Getting started

Holding the hook 

Most people hold the hook like a pencil, as shown below:

Slip knot:

Crochet usually starts with a slip knot. To make one:

• Make a loop of wool around your fingers
• Pull a second loop through the first
• Pull tight and adjust loop to the right size (to fit your hook)

 

Chain Stitch: 

This is the most simple crochet stitch, but is an essential part of nearly all types of crochet.

Start with a slip knot.

1. Loop the wool over the hook (yo)

You now have 2 loops on your hook 

2. Pull the new loop through the original one

You are left with 1 loop, and have made 1 chain stitch

Your finished chain should look similar to ‘finger knitting’ but more consistent, as using a hook means stitches should always be a similar size.

 

Joining a chain with a slip stitch:

 

Push the hook through the middle of the first chain made

 

Make a loop of wool over the hook, and pull through the original loops, leaving the new loop on the hook and joining the start and end of the chain together, creating a circle.

 

 

Abbreviations:

Ch – chain stitch (eg 3ch means 3 chain stitches)

Yo (also written yoh) – Yarn over hook –looping the wool over the hook to create a new loop

 

Practicing chain and slip stitches – a Little Flower:

Start with a slipknot

• Chain 15, and join with a slip stitch

1. *(chain 7, miss 2 stiches, slip stitch in next stitch)

2. repeat from * 4 times

 Fasten off