How to Start Crocheting: The Essential Techniques

This week we are starting with the basics:  How to hold your hook and how to make a chain stitch.

Holding your hook may seem like a no-brainer, but once you watch the video, you will see that deciding how you hold your hook will be an essential step in your crocheting game. It’s important to note that you hold the hook in your dominant hand and hold your yarn in your non-dominant. Unless, of course, you are ambidextrous, and then the choice is yours. 

There are no hard and fast rules about the best way to hold the hook and yarn. Choose whichever method you find the most comfortable.

·       Pencil Grip: Hold the crochet hook like a pencil between your thumb and index finger. Use your third finger underneath for more balance and control.

·       Knife Grip: Place your hand over the hook, palm facing down. Hold the hook between your thumb and index finger. Wrap your other three fingers around the shaft of the crochet hook for greater control.

Personally, I prefer to hold the hook with the knife grip. Try both options and see what feels the most natural for you.

Now that you’ve learned how to hold your hook, then next step is to make your first stitch: the chain stitch.

Chain stitches are an integral part of crocheting. Usually, the first step in a project is to create a series of chain stitches. Chain stitches form the foundation for building the rest of the project. They are one of the essential stitches that every beginning crocheter should know.

The "yarn over," abbreviated YO, is a foundational crochet technique that you'll use to make all of the basic crochet stitches. For example, you'll use yarn-overs to create a starting chain in the next step and to make single crochet stitches after that.

To make another chain stitch, yarn over the hook and pull up another loop. Repeat this process, making as many chain stitches as your pattern calls for.  

As you work, move your left-hand fingers up along the chain. Hold the chain two or three stitches away from the hook for the most control.

It can take some practice to keep your tension consistent from one chain stitch to the next – so keep practicing! In time, you will find your rhythm. 

Note: Do not count the loop on your hook or the slip knot as a stitch when counting how many chains you've made. 

There you have it. You are well on your way to your first crochet project of many and awakening to your creative side. 

Happy Hooking!

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