So! You want to Learn to Crochet :)

You’ve thought about it for ages…HOW is it possible that there are people who can pick up one skein of yarn and one hook and turn it into something adorable!? If you’ve had that itch to get started, you’re in the right place. In this beginner tutorial, we will go over all of the steps needed to learn to crochet! We will learn the tools necessary for crocheting, types of yarn to choose from and a few beginning techniques and stitches that can be used in making a scarf!

The word crochet derives from the French word “crochet” meaning “hook.” The art form has been around for many hundreds of years! Crocheters use a skein of yarn and one crochet hook, interlooping the yarn to create the project. You can find crochet patterns for blankets, scarves, mittens, toys, stuffed animals, sweaters, outfits and more. You name it, you probably can find a pattern for it!

So, how do you get started when you want to learn to crochet? It can be a bit overwhelming at first. How does one pick the right hook? What about all of the different yarn options? How the heck do you hold everything? In this learn to crochet tutorial, we’ll go over the tools of the trade, three beginner techniques (making a slip knot, making a chain and the single crochet stitch) and then work our beginner scarf pattern.

*A PDF Download for this beginner tutorial is coming soon! Please note, this post contains affiliate links. By clicking these links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business!

Let’s get started!

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

There’s a lot to learn before you even pick up a hook when learning to crochet! Crochet uses one tool, called a ‘hook’ and then a skein of yarn. Hooks and yarns come in all sizes to give a different look and feel to your finished crochet project. The hook you use will typically correlate to the type and size of yarn used. Typically, smaller hook sizes are used for thinner yarns and larger hook are be used for thicker yarns.

Hooks come in all sizes and shapes! They can be made in many different types of materials including plastic, aluminum, wood or steel. They may be ergonomic with soft or rounded handles or have specialized grips to make crocheting more comfortable. They may have an inline hook or a tapered hook. Sizing is measured in the US by letter system but also by mm according to the metric system. There are still even MORE standards used in different parts of the world. Most hook companies will list both the letter and metric system label for sizing. See the chart on the next page for an overview of hook sizes!

Many beginner crocheters prefer to start with a set of aluminum hooks as they are cost-efficient and well made. They are easy to find and sturdy for beginners. Susan Bates or Boye hooks are both well-respected brands that come in a range of sizes.

Some crocheters prefer to work with ergonomic hooks to have a bit of a thicker handle and grip. These can be easier to work with for longer periods of time and can help prevent hand cramping. Some of my all-time favorite ergonomic hooks to work with are Clover brand hooks found here. Personally, these have become my favorite type of hook to use!

Aside from these aluminum and ergonomic hooks, there are also many other hook types. Wooden hooks made with bamboo or other materials are popular as well as luxury hooks such as Furls Crochet. There are niche hook designers who create themed hooks for added fun as well! Once you get to know the type of hook you prefer, you can really branch out into all of the options available!

CHOOSING A HOOK SIZE

So, now that you know the different types of hook, how do you choose just one? And which size is the right size? Below, we’ll review “reading a yarn label.” Based on the type of yarn you choose for a project, the hook size will typically be recommended right on the label. If you are working from a written crochet pattern, you will also typically see a hook size recommended in the instructions.

You may come to find that your tension (the way that you hold the yarn and the tightness of your stitches) varies from the standard. If you have tighter than typical tension, you may wish to use a larger hook size than recommended. If you have looser than typical tension, you may wish to use a smaller hook size than recommended.

Check out this Crochet Hook Conversion Chart below from Hobbii Yarns to see the different sizes.

READING A YARN LABEL

Just like hooks, yarn comes in many different sizes and textures. Yarn size is measured in “weight,” ranging from size “0” to size “7.” The larger the number, the thicker the yarn.Generally, the smaller yarn weights will use smaller size hooks and the larger weights will use larger hooks.

Understanding how to read a yarn label and what all of the symbols and information means, is essential to figuring out which yarn and hook will be best for your project. Below is an image from the Craft Yarn Council website with improtant information found on yarn labels. The Craft Yarn Council has an excellent tutorial for reading yarn labels linked here.

