How to Crochet | Hobbycraft

Get Started in Crochet

Whether you want to expand your talents beyond knit or it's your first venture into the world of yarn, there's no better time to get started in crochet! This is a versatile craft that'll transform your wardrobe and your home. Hook yourself up with the basics and explore endless inspiration below.

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Tool Guide How to Abbreviations Ideas FAQ

Crochet Hook Guide

For a standard crochet stitch: the bigger the hook, the bigger the yarn. The hook should match the tension of the yarn, with the standard hook sizes for each yarn weight laid out in our guide below.

If you want to create a looser stitch for a garment with more of a drape, use a bigger hook for your yarn.

Alternatively, for a denser stitch – such as with amigurumi, for example – go down a hook size. Remember to always swatch your project for you start to make sure you're happy with your fabric.

How to Crochet a Chain

Everything starts with a chain and it couldn’t be simpler! Master this technique to get any crochet pattern started.

Step 1

Make a slip knot around the crochet hook

Step 2

Wrap the yarn once around the crochet hook above the slip knot

Step 3

Use the hook to pull the yarn through the slip knot

UK Crochet Abbreviations

Crochet patterns use abbreviations to shorten regularly used phrases. Use the table below to decode your pattern!

Abbreviation	Meaning
Ch-Sp	Chain space
Dc2tog	Double crochet 2 stitches together
Inv dec	Invisible decrease
Rs	Right side
Ws	Wrong side
St (s)	Stitch (es)
Beg	Beginning
Inc	Increase
Dec	Decrease
Ss	Slip Stitch
Ch	Chain
Dc	Double crochet
Tr	Treble crochet
Dtr	Double treble
Htr	Half treble

Video Guides Playlist

Once comfortable with creating a chain stitch, it's time to learn some techniques that will allow you to create your first crochet project. Watch the playlist below to find out how to create double and treble crochet stitches, change yarn colours and crochet a granny square!

Shop Crochet

It's really easy to get started in crochet – all you need is a hook and some yarn! You can also browse our range of patterns to find the perfect project to inspire you.