How to Crochet - A Beginner's First Row

Steps

1. 1. Gather Your Materials

   You only need two things to start: yarn and a crochet hook. Any basic acrylic yarn works fine for learning, since it is easy to work with and inexpensive.

   Tip: 100% acrylic yarn is the best choice for beginners because it does not split as easily as wool and holds its shape well while you are learning the movements.

   

2. 2. Make a Slip Knot

   Hold the yarn with your index finger pointing down. Twist the yarn upward to form a loop, then put your thumb through that loop.

   Tip: The slip knot should be snug but not tight. If you cannot slide it easily along the hook, loosen it a little before you start chaining.

   

3. 3. Hold the Hook and Yarn

   Hold the crochet hook in your right hand using your thumb and fingers, resting on the indent on the hook handle. Hold it like you would hold scissors.

   Tip: There is no single correct way to hold the yarn. This method is just one approach. Try a few different ways and go with whatever feels comfortable and gives you even tension.

   

4. 4. Learn the Yarn Over

   The yarn over is the fundamental motion behind every crochet stitch. Start with the hook facing away from you.

   Tip: Keep your tension consistent as you yarn over. If you pull too tight the loop will be hard to work into later. Too loose and your work will look messy.

   

5. 5. Crochet a Foundation Chain

   Repeat the yarn over and pull through motion to build your chain. Each chain looks like a V shape with a top loop and a bottom loop.

   Tip: Count your chains out loud as you make them. It is very easy to lose count when you are focused on the hand movements.

   

6. 6. Work Your First Single Crochet

   Skip the first chain (that is your turning chain) and insert your hook into the second V from the hook. Yarn over by going behind the working yarn and pull through, so you have 2 loops on your hook.

   Tip: Make sure you are inserting under both the top and bottom loops of each V when working back into existing rows.

   

7. 7. Build More Rows

   When you reach the end of a row, do one chain stitch and then flip your work over. Now work back in the other direction, inserting your hook under both loops of each V stitch.

   Tip: Your tension will probably get tighter or looser as you go, and that is normal when you are learning. Try to relax your grip.

   

8. 8. Finish Off and Weave in the Ends

   When your swatch is done, do one final chain stitch. Pull the crochet hook out of the loop.

   Tip: Weave the tail in at least a few inches in two directions so it does not work loose over time. A single pass is usually not enough, especially on acrylic yarn.