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Holding the hookThe first thing you’ll need to learn is now to hold your crochet hook. Generally you will hold the hook either like a pencil, or in the palm of your hand like a knife. Find the position that’s most comfortable for you. Alternate positions if your hand becomes tired. Holding the yarnThe yarn will be held in the hand not holding the hook. The yarn should run loosely under your palm and over your index finger. It’s important for the yarn to be able to slide easily from your hand to the hook without being stretched too tightly. Keep your hand relaxed, and keep the tension on the yarn consistent so that your stitches will look even.
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 Slip Knot |
Making a slip knotThe first stitch will be a slip knot to start your chain. Leave about a 4 inch tail of yarn, and make a circle with your working yarn from the skein under the circle. Insert the hook under the working yarn, and pull the end of it to tighten the loop until it fits the hook. Be sure the yarn slides easily on the shaft of the hook. |
 Foundation Chain beginning |
Making a foundation chain (ch)Begin with a slip knot, then hold the loose end of the yarn between the thumb and forefinger of the hand which is holding the yarn. Insert the hook under, then over the yarn, pulling it taut. |
 Foundation Chain progress |
Draw the caught yarn through the loop on your hook. This makes one chain with a new working loop on the hook. Each time you do this, you’re adding another chain. Repeat this step until you have the necessary number of chains for your pattern. TIP: keep your thumb and forefinger close to the worked stitch for better control. |
Counting Chains
You will begin counting with the first chain after the hook. You can tell the front of the chain because it will look like a line of Vs. The back of the chain has a ridge running along the length. Count chains either by running your thumb down the back loops or count the Vs in the front. The slip knot is never counted as a chain, and neither is the chain which is still on the hook.
TIP: While counting the chains, place a marker in every 10th chain to make it easy to keep track of your stitches. If you’re working with a project that calls for a long chain, make a few extra chains in case you’ve miscounted. It’s easier to pull out one or two chains than to have to redo the whole length.
 Slip Stitch |
Slip StitchA slip stitch is the shortest of the crochet stitches, and adds little height to the fabric. Insert the hook in the stitch, yarn over, draw the yarn through both the stitch and the loop on the hook. One slip stitch has been made. |
