How to Crochet: Ultimate Beginner Guide of Tutorials and Patterns

Who do we have to thank for giving us the knowledge on using a thin tool to manipulate string/yarn to form projects? Where did it all come from? What has changed from the past to today’s society?

Crochet history, like most history, isn't black and white but we do know a lot. Modern crochet has come a long way from the origins of crochet. Learn all about it with this history lesson.

Find it here: History of Crochet: Tambour to Modern Crochet
 

Whether you're a beginner trying to understand the difference between the knife grip and the pencil grip or an experienced hooker who wants to alleviate wrist pain, the following information will have you hooking confidently and productively in no time.

Learn all about the different grips, the parts of a hook, and the ways to alleviate pain. This guide teaches you how to grip your hook like a knife and like a pencil and like a pro!

Find it here: How to Hold a Crochet Hook
 

If you are an ultimate beginner who wants to learn everything there is about crochet, then you probably have this question: What is a Stitch in Crochet?

A crochet stitch is a result of moving a crochet hook through yarn to achieve a specific shape and look in your crochet pattern. Its abbreviation is st for a single stitch and st(s) for more than one stitch. Learn more with visuals and full explanations on the page.

Find it here: What is a Stitch in Crochet?
 

If you're a beginner looking to start crochet, you'll find that it's very easy to get started as there is a wealth of information out there for you to peruse. To help you out, though, we've gathered some of our best and favorite tips and tricks here in this article to help you out.

Crocheting is an art that might seem awkward at first, but once you get the hang of holding on your crochet hook and working through a row of stitches, it will become second nature for you. 

Find it here: How to Start Crocheting
 

When you're just learning how to crochet, you can become tense, frustrated, and easily lose your temper if your stitches aren't coming out right or your tension isn't consistent. 

To help make things a bit easier, we've put together a quick guide of the do's and don'ts of the crochet world. These tips and tricks should guide you through the early phases of your crochet habit. Your first tip? Don't give up!

Find it here: Crochet Tips: Do's and Don'ts of Crochet
 

Not only will Crochet Abbreviations Explained be a helpful page to search specific terminology but we have an awesome downloadable list for you, too!

Plus, for all the crochet stitch abbreviations in this guide, we've included step-by-step instructions so that you can work it up yourself. 

Find it here: Crochet Abbreviations Explained
 

Learning to crochet practically means learning another language- or at least that's what it may seem like at first. Don't worry! Reading crochet patterns is done from left to right, just like you're reading a book.

The key to understanding crochet patterns is knowing how to read the crochet language. These abbreviations are actually the stitches that the patterns use in shorthand, and once you know what they stand for, you'll be fluent in crochet patterns.

Find it here: How to Read Crochet Patterns
 

Unlike crochet patterns, which use words and abbreviations to explain the design, crochet diagrams involve symbols, letters, colors, and other illustrated elements to explain a pattern without words.

This page will go over the types of diagrams, the symbols, and understanding it all. You'll be able to master diagrams in no time after reading everything we have for you here.

Find it here: How to Read Crochet Diagrams
 

To start working on a crochet project, you'll need to have yarn to work up. But how do you choose when there are so many different types of yarn types and weights? Which should you pick?

Learn all about natural fibers, synthetic fibers, eco-friendly yarns, and yarn weights in this guide. We are even sharing some of our favorite free crochet patterns with each yarn weight type. It's amazing the difference knowing what best yarn to use for each project will make.

Find it here: Types of Yarn + Yarn Weights Explained
 

There are a lot of things to keep in mind as you start learning how to crochet, from the tools you need to the techniques you need to know. Before you can even get to choose your yarn colors and brands, you need to understand yarn weights.

You need to know what kind of crochet yarn you're working with in order to choose the right hook size for the best outcome of your project. Once you've got the right tools for your project, you can start working on crocheting the perfect scarf, hat, or whatever you plan to make. 

Find it here: Best Yarn for Crochet
 

When you are planning your crochet projects, there is a lot to keep in mind. You need to make sure you have enough yarn to complete your pattern as well as a lovely color palette. If you're new to crochet, these small tasks can seem daunting.

We're going over the most popular projects and how much yarn you'll most likely need to complete them. Our tips for planning your crochet project and how much yarn you need will help make sure you start out extra prepared.

