6+ stitches all crochet beginners must know – It's what every crochet stitch is built on

Learn these beginning stitches and you'll be able to make almost any crochet project. All crochet stitches involve hooking the yarn and pulling it through one or more loops on the hook. It's that simple!

The following stitches build on the number of times you hook the yarn and when you pull it through the loop(s) on the hook. Follow along with the videos, and you'll soon be ready to practice on your own scarves, hats and afghans.

Almost every crochet project begins with a slip knot. Make a loop in the yarn near the end. Reach into the loop and grab the end that is draped over the top of the loop where the strands cross. Pull the opposite end to tighten the knot. Pull the other end to adjust the size of the loop. Get the full tutorial here.

Yarn over, and pull yarn through loop on the hook. One chain stitch made. Get the full tutorial here.

Insert hook in the next stitch, yarn over, and pull yarn through both loops of stitch and the loop on the hook. One slip stitch made. Get the full tutorial here.

Insert hook in the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull yarn both loops on hook. One single crochet stitch made. To begin a single crochet row, chain 1 stitch. Get the full tutorial here.

5. Half double crochet (hdc)

Yarn over, insert the hook in the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull yarn through all three loops on hook. One half double stitch made. To begin a half double crochet row, chain 2. Get the full tutorial here.

Yarn over, insert the hook in the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull yarn through two loops on hook, yarn over, and pull yarn through last two loops on hook. One double stitch made. To begin a half double crochet row, chain 3.