How to Make the 10 Most Popular Crochet Stitches

USE

Use the slip knot to secure yarn onto the crochet hook before beginning a foundation chain or adjustable loop.

HOW TO MAKE THE SLIP KNOT

There are several ways to make a slip knot. Some find the 'over the finger' technique the easiest (shown) and others prefer to use a crochet hook. If so, this is how you do it:

• STEP 1: Form a loop with the yarn, leaving a short tail.
• STEP 2: Insert the hook through the loop.
• STEP 3: Pull the working yarn through to create a second loop.
• STEP 4: Tighten the knot gently around the hook.

NOTES

• The loop should move freely along the hook without tightening excessively.
• A slip knot is not counted as a stitch in patterns.

Use:

Marked as THE most basic crochet stitch that is widely used, the single crochet stitch creates a dense, sturdy fabric commonly used for amigurumi, dishcloths, edging, and structured projects.

How to single crochet:

• STEP 1: Insert the hook into the next stitch.
• STEP 2: Yarn over and pull up a loop (two loops on the hook).
• STEP 3: Yarn over again and pull through both loops.

Notes:

• Maintain even tension to prevent curling.
• Single crochet stitches are easy to count and identify.

See our single crochet stitch patterns for variations and project examples.

You can use the slip stitch also decorative as is shown here: On the edge of the mushroom caps, you can see the effect of a row of slip stitches going all around. It's what creates the distinct 'edge'.

Use:
Slip stitches are used to join rounds, move yarn without adding height, and finish edges.

How to slip stitch:

• STEP 1: Insert the hook into the indicated stitch or space.
• STEP 2: Yarn over.
• STEP 3: Pull the yarn through both the stitch and the loop on the hook in one motion.

Notes:

• Slip stitches should remain loose to prevent puckering.
• They do not add height to the fabric.

Use:
Double crochet is one of the most commonly used stitches in crochet patterns, creating a balanced fabric that works up quickly.

How to double crochet:

• STEP 1: Yarn over.
• STEP 2: Insert the hook into the next stitch.
• STEP 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook).
• STEP 4: Yarn over and pull through the first two loops.
• STEP 5: Yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops.

Notes:

• Double crochet stitches add height and drape.
• Frequently used in granny squares and openwork designs.

See our double crochet stitch guide for pattern applications.

How to half double crochet:

Use:
Half double crochet produces a fabric with more height and flexibility than single crochet while remaining relatively dense.

• STEP 1: Yarn over before inserting the hook.
• STEP 2: Insert the hook into the next stitch.
• STEP 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook).
• STEP 4: Yarn over and pull through all three loops.

Notes:

• The extra yarn over at the start distinguishes this stitch from single crochet.
• Suitable for scarves, hats, and blankets.
• It's a great stitch to gradually transition from a single crochet to a double crochet.

Use:
The granny stitch is a cluster-based stitch commonly used in blankets, shawls, and traditional granny square patterns.

How to work the granny stitch:

• STEP 1: Chain the required number of stitches for spacing.
• STEP 2: Work 3 double crochet stitches into the same space.
• STEP 3: Chain between clusters as directed by the pattern.
• STEP 4: Repeat across the row or round.

Notes:

• Granny stitch is usually worked into chain spaces rather than stitches.
• Color changes are commonly used with this stitch.

See our granny stitch patterns and square tutorials for variations, like this 3D Butterfly Granny Square Crochet Pattern, for example.

Use:
Moss stitch creates a flat, woven texture and is often used in bags, baby blankets, and modern crochet designs.

How to moss stitch:

• STEP 1: Work one single crochet.
• STEP 2: Chain one.
• STEP 3: Skip the next stitch.
• STEP 4: Repeat across the row, working single crochet stitches into chain spaces on subsequent rows.

Notes:

• Stitch placement is more important than stitch height.
• This stitch works well with multiple colors.

Use:
Shell stitch is a decorative stitch used for borders, edgings, and textured fabric.

How to shell stitch:

• STEP 1: Insert the hook into the indicated stitch or space.
• STEP 2: Work multiple stitches (usually double crochet) into the same space.
• STEP 3: Skip the required number of stitches.
• STEP 4: Repeat as directed by the pattern.

Notes:

• Shell size varies depending on the pattern.
• Often used as a finishing edge for blankets and garments.

Use:
The puff stitch is a raised, textured stitch commonly used for decorative panels, blankets, hats, and accent details.

How to crochet a puff stitch:

• STEP 1: Yarn over and insert the hook into the indicated stitch.
• STEP 2: Yarn over and pull up a long loop.
• STEP 3: Repeat the yarn over and pull-up step several times (usually 3–5 loops on the hook, depending on the pattern).
• STEP 4: Yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook.
• STEP 5: Chain one to secure the stitch, if directed by the pattern.

Notes:

• Puff stitches vary in height and fullness depending on the number of loops used.
• Note how it is similar to the half double crochet stitch, but with additional yarn overs and loops pulled through before finishing the stitch.
• Keep loops an even length for consistent texture.
• Puff stitches consume (a lot) more yarn than basic stitches, depending on the number of loops the pattern specifies.

See our puff stitch tutorial for step-by-step photos and pattern examples.

For example, in this bag, the crocodile stitch is crocheted as follows:

Ch3 (counts as the first st of the "scale"),

Turn your work sideways and work 4 dc on the post of the first dc,

Ch 1,

Turn your work 180 degrees and work 5 dc on the post of the 2nd dc,

Ch 1,

* skip ch2-space - 1 dc - ch2-space, work 5 dc on the post of the first dc,

Ch 1,

Turn your work 180 degrees and work 5 dc on the post of the 2nd dc,

Ch 1 - repeat from *.

Learn more about this bag pattern here:

Use:
The crocodile stitch creates a layered, scale-like texture and is commonly used in decorative accessories, bags, gloves, and statement projects.

How to crochet the crocodile stitch:

• Work a foundation of paired stitches (usually double crochet posts) as directed by the pattern.
• Yarn over and work several double crochet stitches down one post, rotating the work slightly.
• Yarn over and work the same number of stitches up the adjacent post.
• Skip the next set of posts as directed and repeat the scale formation.

Notes:

• Crocodile stitch is worked around post stitches rather than into the top loops.
• This stitch is considered intermediate due to its construction and yarn usage.
• Projects using crocodile stitch require careful stitch counting.

See our crocodile stitch guide for detailed instructions and project ideas.