Types of Crochet Stitches: Basic to Advanced Stitches

Crochet is a gateway to creativity, with each stitch opening new doors to texture, structure, and beauty. Mastering the types of crochet stitches is the key to transforming simple yarn into everything from plush toys to elegant lace shawls. 

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, understanding stitch types is essential for successful, satisfying projects.

This guide is your definitive resource: we explain every major crochet stitch (from absolute basics to advanced textures), show you what makes each unique, and provide step-by-step instructions, visual suggestions, and inspiring project ideas. 

We also answer the most frequently asked questions about crochet stitches, ensuring you have everything you need to become a confident and creative crocheter.

Standard Abbreviations for Common Crochet Stitches (US & UK)

 

The Essential Beginner Crochet Stitches

1. Chain Stitch (ch)  

The chain stitch is the foundational stitch in crochet, used to start most projects and create spaces within patterns. It is the oldest and most fundamental crochet stitch, forming the backbone of crochet’s structure.

 

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - LoveCrafts

Texture/Feel: Flexible, simple loops; forms a narrow, slightly stretchy foundation.

How to Make:

    1. Make a slip knot and place it on your hook.

    2. Yarn over (wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front).

    3. Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook. Repeat as needed.

Variations: Foundation chain, foundation single crochet (fsc), decorative chain loops.

Common Uses: Starting rows, creating spaces, decorative fringe, jewelry.

Project Ideas: Bracelets, necklaces, drawstring ties, base for scarves.

2. Slip Stitch (sl st)  

The slip stitch is the shortest crochet stitch, used for joining, edging, and moving the yarn without adding height.

Texture/Feel: Tight, flat, almost invisible in fabric.

How to Make:

    1. Insert hook into the next stitch.

    2. Yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.

Common Uses: Joining rounds, finishing edges, seaming motifs, surface crochet.

Project Ideas: Seamless amigurumi joins, borders, decorative surface lines.

 

3. Single Crochet (sc) / UK Double Crochet (dc)  

The single crochet is a basic stitch creating a tight, sturdy fabric.

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - PleasantSeas

Texture/Feel: Dense, firm, low drape.

How to Make:

    1. Insert hook into the next stitch.

    2. Yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).

    3. Yarn over, pull through both loops.

Common Uses: Amigurumi, dishcloths, dense scarves, baskets.

Project Ideas: Stuffed animals, potholders, coasters.

4. Half Double Crochet (hdc) / UK Half Treble Crochet (htr)  

The half double crochet is a versatile stitch, taller than single but shorter than double crochet.

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - Crochet School

 

Texture/Feel: Soft, slightly stretchy, moderate drape.

How to Make:

    1. Yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch.

    2. Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).

    3. Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.

Common Uses: Hats, cowls, baby blankets, sweaters.

Project Ideas: Slouchy beanies, baby cardigans, textured cowls.

5. Double Crochet (dc) / UK Treble Crochet (tr)  

The double crochet is a tall, open stitch ideal for drapey fabrics.

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - Connie Lee Lynch

Texture/Feel: Airy, flexible, excellent drape.

How to Make:

    1. Yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch.

    2. Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops).

    3. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain).

    4. Yarn over, pull through the last 2 loops.

Common Uses: Shawls, afghans, lacy scarves, summer tops.

Project Ideas: Granny squares, light throws, openwork wraps.

Intermediate Crochet Stitches (Adding Texture & Detail)

6. Treble Crochet (tr) / UK Double Treble Crochet (dtr)  

The treble crochet is taller and more open than a double crochet.

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - Fiber Flux

Texture/Feel: Very open, lacy, excellent drape.

How to Make:

    1. Yarn over twice, insert hook into next stitch.

    2. Yarn over, pull up a loop (4 loops).

    3. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops remain).

    4. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain).

    5. Yarn over, pull through the last 2 loops.

Common Uses: Lace patterns, shawls, mesh bags.

Project Ideas: Market bags, lacy shrugs, summer wraps.

Visual Suggestion: Swatch of tr/dtr mesh; video tutorial on treble crochet.

7. Double Treble Crochet (dtr) / UK Treble Treble Crochet (ttr)  

The double treble crochet is one of the tallest basic stitches, creating very openwork fabric.

