Want to learn how to start a chain? I have gathered tutorials and videos to share on how to start your crochet project by learning the crochet knot and how to chain.
Are you ready to learn how to crochet? Crochet is a wonderful hobby that can bring hours of joy and satisfaction! With just a few simple supplies, you’ll be able to create beautiful projects like hats, scarves, blankets and much more.
In this guide, we will show you the basics of how to start your first chain stitches so you can begin your journey in crochet. Let’s get started!
Learning how to start your first crochet chain is the first step to becoming an expert crocheter. The key is mastering the essential chain stitch and learning how to make a slip knot, which serves as your starting point for all of your projects.
From there, you will be able to practice and further hone your skills with the chain stitch, understanding that even the most experienced crocheters use this every time they create something!
Once you have mastered this technique, you can move on to more advanced crochet projects. Happy crocheting!
Crochet is easy because with just a few basic stitches you can do most patterns. Learn this easy craft with my tutorials and videos.
Crocheting is a great hobby. I think is easier to learn than knitting. All you need to crochet is a crochet hook and some yarn.
A great beginner crochet project would be a crochet headband, crochet washcloth, mug rug, or a scarf.
A simple beginner blanket would be a great next project like this blue and gray striped baby blanket or this how to crochet a blanket.
Yarn
For a crochet beginner, I would choose gauge 4 worsted yarn in acrylic. This is an average yarn that is easy to get and work with.
You can find the gauge of the yarn on the label, as well as, what it is made out of. You will be looking for gauge 4. I would stay away from velvet or chenille yarn for your beginning projects.
Crochet Hook
For the crochet hook, I would purchase a set of metal hooks, including a size H or 5 mm hook. I have found that the metal hooks are easy to work with.
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How to Crochet for Beginners
Supplies
- H, 5 mm crochet hook
- gauge 4 acrylic yarn
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle ( large blunt needle)
How to Tie a Slip Knot
The first thing you need to know, after the hook and yarn for how to crochet for beginners is a slip knot. You use a slip knot to put the yarn to the hook.
You can make a slip knot and then tighten it around the hook or you can make the slip knot around the hook. I make a slip knot and then tightened it snug around the hook, but not too tight.
First, cross the yarn and hold the x between your fingers, with the short piece on the left.
Then, holding the x, put your fingers in the loop.
Form a loop, you pull on the short side of the yarn into the loop, while holding on the the short end of the yarn.
Pull on the loop you made until small enough to fit snugly around the crochet hook. Make sure you hold both pieces of yarn while you pull through the loop.
Then pull on the short end to tighten around the hook.
More Tip on How to Tie a Slip Knot
- How to Tie a Slip Knot – Right Handed Written
- How to Tie a Slip Knot – Right Handed Video
- Left Handed Written- How to Tie a Slip Knot
- How to Tie a Slip Knot – Left Handed Video
How to Hold the Crochet Hook
Pencil Grip
This way to hold the crochet hook is just as it sounds, like a pencil. Hold between you fingers and thumb like you would a pencil or pen around the area where the size in printed.
Right handed how to hold a crochet hook video
Knife Grip
You can also try the knife grip, which is like holding a dinner knife. It is an overhand grip. It is said to be more exact then the pencil grip but it’s all preference.
Hold the crochet hook like a dinner knife around the indented part of the hook with a finger on top to stead the hook.
This is the way I hold my crochet hook and find it the most comfortable. There is said to be a preference for lefties to use the knife grip, so make sure to try both.
How To Hold a Crochet Hook Right & Left Handed – Video & Tutorials
- Written Tutorial – How To Hold a Crochet Hook Right Handed
- How to Hold a Crochet Hook Right Handed – Video
- How To Hold a Crochet Hook Left Handed – Video
How to Hold the Yarn
You hold your crochet hook in your dominant hand and you feed your yarn from the skein or ball through your other hand. This keeps the tension of your yarn even.
Holding the yarn around the hook with your dominant hand, put the yarn around your index finger and between the next finger.
I use my pinky finger to help control how fast the yarn is fed through my fingers. Use your thumb and index finger to help control the yarn.
Lift up on your index finger to pull some yarn to make your stitch.
How to Crochet for Beginners Chain Stitch
The first crochet stitch you will need to learn is the chain crochet stitch. This stitch is how you will start all of your projects. The chain stitch is usually abbreviated ch.
You count your chain stitches by the top curve. You will want to count as you chain.
To do the chain stitch, first you have the slip knot snug on your hook, holding the hook in your preferred grip, and your yarn threaded through your opposite hand.
The slip knot needs to be close to the indention on the hook with the hook part facing up.
Next, lay the yarn over the hook using your opposite hand. This is called yarn over. Then twist the hook to catch the yarn. Then pull the hook through the loop.
You repeat the steps for the number of chains that are required for your pattern. You want each chain a similar size.
I hold the tail of the slip knot with my right hand (opposite of the hook). A little lose for chain stitches is better than too tight stitches If your project starts to ripple, then your chain stitches are likely too tight.
You will want to practice the chain stitch until you have an even stitches of the same size.
How to Crochet for Beginners Chain Stitch Right & Left Handed – Video & Tutorial
- Written Right Handed – How to Crochet for Beginners Chain Stitch
- How to Crochet for Beginners Chain Stitch – Video Right Handed
- Written Left Handed – How to Crochet for Beginners Chain Stitch
- How to Crochet for Beginners Chain Stitch – Video Left Handed
Learn Basic Crochet Stitches
Once you have mastered the basics of how to begin a crochet chain, you can further explore the craft and learn more advanced techniques.
Before you know it, you’ll be able to create awesome projects like hats, scarves, blankets and much more. With practice and patience, anything is possible – good luck and happy crocheting!
More Beginner Crochet How To
- Learn How to Crochet Left-Handed
- Basic Stitches in Crochet – Beginner Tutorials
- Beginner to Easy Crochet Stitches Guide
- Top 10 Best Crochet Stitches for Blankets
- 100 Different Crochet Stitches Patterns with Pictures
Free Beginner Crochet Patterns to Try
- Beginner How to Bulky Yarn Baby Blanket
- Even Berry Dish Cloth Crochet Pattern
- Herringbone Dish Cloth Crochet Pattern
- Beginner Ocean Stripe Baby Blanket – free crochet pattern
- Blue Stripe Baby Boy Crochet Blanket Pattern – Free
- 19 Free Crochet Dishcloth Patterns – Great for Cleaning
- Moss Stitch Crochet Cowl Pattern Free
- Moss Stitch Winter Headband Crochet Pattern Free
- Beginner Moss Stitch Scarf
- Chunky Herringbone Throw
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I have been crocheting since I was 8 years old. I have 40 plus years of experience. My blogging journey started in 2013 and I have been writing about crafts and crocheting since then. I started blogging full time in 2019.