Types of Crochet Stitches

What are the basic crochet stitches?

The basic stitches are sorted by height, from shortest to tallest. A taller stitch covers more space in one row, so it works up faster and drapes more; a shorter one makes a denser, firmer fabric.

These six are the foundation of nearly every pattern:

1. Chain (ch): the foundation row and the base for everything.
2. Slip stitch (sl st): the shortest stitch, used to join and move.
3. Single crochet (sc): short and firm.
4. Half double crochet (hdc): a soft middle height.
5. Double crochet (dc): tall and quick, the most common stitch.
6. Treble crochet (tr): the tallest of the beginner set, open and airy.

What are increases and decreases?

Increases and decreases shape your fabric by adding or removing stitches. They are how a flat circle becomes a ball, or a straight edge becomes a curve.

An increase (inc) works two stitches into one stitch. A decrease works two stitches together into one, written sc2tog or dc2tog depending on the stitch. Amigurumi uses the invisible decrease to keep the surface smooth.

What are textured and specialty stitches?

Textured stitches combine the basics into raised, sculptural shapes. They look complex but are just the everyday stitches repeated into one spot or worked in a special order.

1. Bobble and popcorn: several stitches gathered together into a raised bump.
2. Shell (fan): several stitches worked into one stitch to spread out like a fan.
3. Cluster and puff: soft, gathered stitches for a plush texture.
4. Front and back post stitches: worked around the post of a stitch below for ribbing and cables.
5. Moss and linen stitch: single crochet and chains alternated for a woven look.

What about colorwork stitches?

Colorwork is less about new stitches and more about how you carry and change yarn while using the basics.

Tapestry crochet carries the unused color inside the stitches as you go. Intarsia uses a separate ball for each block of color. Mosaic crochet builds a design with slip stitches and simple color changes. All of them lean on single and double crochet underneath.

Which stitches should a beginner learn first?

Start with the single, half double, and double crochet. With those three and the chain, you can make washcloths, scarves, hats, and granny squares, and you will be ready to read most patterns.

Add the textured and colorwork stitches when a pattern calls for them. Whichever you are working, counting is what keeps it neat, and an app like Worsted can count your rows and hold your place in the pattern while you focus on the stitches.