Crochet
A single hook and one loop at a time: crochet builds fabric in rows or rounds, and a granny square is finished in an evening.
What it is like
Crochet works with one hook and one live loop. Every stitch is finished before the next begins, so the work can be put down at any moment without anything coming undone, and shapes are built by deciding where the next stitch goes: into the row below, into a space, or around in a ring.
That freedom is why crochet suits squares, hats, baskets and small three-dimensional toys, and why a project often grows faster than the same thing knitted. The trade-off is a thicker fabric that uses more yarn. The first skill to learn is counting: knowing where a row starts and ends, which is what turns a lopsided first attempt into a square.
Most crochet is built from a handful of stitches of different heights - chain, slip stitch, single, half double, double and treble - and the patterns are arrangements of them: into the next stitch, into a gap, into a ring. Once those few are in the hands, granny squares, hats and toys are mostly a matter of counting and following the pattern’s order.
The craft splits into worlds that share the same hook. Granny squares and blankets are relaxed and sociable; amigurumi toys are tight, small and precise; garments ask for gauge and fitting; thread lace on steel hooks is the fine end, where a doily takes weeks. Many crocheters drift between them, which is part of the appeal: the next project can be completely different without new skills or much new kit.
Running costs depend almost entirely on yarn. A square uses very little, a blanket uses a lot, and crochet generally needs more yarn than knitting for the same area, so it is worth checking the yardage before falling for an expensive skein.
- A session
- 15 minutes to a couple of hours; every stitch is finished, so you can stop anywhere.
- A week
- A few hours a week makes a granny square an evening, a hat in a few days and a baby blanket in a few weeks.
- Season
- All year.
Indoors or out · Solo, For two, With kids, A club
Kinds and styles
Small squares, hexagons and circles worked in rounds from the center, then joined into blankets, bags and cardigans. The classic first project after a few rows of basic stitches.
Small stuffed toys and figures worked tightly in spirals of single crochet, then stuffed and sewn together. Small hooks, small yarn and a lot of counting.
Hats, shawls, cardigans and bags worked from patterns in rows or rounds, where gauge and drape start to matter.
Pictures and patterns in two or more colors, carrying the unused color inside the stitches. Sturdy fabric for bags and baskets.
Worked with a long hook that holds a whole row of loops, a little like knitting; makes a dense, woven-looking fabric.
Fine cotton thread on small steel hooks for doilies, edgings and lace, including filet crochet's grid of open and filled squares.
Is it for you?
You will probably love it if
- You want something to show for a single evening
- Shapes, squares and three-dimensional things appeal more than plain fabric
- You like being able to put the work down mid-row without anything unravelling
Maybe not, if
- You want thin, drapey fabric; crochet is thicker and uses more yarn than knitting
- Patterns written in abbreviations put you off
- Gripping a small hook for an hour hurts your hand
What to buy first
- 01Worsted-weight yarn, about 400 yardsA smooth, light-colored yarn shows where the hook goes in; enough for a set of squaresFind it on Amazon$8
- 02Ergonomic crochet hook, H-8 (5 mm)The size worsted labels usually ask for; a padded handle saves the hand on long rowsFind it on Amazon$10
- 03Yarn needles, a set of threeFor weaving in the tails and sewing squares togetherFind it on Amazon$7
- 04Locking stitch markers, a pack of 20Mark the first stitch of a round so you know where it endsFind it on Amazon$6
- 05Tape measure, 60 inchesFor checking gauge and the size of each squareFind it on Amazon$4
- Everything you need to beginAbout $15 a month after that$35
Typical US prices for entry-level gear, rounded. Last checked October 2026. How we get the numbers
The Amazon links open a search for that type of item, not a product chosen for us, and the prices in the list are our typical figures, or the listing of the shop a line names, not Amazon's price for any listing. If you buy through one we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What to buy next
- 01Ergonomic hook setPatterns call for different hook sizes; a set saves buying them one at a timeFind it on Amazon After a few projects
- 02Fiberfill and safety eyesStuffing and locking eyes for toys; for toys meant for babies and toddlers, embroider the eyes insteadFind it on Amazon The first amigurumi
- 03Steel crochet hooksSmall hooks for cotton thread, sized in reverse: the higher the number, the smaller the hookFind it on Amazon Thread work and lace
- 04Tunisian crochet hookA long hook that holds a whole row of loopsFind it on Amazon Trying Tunisian crochet
- 05Blocking mats and pinsPin damp work to shape so squares match and lace opens upFind it on Amazon Lace, shawls or joining squares
No prices here on purpose: these are later buys, and what to spend depends on how far the hobby has taken you. The Amazon links work like the ones above: a search for the type of item, and a possible commission for us at no extra cost to you.
