After you learn how to crochet and get comfortable with a few basics, you’re probably ready to move on and learn even more complex crochet stitches and combinations!
You want to learn how to make any stitch – I get it!
It’s exciting to see that so many different crochet stitch combinations are possible, so you may be looking to learn something new like: Shells, Basketweave, Chevron, Wave, Cables, Tunisian, and more.
And so much more, am I right?
In almost every community I’ve seen, crocheters are always asking the same questions about crochet stitches:
- How many different stitches are there?
- What are all of the stitches?
- What easy or beginner stitches can I learn?
If you’re wondering the same (whether you just started, or you’ve been crocheting for a hundred years) grab some yarn and a hook because you’re about to learn the secret to making all of the stitches.
Yep, all of the crochet stitches!
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Table of contents
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Foundation Stitches
Wait, there’s a secret to crocheting any stitch?
Yes, but it’s not mind-blowingly complicated.
In fact, it’s elementary.
Have you learned these foundations yet:
- Chain
- Single Crochet
- Half Double Crochet
- Double Crochet
If you have, you’re on your way to learning any stitch!
Yes (I keep saying this), any stitch!
You see, in their most basic form, these are the foundation for any other stitch combination and variation that you can imagine (that’s why they’re called foundation stitches).
When you learn these foundation stitches you’re absolutely ready to try more complex variations – no matter how complex they are!
That’s the secret.
See, it’s elementary and anyone can do it!
But, let’s pause right here for a moment in case you feel underwhelmed…
Crochet Stitch Basics
If you’re thinking that these are too basic to help you learn any other stitch in crochet, this is what it really means to LEARN a stitch:
- Identifying the basic anatomy of each stitch, individually and among other stitches
- Counting individual stitches
- Counting individual rows of crochet
- Counting individual rounds of crochet
- Identifying the right side of a stitch
- Identifying the wrong side of a stitch
- Identifying the right or wrong side of crochet fabric
- Knowing where to place stitches when working into a chain, row or round.
To really learn crochet stitch basics, to have a good foundation in crochet, this guide is not just for beginners: How to Crochet: A Step-By-Step Guide for Beginners
LEARNING these stitches means that you can create, identify and count them in a uniform way.
Practice is progress, and your stitching progress leads to the advancement of your skills – including any new stitch you want to try!
For my next piece of advice to work, you’ve got to really LEARN these foundation stitches. So:
- take your time,
- document your progress,
- and don’t skimp on the process.
I promise, the hard work you put into practicing will pay off.
Where Crochet Stitches Go
With so many spots to insert your hook, it’s no wonder crochet can feel a little confusing at times—where does your hook actually go?
Front loop, back loop, third loop, front post, back post, top, bottom, side… that’s a lot!
But here’s the thing – learning the anatomy of every foundation stitch (chain, single, half double, double) will help you to understand different places a stitch can be worked.
Stitch placement is one of the trickiest parts of crochet, but once you get the hang of it, everything starts to fall into place—literally!
When you learn where crochet stitches can go, you won’t be afraid to try even more complex crochet stitch combinations.
Crochet Stitch Examples
At this point I’m going to assume that you’ve taken time to really LEARN those foundations, and that you’re ready to move on to the next part: Learning how to crochet any stitch!
Earlier, I mentioned that any stitch in crochet is just a combination or variation of foundation stitches.
That means any stitch or fabric blends and merges those basics: chain, single, half double, double.
When you think about even the most complex stitches and techniques this way, they may seem more approachable!
If you still aren’t entirely sure what all this means, let’s put it into practice by reviewing a few different stitches together.
Example 1: Linen Crochet Stitch
This texture is created with: Chain, Single.
That is it!
Chains and single crochet stitches alternate and repeat within a row, and then the opposite repeat is worked into the following row.
Watch how this stitch is worked up in our video tutorial, right here:
Example 2: Sedge Crochet Stitch
This texture is created with: Chain, Single, Half Double, Double.
That is it!
Groups of individual stitches are placed together into one stitch, then a few stitches are skipped to maintain the same stitch count.
Watch how this stitch is worked up in our video tutorial, right here:
Example 3: Simple Wave Crochet Stitch
This texture is created with: Chain, Single, Double.
That is it!
Groups of individual stitches are placed into one stitch (5 double crochet), then stitches are skipped, creating the rises and falls (waves) in the fabric.
Instead of saying “work 5 double crochet into 1 stitch”, a pattern might give this grouping a name (Shell), and define it on the cover page of the pattern under “Specialty Stitches & Techniques”; When you see “Shell” in the pattern instructions, you know what to do!
Watch how this stitch is worked up in our video tutorial, right here:
Example 4: Waffle Crochet Stitch
This texture is created with: Chain, Double.
That is it!
Unless otherwise specified, we work stitches into the tops of stitches in the previous row (round).
When stitches are worked around the posts of stitches within the previous row (or round), we call these post stitches (a specialty stitch or technique).
While you are creating a double crochet stitch, the instructions for the placement can be lengthy, therefore, the “Specialty Stitch & Technique” section on the cover page may reference “FPdc” with a definition on how to work (and where to place) this stitch; when you see “FPdc” in the pattern instructions, you know what to do!
Watch how this stitch is worked up in our video tutorial, right here:
Example 5: Cable Towers Crochet Stitch
This texture is created with: Chain, Half Double, Double.
That is it!
When double crochet stitches are worked around the posts of stitches within the previous row, we now know they are called post stitches.
To create that twisted looking cable, you’ll skip over stitches before you place your post stitches.
While you are creating a double crochet stitch, the instructions for the placement can be lengthy, therefore, the “Specialty Stitch & Techniques” section on the cover page may reference “FPdc” with a definition on how to work, and where to place, this stitch; when you see “FPdc” in the pattern instructions, you know what to do, but also pay close attention to where it will be placed (skipping ahead, or behind, the current stitch)!
Watch how this stitch is worked up in our video tutorial, right here:
30 Classic And Unique Stitches
Ready to try more than 30 classic and unique crochet stitches?
Our YouTube channel has tons of stitch tutorials you can follow, right here.
Video Chat
For even more details on this subject, watch my video chat right here:
Click Here to share your new stitch skills in our community!
Peace + Love + Crochet
Salena
What a fantastic encouraging article. Your so right!! It has put the foundation stitches in a much more simplistic way of understanding the ‘basics’. I am so ready to start practicing. I’ll try and post in our amazing group.
Thank you for reading this article! I’m so glad you found this valuable, and I look forward to seeing what you create next – keep us posted, especially in the group!