Hold a hook & yarn

First things first, learn how to hold a crochet hook in one hand and yarn in the other.

Count stitches, rounds, and rows

How to count stitches, rounds, and rows.

Identify the right side of crochet

Once you’ve crocheted a few rounds, you work will naturally curve. But which side should actually face out?

Use stitch markers

Learn how to use stitch markers to keep track of where you are.

Crochet abbreviations

Quick reference guide for US and UK abbreviations and terminology.

Read a crochet pattern

Learn how to understand crochet pattern instructions.

Yarn over

Learn what it means to yarn over – the most basic building block of almost every stitch.

Slip stitch (sl st)

One of the quickest stitches in crochet, often used as part of the technique to fasten off a round crochet piece.

Single crochet (sc)

The basic stitch for crochet, including amigurumi.

Increase (inc)

Single crochet twice into the same stitch, to make your piece grow larger. Learn both the regular increase and invisible increase.

Decrease (dec)

Reduce the size of your piece by turning two stitches into one. Learn both the regular decrease and invisible decrease.

Chain (ch)

Another quick crochet stitch, often used to create loops like basket handles, or embellishments like doll hair.

Turning chain (ch 1 & turn)

First things first, learn how to hold a crochet hook in one hand and yarn in the other.

Half double crochet (hdc)

This stitch is the halfway point between a single and double crochet stitch.

Double crochet (dc)

First things first, learn how to hold a crochet hook in one hand and yarn in the other.

Undo stitches

Made a mistake? Don't sweat it. Learn how to undo your mistakes and get back on track.

Magic ring

Also known as a magic loop, magic circle, adjustable ring, or drawstring ring. This is a popular way to start round crochet pieces.

Slip knot

This is the first step to begin some crochet techniques, such as a chain or slip stitch join.

Crochet in rows

How to create a slip knot, crochet a foundation chain, and the following rows.

Change colors

Learn how to change colors in the round and in rows.

Add another yarn ball

Ran out of yarn? Learn how to add another yarn ball.

Use safety eyes

Also known as craft eyes, these are small pieces of round plastic that give life to your toys.

Stuff amigurumi

Two ways to stuff amigurumi to keep your piece looking smooth.

Close a ball

How to fasten off and weave in the yarn tails of a self-contained piece of amigurumi, like a ball.

Fasten off

When you're done crocheting a piece, fasten off to keep your stitches secure. Then either weave in the yarn tail or use it to sew this piece onto another.

Invisible fasten off for open edges

How to fasten off, and prep a piece where the edge will be visible and even when attached to another piece.

Weave in ends

Weave in yarn tails to secure your piece.

Crochet through front or back loops only (flo, blo)

What it means to crochet through the front or back loops only.

Turn a chain into a ring

How to join the ends of a foundation chain to turn into a ring.

Find mistakes

Mistakes are part of the crocheting process, and luckily they're easy to find and fix.