Crochet? I’ll never be able to do that, many people think. But that’s not true, because with a little practice and the right tips, anyone can crochet. Anyone who has two hands and the necessary materials such as a Knitpro crochet hook and matching yarn will be able to crochet. With a few very simple basics, you can start your first crochet project in no time. It doesn’t have to be an amigurumi, but rather a simple dishcloth, cosmetic pads or coasters. For projects like this, you usually only need a few basic stitches like chain, single crochet, slip stitch and how to increase or decrease stitches. And it is precisely these steps that we would like to explain to you in more detail here.
The Cast-on
Every crochet project starts with a cast-on. To crochet the simple starting loop, fold the end of the thread twice, fold the resulting loop down once so that a double loop is created and guide the crochet hook from front to back and front again through the loops which look like “ears” and tighten slightly. Now take the long end of the thread and wrap it loosely around the fingers of your left hand. Grasp the thread with the needle and thread a loop through the loop ears and tighten. That’s it already.
Chain
This is the best exercise for beginners to get a feel for thread tension – chain stitches. And this is how easy a chain stitch is: Wrap the thread loosely around the fingers of your left hand so that it can slip evenly. Hold the cast-on knot in place with your thumb and ring finger. Simply pull a loop through the loop on the crochet hook and the endless chain is created.
Single crochet
The main ingredient of any crochet project, the single crochet. These simple stitches are easy to master. But here, too, it takes a little practice so that the stitches are even in the end. For a single crochet, stand in the stitch from the previous row, grab both loops (or if it’s the chain stitch chain, just pierce the chain stitch) and get a loop. There should now be two loops on your hook. Now get the thread again and pull it through both of these loops and you have already crocheted your first single crochet.
Slip stitch
These stitches are mostly suitable for a clean hem or finishing round. For a slip stitch, first go through both loops of the stitch in the previous row and get the thread, but pull it through the loop on the needle so that there is only one loop on the needle again.
Increase
If a work needs to be wider or larger, stitches must be increased. When crocheting, it’s pretty easy. Instead of crocheting one single crochet, crochet two single crochets into one stitch at regular intervals.
Decrease
The opposite of increase, so if a work needs to be narrower or smaller, stitches need to be decreased. To decrease a stitch, slip into the first stitch and pull the yarn, but instead of ending it as a single crochet, go into the next stitch and pull the stitch there as well. Now you must have three loops on your hook. Now get the thread and pull through all three loops at the same time. You will see that 2 stitches have now become one. The decreases should also be evenly distributed in the work.
“Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use – do the work you want to see done.”
- Austin Kleon
Based on this we say, crochet the project you want to see finished. If you want a smooth start in the crochet world, trust our beginner-friendly Knitpro Single Ended crochet hooks. Take a look around and start your new hobby today.
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