Basic crochet stitches
These nine stitches cover almost every beginner pattern. They are listed in the order most people learn them: the chain first, then stitches of rising height, then the three moves that shape amigurumi. Each one is a 3D model you can turn, slow down and step through.
The list
US names, with the UK name where it's different.
- 1 Chain stitch 6 steps
- 2 Slip stitch 5 steps
- 3 Single crochet (UK: double crochet) 7 steps
- 4 Half double crochet (UK: half treble) 8 steps
- 5 Double crochet (UK: treble) 11 steps
- 6 Treble crochet (UK: double treble) 15 steps
- 7 Magic ring 13 steps
- 8 Single crochet increase (UK: double crochet increase) 7 steps
- 9 Invisible decrease 7 steps
How the stitches relate
- Slip stitchno height
- Single1 chain
- Half double2 chains
- Double3 chains
- Treble4 chains
The tall stitches are the same idea repeated. A single crochet pulls up one loop and finishes it in one go. A half double crochet adds a yarn over first and finishes all three loops at once. A double crochet adds the same yarn over but finishes in two steps of two loops. A treble adds a second yarn over and a third step. Each yarn over you make before inserting the hook adds about one chain of height.
The name changes by country. A US single crochet is a UK double crochet, and the German name is feste Masche. Every stitch page lists all three, and the US vs UK chart has the full list.
Where to start
If you have never held a hook, read how to crochet first. It walks through the slip knot, how to hold the yarn, a foundation chain and your first row. If you are starting amigurumi, go straight to the magic ring, then increases and the invisible decrease.