Crochet tutorials
CROCHET BASICS
Hold a hook and yarn
First things first, learn how to hold a crochet hook in one hand and yarn in the other.
Yarn over (yo)
Learn what it means to yarn over – the most basic building block of almost every stitch.
Right vs wrong side of crochet
Once you’ve crocheted a few rounds, you work will naturally curve. But which side is right or wrong?
Undo stitches
Made a mistake? Don't sweat it. Learn how to undo your mistakes and get back on track.
Crochet stitches
Magic loop
Also known as a magic ring, 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.
Chain (ch)
Another quick crochet stitch, often used to create loops like basket handles, or embellishments like doll hair.
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.
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.
Half double crochet (hdc)
This stitch is the halfway point between a single and double crochet stitch.
Finishing touches
Add safety eyes
Also known as craft eyes, these are small pieces of round plastic that give life to your toys.
Fasten off
When you're done crocheting a piece, fasten off to keep your stitches secure. Then follow the tutorials below to either weave in the yarn tail or use it to sew this piece onto another.
Finish amigurumi
How to fasten off and weave in the yarn tails of a self-contained piece of amigurumi, like a ball.
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.
Sew amigurumi parts together
Now that you have all the pieces of your amigurumi, learn how to sew them together, also known as joining amigurumi.