You only need a handful of stitches to make real things. Here they are in the order that builds fastest, each with a video in both hands, and a first project to try tonight.
By Susi, founder of Crochets · left-handed since day one · updated September 2026
The crochet stitches to learn first, in order, are: the slip knot and chain to start, the slip stitch to join, then the three workhorses — single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet. With just these you can make dishcloths, scarves, blankets and hats. Add treble crochet and the granny cluster next and most beginner patterns open up.
Everything begins with a chain — a row of loops that forms your foundation — and the slip stitch, the flat little stitch used to join rounds and move across without adding height. Master an even chain and the rest gets much easier.
Each links to a worked video in both hands. Not sure which terms your pattern uses? See crochet abbreviations.
Once the three feel natural, learn treble crochet for lacy, drapey fabric and the granny cluster so you can make the classic granny square. From there the whole 300-stitch dictionary is open to you.
A cotton dishcloth in single crochet is the ideal first make: small, useful, forgiving, and finished in an evening. Chain about 30, work single crochet in each stitch and each row until it is square, then fasten off. Use the yarn calculator to buy the right amount and the chain calculator to start any width.
In order: slip knot and chain, slip stitch, then single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet. Those cover most beginner patterns. Add treble crochet and the granny cluster next.
The chain is the very first, and single crochet is the easiest full stitch: insert the hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
A single-crochet cotton dishcloth or a simple scarf. Both are small, useful and forgiving, so mistakes do not cost much yarn or time.
Most people can make a neat chain and single crochet within an hour, and finish a first simple project within a week of short practice sessions.
Many beginners find crochet easier because it uses one hook and one live loop, so dropped stitches are far less likely than in knitting.
Playable lessons, left- and right-handed videos, and a designer that writes your first pattern for you.
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