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - Sass & Stitch

Texture/Feel: Ultra-lacy, airy, delicate.

How to Make:

    1. Yarn over three times, insert hook into stitch.

    2. Yarn over, pull up a loop (5 loops).

    3. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops, repeat until one loop remains.

Common Uses: Open lacework, dramatic drape.

Project Ideas: Lacy curtains, decorative scarves.

8. Bobble Stitch (bo)  

The bobble stitch creates a raised “bump” for playful texture.

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - WEBS American Yarn Store

Texture/Feel: 3D, pronounced, soft.

How to Make:

    1. Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (repeat 4–5 times in the same stitch, keeping loops on hook).

    2. Yarn over, pull through all the loops.

Variations: 3-dc, 5-dc, or 7-dc bobbles for different sizes.

Common Uses: Baby blankets, hats, pillow covers.

Project Ideas: Bobble-embellished throws, textured hats.

9. Puff Stitch  

The puff stitch is a soft, rounded cluster, less dense than a bobble.

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - OkieGirlBling’n’Things

Texture/Feel: Plush, gentle puff, less pronounced than bobble.

How to Make:

    1. Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (repeat 3–5 times), yarn over, pull through all loops.

Common Uses: Borders, hats, baby blankets.

Project Ideas: Puff-stitch headbands, textured baby hats.

10. Popcorn Stitch  

The popcorn stitch forms a compact, rounded bump.

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - Alexis Winslow

Texture/Feel: Dense, solid, “pops” out from fabric.

How to Make:

    1. Work 5 dc into the same stitch, remove hook from loop, insert into first dc, pull loop through.

Comparison: Bobble is softer, puff is looser, popcorn is firmest.

Common Uses: Throws, motif centers, decorative pillows.

Project Ideas: Popcorn flower squares, textured borders.

11. Shell Stitch  

The shell stitch creates scalloped, fan-like shapes.

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - Rich Texture Crochet

Texture/Feel: Decorative, wavy, open or dense depending on stitch used.

How to Make:

    1. Work 5 dc (or other stitches) into the same stitch or space.

Variations: sc shell, dc shell, offset shells.

Common Uses: Edgings, blankets, scarves.

Project Ideas: Shell-stitch baby blankets, decorative borders.

12. V-Stitch (v-st)  

The V-stitch forms open “V” shapes for lacy, flexible fabric.

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - DIY From Home Crochet

Texture/Feel: Open, airy, stretchy.

How to Make:   

 1. (dc, ch 1, dc) in the same stitch or space.

Variations: Use tr, hdc, or more chains for different looks.

Common Uses: Shawls, lightweight blankets, lacy tops.

Project Ideas: V-stitch infinity scarves, mesh bags.

 

13. Front Post & Back Post Double Crochet (fpdc, bpdc)  

Post stitches are worked around the post of the stitch below, not into the top loops.

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - Katieree

Texture/Feel: Deeply textured, creates ribbing and cables.

How to Make:

    1. For fpdc: Yarn over, insert hook from front to back around post, complete dc.

    2. For bpdc: Yarn over, insert hook from back to front around post, complete dc.

Common Uses: Ribbed hats, cuffs, cable patterns.

Project Ideas: Ribbed beanies, textured afghans.

Lace Crochet Stitches (Creating Delicate Fabrics)

14. Filet Mesh  

Filet crochet uses a grid of open and filled squares to create pictorial designs.

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - Poya Stitches

Texture/Feel: Lacy, grid-like, delicate.

How to Make: 

Alternate blocks of dc and chains to form open (mesh) and closed (solid) squares. Patterns emerge by strategically filling or leaving open certain blocks.

Variations: Simple mesh, intricate pictorial filet, diagonal filet.

Common Uses: Table runners, curtains, wall hangings, lace shawls.

Project Ideas: Filet heart motif scarf, personalized name banners, lacy tablecloths.

15. Picot Stitch  

The picot stitch forms a small, decorative loop—perfect for edging.

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - Pocket Yarnlings

Texture/Feel: Pointed, delicate, adds subtle texture.

How to Make:

    1. Chain 3 (or desired number), slip stitch into the first chain.

Variations: 2-ch, 3-ch, or 5-ch picots for different sizes; clustered picots for heavier trim.