Beginner crochet kits compared
Kits made for complete beginners, from The Woobles, whose kits come with video lessons.
| Model | Type | Specs | Who it suits | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Woobles Pierre the Penguin | Single kit | Pre-started to get you over the first hump; step-by-step video tutorials; the beginner kit comes with a crochet hook | Trying crochet with one small project | Find it on AmazonMaker's page |
| The Woobles Easy Peasy Beginner Bundle | Three kits | Pierre the Penguin, Jojo the Bunny and Kiki the Chick, each with a hook; The Woobles' own yarn, which it says will not fray or snag | Learning with friends, or carrying on after the first | Find it on AmazonMaker's page |
How we put this together. Two kits compared on what The Woobles states on its own product pages. We have not made them side by side. Checked on 26 October 2026. There are no prices in this table: the Amazon link searches for the exact model, and we may earn a commission if you buy through it.
From a first chain to a set of granny squares, step by step
Crochet builds fabric one loop at a time: as Wikipedia puts it, each stitch is completed before the next one, so there is only one live loop on the hook. This guide goes from the hook and yarn through the basic stitches and the granny square to the directions crocheters take next, with the choices at each step. Stitch names are given in US terms with the UK names alongside.
The short version: four granny squares in 5 stepsChain four and join the last chain to the first with a slip stitch. Everything in the first round is worked into the middle of this ring.
Work four groups of three double crochets into the ring, with two chains between groups. Those chain-twos are the corners of the square. Join with a slip stitch.
Work three doubles, two chains and three doubles into each corner space, so each corner gets two groups. Mark the first stitch of the round.
Corners get two groups, the spaces along each side get one. Each round adds one group per side; stop at four or five rounds.
Cut the yarn, pull it through the last loop and weave in the tails. Make three more and sew or slip-stitch them together for a coaster set or the start of a blanket.
One granny square
A stitch chart: ovals are chains, a T with a slash is a double crochet. One colour per round.
- A Ring Chain 4, join Slip stitch into the first chain. Step 6 →
- B Round 1 4 groups of 3 dc Chain 2 between = corners. Step 6 →
- C Round 2 2 groups per corner 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc. Step 7 →
- D Round 3 +1 group per side Mark the first stitch. Step 7 →
- E Corner space Chain 2 Two groups go into it from round 2 on. Step 7 →
Steps 1-2Materials
- Step 1 of 9 · Materials
Choose a hook
Aluminium, bamboo and plastic hooks run from 2.25 to 30 mm (US B-1 to T/X); steel hooks for thread run the other way, smaller as the number rises (Wikipedia).
Most people: h-8 (5 mm), ergonomic handle (worsted yarn).
Start here H-8 (5 mm), ergonomic handleBest forWorsted yarn
The size worsted labels usually ask for; a padded handle saves the hand.
Steel hooksBest forThread lace, later
0.9-2.7 mm for doilies and edging.
- Step 2 of 9 · Materials
Choose the yarn
A smooth, light-coloured worsted (Craft Yarn Council weight 4) shows where the hook goes in.
Goes wrong: Dark, fuzzy yarn. You cannot see the stitches you are meant to work into.
Steps 3-5Stitches
- Step 3 of 9 · Stitches
Learn the chain and slip stitch
The chain is the base of most projects; a slip stitch joins a chain into a ring and moves along without adding height (Wikipedia).
- Step 4 of 9 · Stitches
Learn the basic stitches
The basic stitches cover the same width but differ in height. Wikipedia: a US single crochet is about twice the height of a knit stitch, a double crochet about four times; three chains equal one double crochet.
Most people: single crochet (UK double) (dense fabric, amigurumi).
