How to Do Basic Crochet
Crocheting is an old art of blanket and clothes making that uses a pattern of loops and knots dating back to 1800s Europe. The first published crochet patterns appeared in the early 1820s. Modern crocheting has taken on new popularity in recent years. With its growing popularity in Hollywood, crocheting has become as trendy as Starbuck’s coffee. In basic crochet, you create a foundation row, which is a series of knots and then, using a single crochet stitch, build onto this a foundation chain. With a basic crochet stitch you can make a number of crafts, from scarfs and blankets to hats and bags, among many other crafts, decorations and fabrics. Here’s how to do basic crochet.
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Instructions
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How to Create a Foundation Chain
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1
Make a slip knot on your crochet hook. Holding your crochet hook in your right hand, make a loose slip knot on the crochet hook. A slip knot is just a basic knot.
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2
Create your first chain stitch. Bring the yarn over your hook from back to front and grab it with the small hook on your crochet needle. Gently pull it through the slip knot. You now have your first chain stitch.
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3
Make your foundation chain. Following the directions in Step 2, continue looping the yarn and pulling it through each consecutive loop, until a small chain begins to form.
How to Start Crocheting
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4
Once you’ve created a long chain of about 25 to 30 stitches, you’ll want to begin your second row. In basic crochet, you’ll be using a single crochet stitch for the remainder of the piece. Begin your second row by going backwards along your foundation chain.
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5
Make a slip stitch. Skip the first chain stitch and slip your crochet hook through the second chain stitch. You will have two loops on the hook.
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6
Make a single crochet stitch. Bring the yarn over your hook from back to front and grab it with the small hook on your crochet needle. This is similar to what you did in Step 2 of the foundation chain, but now you will gently pull the yarn through both of the loops on your crochet needle.
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7
Complete your second row of single crochet stitches. Follow Steps 2 and 3 in each of the stitches in your foundation chain until you’ve completed the first row.
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8
Continue to crochet each consecutive row. Once you’ve reached the end of a row, make one chain stitch before turning the piece counter-clockwise and begin your next row. Always skip the first chain stitch!
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9
Finish your piece. Once you’ve created the desired number of rows, you will need to secure the loose end of the thread. Draw the last loop up so that you have a small opening. Cut your yarn so that you have an 8-inch end and draw it backwards through the loop. Tighten the loop.
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Tips & Warnings
A basic afghan patch is made from a foundation chain of 29 loops.
While working on a crochet piece, you should keep your material in a Ziplock bag or basket to keep it organized and protected.
- Photo Credit Jillian Downer
