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If you’ve never attempted to crochet, the thought of it can be rather intimidating. Some of the more intricate designs are made using several different stitches, and the patterns are quite complex. But once you’ve learned a few basic stitches, it’s not that difficult to learn the more complicated ones. And there are plenty of simple patterns that use only a few basic stitches to create beautiful results!

Here are three simple crochet stitches that you can learn to get started.

Chain Stitch

The first crochet stitch that most beginners learn is the chain stitch. That’s because it is used to create a foundation chain, which is used to start most projects. This simple stitch is also used in some patterns. Here’s how to do it:

1. Make a slipknot.
2. Insert the hook into the center of the knot from left to right, catching the working yarn with the hook end.
3. Pull the yarn tail and the working yarn to tighten up the knot around the shank of the hook.
4. Hold the crochet hook in your right hand, use your left hand to bring the yarn over from front to back and pull it through the loop.
5. Repeat step 4 until the chain reaches the desired length.

Single Crochet

The single crochet stitch is found in many patterns. It creates a dense fabric and is often used to finish edges.

1. Insert the crochet hook under a bound-off stitch.
2. Bring the yarn over the hook and pull through a loop.
3. Yarn over again and pull through the loop on the hook.
4. Insert the hook under the next bound-off stitch.
5. Yarn over and pull up a loop so that there are two loops on the hook.
6. Yarn over and pull the yarn back through both loops, leaving one loop on the hook.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for each additional stitch.

Double Crochet

The double crochet stitch is another common stitch.

1. Insert the crochet hook one stitch in from the edge.
2. Yarn over and draw up a loop.
3. Yarn over and pull through the loop on the hook.
4. Yarn over, insert the hook through the next stitch and draw up a loop so that there are three loops on the hook.
5. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops.
6. Yarn over and pull though the last two loops. This will complete the first stitch and leave one loop on the hook.
7. Yarn over and insert the hook in the next stitch.
8. Yarn over and pull up a loop so that there are three loops on the hook.
9. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops.
10. Yarn over and pull through the last two loops. This completes the second stitch.
11. Repeat steps 7-10 for each additional stitch.

When you’re learning to crochet, these simple stitches are a good place to start. They are used in many patterns, and mastering them will make it easier to learn more complex stitches.