Find it here: How Much Yarn Do I Need?

Just as there are so many different types of yarn, there's a wide variety of crochet hooks! They come in all different sizes and different materials so it can be overwhelming to choose the best tool for the job.

In this article, we will look at weight, material (such as aluminum, resin, and wood), temperature, price, and more to help you make the best decisions for what you need.

Find it here: Types of Crochet Hooks
 

No label on your hook? Learn how to determine crochet hook size with this guide! When you can size a crochet hook, you'll be better prepared for all things crochet!

We'll start with explaining the crochet hook sizes available and then answer the question, "What Size is My Crochet Hook?" that you may be asking. This guide will help you learn how to measure a crochet hook and more.

Find it here: How to Measure a Crochet Hook
 

Nothing can put a stop to your crochet flow like hand strain, especially when it puts you out for several days. This page provides valuable crochet tips and techniques to prevent this fatigue not only during your work but before.

Crocheters often experience this issue when they embark on intense periods of work, without taking breaks and letting bad habits go. Learn the best ways to handle your hook and manage your pain.

Find it here: Crocheting Pain: How to Avoid Wrist and Hand Pain
 

Are slip knots and slip stitches the same thing in crochet? Find out the differences between these two crochet techniques. In this tutorial, learn how to crochet a slip knot as well as how to crochet a slip stitch.

We also asked AllFreeCrochet readers to describe the difference between the two terms in their own words in order to help explain the difference.

Find it here: How to Crochet a Slip Stitch vs Slip Knot
 

The crochet magic circle is the foundation for some of the greatest crochet patterns: granny squares, coasters, rugs, and more.

This beginner crochet tutorial will show you just how to work it, and if you continue to learn to crochet, you will undoubtedly come across a pattern requiring this technique. This collection features a video, step by step crochet instructions, and 13 gorgeous patterns to try out.

Find it here: How to Crochet the Magic Circle
 

Some simple techniques and easy crochet stitches, such as a slip knot and single crochet stitches, will really set you on your way, and then you can start moving on to some other fun stitches.

These simple steps are what you need to follow to learn how to crochet, but once you've mastered them, everything else is just a variation on these.

Find it here: 20+ Basic Crochet Stitches
 

This crochet stitch guide starts off with the basic stitches and, as you explore down the page, you will find classic, unique, or complex stitches to try.

If there is a video or a written tutorial, it is mentioned and linked in the description. Start with those and then click on the gray button to explore patterns.

Find it here: Crochet Stitch Directory
 

Gauge in crochet refers to the number of stitches per inch in a row while crocheting. This measurement is especially important when you are creating projects or patterns that need to be a particular size or fit.

You can find more information about the gauge required for a pattern itself. Yarn skeins are often labeled with the gauge of its weight, as well. This page goes over everything you need to know to get consistent crochet.

Find it here: What is Gauge in Crochet?
 

Learn how to count your crochet stitches in your work. Plus, learn how to find crochet stitches in any crochet work. Counting crochet stitches while you are crocheting or after you have worked a row, or larger part, assures that the end product will be the correct measurement.

Heidi uses a crochet swatch she created and explains visually how to search for the stitches, count them, and compare the beginning to the end to see if it is aligned and even all the way through.

Find it here: How to Count Crochet Stitches
 

Learn how to count crochet rows by following a few tips and rules. There are several different ways to count rows in crochet, so find the one that works best for you.

Count them at the end by using the consistent markings, count them as you go with a counter, or mark each row once it's complete.

Find it here: How to Count Crochet Rows
 

It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or you've been crocheting for years; not having even stitches is a common problem. How Tight Should Crochet Stitches Be? Well, it comes down to one word: tension.

If you have tight crochet stitches, then your project won't match up with the pattern sizes. Crocheting too loose has the same problem. Learn how to prevent it here!

Find it here: How Tight Should Crochet Stitches Be?
 

Straight crochet edging is no easy technique to master, even for long-time crocheters, so this would be helpful for beginners and pros alike. 

If you are looking for good projects on which to test your new crochet edging skills, dishcloths and easy crochet blankets are the best places to begin.

