. It is often used for amigurumi, bags, baskets, edges and projects that need to maintain a good structure.

How to work the single crochet

1. Insert the crochet hook into the base stitch.
2. Take the yarn and pull it out: you will have two loops on the crochet hook.
3. Take the yarn again.
4. Pass it through both loops.

Foundation chains: to start a new round of single crochet, usually 1 foundation chain is worked.

4

Half double crochet

Abbreviation: hdc

The half double crochet is an intermediate stitch between single crochet and double crochet. In international patterns it is indicated with hdc, i.e. half double crochet.

It is slightly taller than single crochet, but remains quite compact. It is perfect for scarves, hats, soft bags, blankets and full but not too rigid projects.

How to work the half double crochet

1. Make a yarn over on the crochet hook.
2. Insert the crochet hook into the base stitch.
3. Take the yarn and pull it out: you will have three loops on the crochet hook.
4. Take the yarn again.
5. Pass it through all three loops together.

Foundation chains: to start a new round of half double crochet, usually 2 foundation chains are worked.

5

Double crochet

Abbreviation: dc

The double crochet is one of the most important stitches in crochet. In American patterns it is indicated with dc, i.e. double crochet.

It is taller and softer compared to single crochet. It allows you to advance faster in the work and creates a more airy texture.

How to work the double crochet

1. Make a yarn over on the crochet hook.
2. Insert the crochet hook into the base stitch.
3. Take the yarn and pull it out: you will have three loops on the crochet hook.
4. Take the yarn and pass it through the first two loops.
5. Take the yarn again and pass it through the last two loops.

Foundation chains: to start a new round of double crochet, often 3 foundation chains are worked.

6

Treble crochet

Abbreviation: tr

The treble crochet is a stitch taller than double crochet. In international patterns it is often indicated with tr, abbreviation of treble crochet.

It is used for openwork projects, decorative stitches, shawls, stoles and patterns that require greater height.

How to work the treble crochet

1. Make two yarn overs on the crochet hook.
2. Insert the crochet hook into the base stitch.
3. Take the yarn and pull it out.
4. Work the loops two at a time until completely closing the stitch.

Foundation chains: to start a round of treble crochet, usually 4 foundation chains are worked.

7

Double treble crochet

Abbreviation: dtr

The double treble crochet is a very tall and decorative stitch. In international patterns it is indicated with dtr, i.e. double treble crochet.

It is indicated for very openwork projects, ornamental patterns, lace, doilies, shawls and decorative details.

How to work the double treble crochet

1. Make three yarn overs on the crochet hook.
2. Insert the crochet hook into the base stitch.
3. Take the yarn and pull it out.
4. Work the loops two at a time until completely closing the stitch.

Foundation chains: to start a round of double treble crochet, usually 5 foundation chains are worked.

Summary table of basic crochet stitches

How many chains to make to rise a round?

When working in rows or rounds, you often need to make some initial chains to reach the height of the next stitch. This indication can change slightly depending on the project, but as a general reference you can follow this rule:

Tips for those starting to work with crochet

Which yarn to use to learn?

To learn the basic crochet stitches it is advisable to choose a yarn that is not too thin, soft but well defined. A medium cotton or a smooth yarn are perfect for practicing, because they allow you to easily recognize each stitch.

If you want to practice with simple projects, you can start by making small square swatches: first only chains, then single crochet, then half double crochet and double crochet. In this way it will be easier to understand the difference between the various stitches.

Conclusion

Learning the basic crochet stitches is the first step to reading patterns, following tutorials and making increasingly refined projects. At the beginning it can seem complicated, but with a little practice every movement will become natural.

The best advice is to proceed calmly: work small swatches, observe the shape of the stitches and compare the result with the pattern. Once you have become familiar with chain, single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet, it will be much easier to tackle decorative stitches and more complex projects.

FAQ on basic crochet stitches