Start here Single crochet (UK double)Best forDense fabric, amigurumi
The shortest, firmest stitch.
Half double (UK half treble)Best forQuick, solid rows
Between single and double.
Double crochet (UK treble)Best forGranny squares
Tall and open; grows fast.
Goes wrong: Mixing up US and UK patterns. A UK double crochet is a US single crochet; follow one system or everything changes size.
- Step 5 of 9 · Stitches
Work a few rows
A chain can be turned and worked back and forth in rows, or joined and worked in rounds (Wikipedia). A few rows of single crochet teach you where each stitch goes.
Goes wrong: Missing the last stitch of a row. It hides beside the turning chain, so rows shrink and the edge slopes; count, or mark the last stitch.
Steps 6-8The granny square
- Step 6 of 9 · The granny square
Start the granny square
Chain four and join with a slip stitch. Work four groups of three double crochets into the ring, two chains between groups - those chain-twos are the corners - and join.
- Step 7 of 9 · The granny square
Grow it round by round
Corners get two groups (three doubles, two chains, three doubles); each space along a side gets one group. Mark the first stitch of each round. Stop at four or five rounds.
Goes wrong: Tension that changes. Tight when tired, loose when relaxed: squares from different evenings come out different sizes.
- Step 8 of 9 · The granny square
Finish and join
Cut the yarn, pull it through the last loop and weave in the tails. Make three more and join them for a coaster set or the start of a blanket.
Most people: sew together (flat, invisible seams).
Start here Sew togetherBest forFlat, invisible seams
With a yarn needle through the outer loops.
Slip-stitch togetherBest forA raised ridge
With the hook, as a design line.
Step 9Next
- Step 9 of 9 · Next
Choose a direction
Wikipedia describes where crochet goes after the basics.
Most people: garments and shawls (wearable projects).
AmigurumiBest forSmall stuffed toys
Tight spirals of single crochet in thin, tightly spun yarn.
Start here Garments and shawlsBest forWearable projects
Patterns in rows or rounds, where gauge and drape matter.
Tunisian crochetBest forDense, woven-looking fabric
A long hook that holds a whole row of loops.
Thread laceBest forFine work
Cotton thread on small steel hooks.
In shortIf it goes wrong
- Dark, fuzzy yarn.
- Step 2 · Choose the yarn
- Mixing up US and UK patterns.
- Step 4 · Learn the basic stitches
- Missing the last stitch of a row.
- Step 5 · Work a few rows
- Tension that changes.
- Step 7 · Grow it round by round
How you get better
- Week 1Chains and rows
A chain, then rows of single crochet back and forth until the edges stay straight. Practice turning chains and counting every row.
- Weeks 2 to 4Taller stitches and granny squares
Half double and double crochet, then granny squares worked in rounds from a ring. Joining several squares is the first real project.
- Months 2 to 3Shaping in the round
A hat or a basket teaches increases, decreases and working in a spiral; a first amigurumi teaches the magic ring and tight, even stitches.
- Months 3 to 6Patterns and charts
Following a full pattern, reading symbol charts, changing colors cleanly and weaving in ends invisibly.
- After thatGarments, lace and your own designs
Cardigans and tops where gauge and fit matter, fine thread lace on steel hooks, Tunisian crochet, and designing your own motifs.
- Holding the hook and yarn
- Chain and slip stitch
- Single, half double and double crochet
- Counting stitches
- Working in rounds
- The magic ring
- Increases and decreases
- Changing colors
- Reading written patterns
- Reading crochet charts
- Joining motifs
- Blocking
Small things that help
- Put a marker in the first stitch of every round; finding where a round started is the commonest puzzle in crochet.
- Check whether a pattern uses US or UK terms before the first stitch.
- Hold the yarn loosely enough for the hook to slide; tension too tight makes the next row hard to work into.
- Count the stitches at the end of every row for the first projects - it is the habit that fixes most problems.
- Weave in ends as you go, or crochet over them, rather than leaving dozens for the end.
- For toys for small children, embroider eyes and noses instead of using safety eyes or buttons.
Beginner mistakes
- 01Missing the last stitch of a rowThe last stitch hides beside the turning chain, so rows shrink one stitch at a time and the edge slopes. Count, or mark the last stitch.
