How to Crochet: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

Learning how to crochet requires little more than a few simple stitches and some practice. Soon, you'll have the skills you need to make a soft, bright baby blanket, a toy ball, or a granny square.

If you are new to crocheting, it helps to remember that both hook size and yarn weight refer to thickness. A hook's thickness is indicated with a letter (most U.S. sizes), a number (most metric or European sizes), or a combination. The higher the number or letter, the thicker the hook. Yarn weight, like hook size, refers to thickness, but is denoted by a name. From lightest to heaviest, yarn is referred to as: fingering, sport, double knitting, worsted, aran, and bulky. Once you decide what to crochet, read through all the instructions first: Being familiar with the pattern before you begin is the best way to ensure success. Typically, the first five rows of crochet are the most difficult, even for experienced needle crafters, and projects are most likely to be abandoned at this early stage due to frustration. Try to work at least ten rows so that your fingers become accustomed to the work.

Most patterns indicate the size of the finished item. To ensure that your item ends up that size, crochet a gauge swatch first to compare with the gauge recommended in your pattern. Using the same hook, yarn, and style of stitches you plan to use for your finished piece, work a sample at least four inches square, then place on a flat surface. Insert two straight pins vertically into the swatch, three inches apart. Count the number of stitches between the pins. Repeat with two horizontally placed straight pins for rows. If your sample has more stitches or rows than indicated in the gauge, switch to a larger hook. If your sample has fewer stitches or rows than indicated, use a smaller hook.