How to Combine Basic Crochet Stitches

Use a hook and yarn to create the five basic crochet stitches.

Every crochet project begins with a foundation row of chain stitches that are made with loops of yarn and a crochet hook. From these stitches, five basic crochet stitches can be formed, including single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, triple crochet and double triple crochet. These stitches are made by looping the yarn over the hook and pulling the loops through other loops. Most crochet patterns use a combination of these basic stitches to make fancier stitches and motifs that add texture and variety; or to create delicate crocheted lace.

Things You'll Need

• Crochet hook
• Yarn
• Assorted crochet patterns

Instructions

1. Form shell patterns by crocheting groups of stitches of the same type into the same stitch. Shell patterns look best when worked in double crochet and triple crochet. These stitches form arching shapes when worked into the same place. Use chain stitches to create spaces within or between shells.

2. Make crocheted clusters by working a group of stitches into the same stitch and drawing them together at the top with a loop. For example, if a pattern requires a cluster of five double-crochets, it would be worked by making five stitches and leaving them on the hook, then wrapping the yarn around the hook and drawing it through all five stitches to form a single cluster.

3. Form a popcorn stitch, which sticks out from the fabric, by working a group of five double-crochets in the same place, removing the hook from the working loop and inserting it from front to back into the top loops of the first stitch, picking up the working loop again and pulling it through without wrapping the yarn. For bobbles or more pronounced popcorn stitches, work triple-crochets and increase the number of stitches in the group.

4. Combine shells and clusters to make crocheted lace patterns. Work chain and single-crochet stitches with fine cotton thread and a steel hook to create intricate meshes and designs for fillet crochet and Irish lace.

5. Increase and decrease the number of single-crochets in the same stitch to work simple zigzag and chevron patterns used in making ripple afghans. Work a combination of zigzag and straight rows in basic crochet stitches and colored yarns to form triangles and intricate geometric patterns.

Tips & Warnings

• Use crochet patterns that provide line drawings and detailed instructions on how to work stitch combinations and create special effects.

References

• "The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Book of Needlecrafts"; The Hearst Corporation; 1994
• "Rodale's Visual Encyclopedia of Needlecrafts"; Carolyn Christmas; 1996
• "The Encyclopedia of Needlecrafts"; Lucinda Ganderton and Dorothy Wood; 1998

Resources

• Crochet Pattern Central
• Lion Brand Yarns: Free Crochet Patterns
• Beginner Crochet
• Coats and Clark: Free Crochet Patterns