Find it here: How to Crochet Straight Edges
 

Crochet color pooling is a way of working with self-striping or variegated yarn so that it produces a fun argyle effect. It takes a little bit of figuring out with each skein you try it with, and there are some rules to the type of self-striping yarn you use, but once you've got all that, the end results are pretty magical.

Read our guide to color pooling to find out how to achieve the planned argyle effect, and see some of our tips for choosing the best yarn and for working through your first attempt. 

Find it here: Crochet Color Pooling
 

Granny squares are another crochet building block, especially for easy crochet blankets.

The ins-and-outs might seem tricky, but with this selection, you can learn how to crochet a granny square right or left handed, how to join crochet squares together, and then how to use these new skills on 16 granny square patterns ranging from pillows to ponchos.

Find it here: How to Crochet Granny Squares
 

Crocheting a sweater might seem like a big project, but as long as you take your time with your pattern and pay attention, you’ll get one finished in no time. But, what kind of pattern should you start with? What type of sweater construction is the easiest? What type of sleeves should you make?

We asked, and AllFreeCrochet’s fabulous readers answered, giving us some tips and suggestions of their own. Check it out to see some of their best tips!

Find it here: How to Crochet a Sweater
 

For most crochet projects, once you're all done with the stitching and the counting, you still have to give it a little extra TLC to fully finish it off, and you do that with a process called blocking.

Depending on the project, and depending on the crocheter, you might not need (or want) to block any projects, but for certain intricate lacy pieces, for example, you might want to spend the extra time to set your project and stitches in place, just how you want them.

Find it here: How to Block a Crochet Pattern
 

C2C is one of the most popular techniques in crochet. But what does it mean in crochet? C2C crochet is also known as corner to corner crochet. Working corner to corner allows you to crochet one piece instead of making multiple crochet pieces and seaming them together.

On this page, you will learn more about this technique, how to do it, and find some great corner to corner crochet patterns to try. We even have lots of advice from some of the most popular C2C designers to share with you.


Find it here: What is C2C Crochet?
 

Do you have some big trips planned for the holidays? If you're planning on crocheting during your travels, you know you'll want to bring your favorite hobby for long car rides or flights.

How to Crochet While Traveling will give you some great tips and tricks on bringing your crochet patterns along for the ride and having them make it through the trips safely and secure.

Find it here: How to Crochet While Traveling
 

Once you've learned how to crochet, you might be itching to teach someone else how to do it so they share your joy. Your friends might be willing to learn, but how about children, or nieces and nephews?

Crochet lessons can start when children are at young ages but it depends on the individual. Learning to teach kids to crochet is rewarding and provides them with a lifelong skill that they can work on improving every year.

Find it here: How to Teach a Child to Crochet + 10 Crochet Projects for Kids
 

Felting is a process that works with animal hair yarns, wool being the most common example. Felting is an easy process to learn, but it is very subjective.

It's up to you to decide how much you want your bag, basket, or other pieces to felt—the longer you wash or dry the piece, the more felted it will become. These crochet tips will help guide you to the perfectly crafted piece that keeps your belongings snug, secure, and stylish.

FInd it here: How to Felt Your Crochet Projects
 

Have you ever heard the word amigurumi? Amigurumi are crocheted or knit stuffed toys. Perhaps the cutest of all crochet and knit techniques, amigurumi dolls can be animals, people, and inanimate objects.

Besides patterns, we are going to go over how to pronounce this Japanese word and the history of the technique. So, keep scrolling down and learn all about amigurumi!

Find it here: What is Amigurumi?
 

If you're working on a project and you're noticing the edges start curling, it's difficult to feel confident and want to keep chugging along. If you're asking, why is my crochet curling?, you are not alone!

It happens but determining why may not be the simplest. There are actually quite a few reasons as to why your crocheting will curl. It could be the nature of the yarn you are using, your hook size, or your tension to name a few.

Find it here: Why is My Crochet Curling?
 

Oh no! You’ve accidentally spilled your pumpkin spice latte down the front of your favorite crochet cowl, or maybe you’ve discovered that your favorite sweater is overrun with pills. What do you do now?

Whatever you do, don’t pitch that item. There are still a few ways to rescue it and have it back in your closet in no time. These tips on caring for crochet items will help you keep your beloved handmade creations in good shape for years to come.

Find it here: Caring for Crochet Items: 8 Tips You Need To Know