Common Uses: Edging for doilies, shawls, baby blankets.

Project Ideas: Picot-edged baby booties, lace doilies, decorative scarf borders.

16. Spider Stitch  

The spider stitch is a simple lace pattern combining single crochets and chains for a subtle, all-over openwork.

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - Pamela’s Adoring Crochet

Texture/Feel: Light, flexible, slightly bumpy.

How to Make:

    1. (sc, ch 1, sc) in the same stitch, skip one stitch, repeat.

Common Uses: Shawls, wraps, summer tops.

Project Ideas: Spider stitch triangle shawl, lightweight market bags.

17. Other Common Lace Patterns  

Lace in crochet often results from creative combinations of chains, single/double crochets, and open spaces. Examples include:

 

Screen grabbed from youtube.com - Bella Coco

Solomon’s Knot: Elongated loops for ultra-lacy scarves.

Fan and Feather Lace: Alternating shells and open spaces.

Project Ideas: Lacy beach cover-ups, delicate curtains, summer wraps.

📌 New to crochet? Check out our complete guide to crochet basics with step-by-step instructions for getting started on your first project.

Advanced Crochet Stitches Techniques

Crochet has evolved to include specialized techniques that expand creative possibilities. 

Tunisian Crochet

Uses a long hook; stitches resemble a blend of knitting and crochet. Basic stitches include Tunisian simple stitch (TSS) and Tunisian knit stitch (TKS).  

Project Ideas:Textured blankets, scarves, and dishcloths.

Irish Crochet

Involves intricate motifs and raised relief elements, often joined with a mesh background.  

Project Ideas: Lace collars, vintage doilies, wedding accessories.

Tapestry Crochet:

Multiple yarns/colors are carried and worked into the fabric to create images or patterns.  

Project Ideas: Colorwork bags, graphic cushions, pictorial wall hangings.

Fair Isle Crochet

Similar to tapestry, but uses stranded colorwork for traditional Fair Isle motifs.  

Project Ideas: Colorful hats, mittens, and sweaters.

📌 Want to add color to your projects? Learn the proper techniques! Discover how to change colors in crochet with our step-by-step guide for clean color changes and beautiful colorwork patterns.

Choosing the Right Crochet Stitch

Selecting the best stitch is crucial for achieving the desired look, feel, and function. Consider:

 

✅Tip: Match your stitch to your yarn weight and fiber. For example, dense stitches with bulky yarn create sturdy baskets, while lace stitches with fine yarn make delicate shawls.

📌 Confused about hook sizes? We've got you covered! Browse our comprehensive crochet hook size chart to find the perfect hook for your project and yarn weight.

Conclusion

Crochet is an ever-evolving art. By mastering the wide spectrum of types of crochet stitches, you gain the power to create anything imaginable—from cozy, practical items to heirloom-quality lace. 

Keep experimenting, keep learning, and let your creativity lead the way. For deeper dives, explore our in-depth articles on textured, lace, and advanced crochet techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the absolute beginner crochet stitches I should learn first?

Start with the chain stitch (ch), slip stitch (sl st), and single crochet (sc/UK dc). With these, you can make scarves, dishcloths, simple bags, and even basic amigurumi. They teach you the fundamentals of yarn tension, stitch placement, and pattern reading.

How do I create textured effects in crochet using different stitches?

Textured effects come from stitches worked in clusters (bobble, puff, popcorn), stitches worked around the post (fpdc, bpdc), or combining stitch heights and placement (shells, clusters, cables). Use these for dimension in blankets, hats, and home décor.

How do I know which stitch will give me the fabric drape I want?

Stitch height and density affect drape. Taller stitches (dc, tr, dtr) and openwork patterns create flowing, flexible fabric. Short, dense stitches (sc, hdc) create structure and warmth.

Are some crochet stitches better for certain types of yarn?

Yes! Dense stitches work well with smooth, sturdy yarns (cotton, acrylic) for structure. Lacy stitches shine with lightweight, drapey fibers (bamboo, silk). Bulky yarns paired with open stitches make quick, cozy projects.

 

Related Articles: 

Knitting vs. Crochet: Which Craft Is Right for You?

How To Crochet a Blanket: A Beginner's Guide