How to Crochet for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide + Video Tutorials)
Updated: Nov 2
Want to learn crochet… but don’t know where to start?
When I first started crocheting, I remember how overwhelming everything felt. Different yarns, hook sizes, stitches, patterns. There was so much to learn, and I had no idea where to begin!
That's why I created this Crochet for Beginners HUB, where you'll find everything you need to start your crochet journey in one place.
I've put together a free 5-part beginner crochet mini-series covering everything from choosing your first yarn and crochet hook to understanding gauge and learning how to hold your hook and yarn. Each lesson includes a detailed blog post and a video tutorial, so you can learn at your own pace.
You'll also find basic crochet stitches, beginner-friendly projects, and some extra resources to help you along the way.
Ready to learn? Let's get started!
WHAT YOU NEED TO START CROCHETING?
Good news! You don't need a ton of supplies to start crocheting!
Here are a few basics to get you started:
Yarn (cotton or acrylic is great for beginners)
Crochet hook (4–5 mm is a good starting point)
Scissors
Yarn needle
Stitch markers (optional)
Not sure what to buy or where to begin? I've got you covered!
In this first lesson, we'll go through the basics of getting started with crochet, with a video tutorial to help you along the way.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CROCHET: FREE BEGINNER TUTORIALS
Now that you know what you need to get started, let's explore some of the crochet basics!
I've created a beginner crochet mini-series with detailed blog posts and video tutorials to help you understand your tools, yarn, gauge, and more. You can follow along at your own pace!
PART 2: CROCHET HOOK SIZES EXPLAINED
Crochet hooks come in different sizes, materials, and styles. But how do you know which one to use?
In this lesson, we'll go through crochet hook sizes, what those numbers and letters mean, and how to choose the right hook for your project.
PART 3: CROCHET YARN FOR BEGINNERS
Choosing yarn can be overwhelming when you're just starting out! There are so many different weights, fibres, and textures.
Let's go through the different types of yarn, how to understand yarn weights, and what to look for when choosing yarn for your crochet projects.
PART 4: CROCHET GAUGE EXPLAINED
Have you ever wondered why crochet patterns mention gauge?
In this lesson, we'll talk about what crochet gauge is, why it matters, and how to make and measure your own gauge swatch.
PART 5: HOW TO HOLD A CROCHET HOOK AND YARN
Now it's time to pick up your hook and yarn!
Learn different ways to hold your crochet hook and yarn, how to control your tension, and find what feels most comfortable for you.
BASIC CROCHET STITCHES
Now that you're familiar with your crochet hook and yarn, it's time to learn some stitches!
You don't need to learn every crochet stitch out there to get started. Just a few basic ones will give you a great foundation for your first projects.
Here are some of the essential crochet stitches to learn:
Slip Knot
Chain Stitch (CH)
Slip Stitch (SL ST)
Single Crochet (SC)
Half Double Crochet (HDC)
Double Crochet (DC)
These basic stitches are used in so many crochet patterns, and once you get comfortable with them, you'll be ready to try your first project!
If you’d rather have everything explained step-by-step in one place, this is exactly what I created for beginners:
JUST NEED HELP WITH THE CROCHET BASICS?
Already know how to crochet a few stitches but still get confused by yarn weights, hook sizes, or gauge?
My Crochet Theory Guide + Cheat Sheet covers all those crochet essentials in one handy PDF, so you can easily look things up whenever you need a little reminder!
YOUR FIRST BEGINNER CROCHET PROJECTS
Now that you've learned the basics, it's time to put those new crochet skills into practice!
The best way to get comfortable with crochet is by actually making something. And don't worry, you don't need to start with anything complicated!
Easy Crochet Dishcloth
A crochet dishcloth is a great first project! It's simple, practical, and perfect for practicing your stitches and getting comfortable with your tension.
Plus, you'll have something handmade to use when you're finished!
Beginner Crochet Scrunchie
Ready to try something a little different?
This crochet scrunchie is a fun and quick project that helps you practice working around a hair elastic, stitch placement, and finishing techniques.
And yes, it's beginner-friendly too!
Both of these beginner-friendly projects are included in my Crochet Starter Kit, with step-by-step instructions to help you make them!
READY TO START YOUR CROCHET JOURNEY?
Remember, you don't have to learn everything in one day!
Your stitches might look a little wonky at first, your tension might be all over the place, and you might need to unravel your work a few times. That's all part of learning!
Take your time, keep practicing, and most importantly, have fun with it!
And if you make your first crochet project, I'd love to see it! Tag me @happyheartsy on Instagram so I can see what you've created!
Happy crocheting!
Lenka | Happy Heartsy
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