SO…WHAT SHOULD I USE?

For this beginner learn to crochet tutorial, I recommend starting with a Super Bulky Size 6 yarn and a 7 or 8 mm hook. The thicker yarn and larger crochet hook will be a little easier to hold and visualize your stitches than some of the smaller hooks and yarn. That being said, you do not want to choose a super textured or “fluffy” super bulky yarn. Choosing a textured yarn will make it harder to visualize your stitches and may be frustrating to work with as a beginner.

For our tutorial and beginner scarf pattern, we’ll use a 7 or 8 mm hook like the ones found here. For yarn, I’ll be using Hobby Lobby’s Cozy Occasion yarn found here or here. Bernat Blanket yarn, found here, is also an excellent choice. When looking at colors of Bernat blanket yarn, you can choose the “Bernat Blanket Baby” or “Bernat Blanket” yarn. There is no difference in the size of the yarn, just in the color choices of the line!

MAKING A SLIP KNOT

For our project, we will be working back and forth in rows. There are two ways to work a crochet project – either in rows creating a flat project (think blankets, washcloths, scarves, etc) OR in the round creating a circular or 3-dimensional project. This tutorial will not review working in the round, but stay tuned for Part 2 which will review making a magic circle and working in the round!

When working in rows, the slip knot is the first step to be able to take the yarn from the skein to getting started on your crochet hook. Check out the steps in the photo tutorial below OR view the video link.

If you’d rather see the steps in action, check out the video tutorial below:

WORKING THE CHAIN

Once you’ve created the slip knot, you’ll need to work the beginning chain to get started on your crochet project. For most patterns using single crochet stitch, you will need to work one chain more than the number of single crochet stitches used in row of the pattern.

For our scarf pattern, we will be using 15 single crochet stitches. This means we need to start with 16 chains. If you are working a different pattern, your beginning chain count may vary.

SINGLE CROCHET STITCH

Once you’ve worked the chain, you’ll work back across the chain (from right to left) placing a single crochet stitch in each chain space.

If your chains seem too tight to allow the hook back into the space, you’ll want to pull your chain out and try again using looser tension. Alternatively, if your chains seem very loose and uneven, you’ll want to pull your chain out and try again using slightly tighter tension. Having uniformity in the chain will help to keep your single crochet stitches even.

Turn to work across the chain. Working in the second chain from the hook, follow the steps below to work the single crochet stitch.

This video tutorial has TWO options – find the SHORT video overview here: https://youtube.com/shorts/MDU1m2JD4pA

Or find the FULL video tutorial here: https://youtu.be/3fGS3u1e12s

THE BEGINNER CROCHET SCARF PATTERN

You’ve made it through all of the tutorial steps, so let’s get to actually making something! Follow the steps below to make your very own beginner crochet scarf! The pattern written includes as many rows as I could make using one skein of Cozy Occasions super bulky yarn from Hobby Lobby (101 yards). If you’d like your scarf to be shorter, you can omit some of the rows. If you’d like your scarf to be longer, you can add more rows (you will need another skein of yarn!).

MATERIALS:

HOOK(S)
8.0 mm • US size L

YARN
Weight : Super Bulky Hobby Lobby, Yarn Bee
Cozy Occasions, Soft Pink

• 1-2 skeins, depending on desired scarf length

Other Yarn Suggestions: Bernat Blanket Yarn

NOTIONS
Darning Needle
Scissors
Stitch Marker (if desired)

ABBREVIATIONS

Remember, all of the instructions for these stitches are noted above if you need help!

PATTERN:

*The full downloadable PDF pattern is coming soon! Stay tuned for the download link 🙂

That’s it! Congratulations on completing your very first crochet project!

If you enjoyed this tutorial, you can find my collection of free patterns in the free pattern library here. Or check out ALL patterns available on Etsy or Ravelry!

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