Crochet Basics

Begin with one comfortable hook, a smooth light-colored yarn, and a small practice swatch.

Your first sequence

1. Make a slip knot without tightening it against the hook.
2. Practice a relaxed foundation chain.
3. Work rows of single crochet and count every stitch.
4. Learn where the first and last stitches sit.
5. Finish off and weave the tail through several directions.

Improve tension

Aim for repeatable loops rather than tight loops. If the hook struggles to enter a stitch, loosen your grip and let the shaft size each loop.