- 02Working into the turning chain by accidentThe opposite mistake: an extra stitch at the start of a row, so rows grow. Learn where the first stitch of a row really is.
- 03Mixing up US and UK stitchesA UK double crochet is a US single crochet; following one system with the other changes the size of everything.
- 04Tension that changesTight when tired, loose when relaxed. Squares from different evenings come out different sizes; check them against each other.
US and UK stitch names
The same stitches have different names in US and UK patterns. Check which terms a pattern uses before you start; this is the most common reason a first pattern comes out wrong.
| US pattern | UK pattern | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Slip stitch (sl st) | Slip stitch (ss) | Flat, for joining |
| Single crochet (sc) | Double crochet (dc) | Short |
| Half double crochet (hdc) | Half treble (htr) | Medium |
| Double crochet (dc) | Treble (tr) | Tall |
| Treble (tr) | Double treble (dtr) | Taller |
Why people quit
- 01Losing count of stitchesEdges that slope or squares that ruffle mean stitches were added or skipped. A marker in the first stitch of each row or round fixes most of it.
- 02Mixed-up termsFollowing a UK pattern with US stitches makes everything taller than intended. Read the pattern's stitch key first.
- 03A blanket as the first goalA blanket is hundreds of hours. Squares are a better start: each is finished in an evening, and they can become a blanket later.
Words you will meet
- Chain (ch)
- The basic loop-through-loop that starts almost everything.
- Slip stitch (sl st)
- The flattest stitch, used to join rounds and move along a row.
- Single crochet (sc)
- The shortest common stitch in US terms; called double crochet in UK patterns.
- Double crochet (dc)
- A tall stitch in US terms; called treble in UK patterns.
- Turning chain
- Chains at the start of a row that bring the hook up to the height of the stitches.
- Magic ring
- An adjustable loop to start a round, pulled tight to close the center hole.
- Front and back loop
- Working into only one of the two top loops of a stitch, which makes ridges and changes the texture.
- Gauge
- How many stitches and rows fit in four inches.
- Amigurumi
- Small stuffed crocheted toys, from the Japanese word for crocheted or knitted stuffed doll.
- Frogging
- Pulling out stitches to undo work - 'rip it, rip it'.
Questions people ask
Is crochet easier than knitting?
Many beginners find it quicker to get going, because there is only one live loop and a dropped stitch cannot run. It makes thicker fabric and uses more yarn for the same size.
What hook should I start with?
An H-8 (5 mm) hook with worsted-weight yarn, the size most worsted labels suggest. Ergonomic handles help if your hand tires.
Why are my rows getting shorter or longer?
Usually a stitch skipped at the end or an extra one at the start of a row. Count each row and mark the first and last stitch until it is a habit.
Can crochet be done left-handed?
Yes. Left-handed crocheters work in the mirror direction, and the Crochet Guild of America's beginner videos cover both hands.
Are crocheted toys safe for babies?
Plastic safety eyes and buttons can come loose; for babies and toddlers, embroider the features and sew everything firmly.
Where to go next
- 01KnittingTwo needles and many live stitches instead of one hook and one loop. $35 to start
- 02Basket weavingAnother way of building a sturdy object from one continuous strand. $45 to start
How it compares
| Crochet | Knitting | Embroidery | Decorative knots | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start cost | $35 | $35 | $42 | $11 |
| Each month | $15 | $15 | $8 | $3 |
| Space | A chair | A chair | A chair | Your lap |
| Noise | Quiet | Quiet | Quiet | Quiet |
| First result | 1 evening | A few evenings | A weekend | 1 evening |
| Mess | Yarn tails | Yarn tails | Thread ends | None |
Where to learn more
- 01Crochet Guild of America - learn to crochetA US nonprofit founded in 1994: a free beginner video series for right- and left-handed crocheters, online classes and a masters program.
- 02Craft Yarn Council - standards and lessonsThe yarn weight and hook size standards, crochet abbreviations and free beginner lessons.
Sources: Wikipedia, Crochet (history) · Craft Yarn Council, Standard Yarn Weight System · Craft Yarn Council, knitting needle and crochet hook sizes
Researched and written by the Fjords Team.