Learn To Crochet

Introduction
You don't need to be an expert to create a wide range of crochet projects, but before you begin we advise you to spend a few moments becoming familiar with this guide.

The time you spend learning the basics now will pay dividends in future. Learn to walk before you run and your crochet adventure will be much more fun!

Note: Instructions are for right handed people.
First of all make sure you have a crochet hook and a ball of yarn.

Consider just doing one subject at a time and taking a break in between.

Follow the instructions in the following sequence
First Steps, Slip Stitch, Single Stitch, Double Stitch & Crochet Meshes.

Before you can take the first steps learn how to hold the crochet hook...see below

 
Holding Your Hook. Part 1
The illustrations below depict the two ways you can choose to hold your hook, the choice is up to you and only depends on your comfort etc

Diagram a is called the pencil hold
Diagram b is called the knife hold

 
 

First Steps. Part 2
1. Hold the yarn in your left hand
2. Wrap yarn loosely around your index finger and let the long end run between your thumb and middle finger. Keep your index finger raised to maintain tension on the yarn and use this finger for support.
3. Making a Slip Knot:
To start any crochet you will need to make a slip knot, leaving at least a 4" (10 cm) tail. Insert the hook into the loop of the slip knot. Pull on both ends of the yarn to adjust the loop to fit shaft of the hook. (fig. 1-2)
4. Making a Yarn over:
Place hook under yarn and wrap yarn over hook as shown in figures 3 and 4.
5. Making a Foundation Chain:
The first row of every crochet project needs a foundation to work on. Most often this is accomplished with a series of chain stitches referred to as "Foundation Chain" or "Foundation Row".

With a slip knot on your hook:
- do yarn over
- Pull it gently through the loop on hook. Do not pull too tight.
- Repeat steps 1 & 2 until you feel comfortable and the tension of your chain is nice even. (Fig. 1-2)

Slip Stitch. Part 3
1. Insert hook in second chain from hook.
2. Yarn over and draw yarn through stitch and loop on hook row.
3. Insert hook in next chain and repeat step 2 to the end of the row.
 Review what you have done
You've worked nine slip stitches and you have 9 stitches in your row. For further practice start with another foundation chain.

Single Stitch. Part 4

Insert hook in 2nd chain as shown in fig. 1.

Yarn over and draw yarn through stitch (fig. 2).
Yarn over and draw yarn through both loops on hook (fig. 3). That's right! You've worked a single crochet!
Insert hook in next chain (fig. 4) and repeat steps 2 and 3, to the end of the row. Excellent! You've completed 9 single crochets.

Double Stitch. Part 5

Yarn over before inserting hook into the fifth chain from hook. (fig. 1)

 
Yarn over and draw through (chain) stitch (fig. 2). You should have three loops on your hook.
Yarn over and draw through the first 2 loops on the hook. (fig. 3)
Yarn over and draw through remaining 2 loops on hook (fig. 4). Congratulations! You've worked your first double crochet.
go to figure 6 to start this instruction
Continue working double crochets in every stitch to the end of your row. You've completed 6 double crochets, but you have 7 stitches in your row. (fig. 5-6)
Start next row with a yarn over before inserting hook in back loop only of second stitch. Complete your double crochet as explained in steps 2-4 above (fig. 8). Double crochet to end of row working in back loops only (fig. 9).
Continue working in rows repeating step 7 until you are comfortable and your stitches look nice and even.
Fasten off.

Crochet Meshes. Part 6
Crochet Meshes are a row worked by alternating 1 double crochet and 1 chain stitch while skipping 1 stitch in the row below. This is one of the stitches used in what is called "Filet Crochet".
go to figure 5 to start this instruction
 
 
To work a row of meshes, start with a yarn over before inserting the hook in 6th chain as shown in fig. 1 and complete a double crochet stitch (fig. 2-5).
Chain 1, skip one stitch in row below and make one double crochet. (fig. 6)
Continue working meshes to the end of your row. Repeating step 2 across. You have 3 meshes in your row. Congratulations! You've worked your first row of meshes! (fig. 7)
To start the following row chain 4 (replaces the first double crochet and chain stitch in next row) at end of current row and turn your work from right to left. (fig. 8)
go to figure 10 to start this instruction
Double crochet in next double crochet; chain 1, repeat once more then double crochet in 2nd chain at end of row (leaving bottom 3 chains un-worked). (fig. 9-10 and continue.)

Continue working in rows until you are comfortable and your stitches look nice and even.