How to Crochet Basic Stitches: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Now that you are familiar with crochet terminology, it’s time to put that knowledge into action! Knowing how to crochet basic stitches is the foundation of every handmade creation, especially when it comes to amigurumi. While patterns tell you what to do, this guide will show you exactly how to do it with detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Crochet Basic Stitches with Confidence

In this tutorial, we will break down each movement—from how to insert your hook to mastering the perfect “yarn over.” To make things even easier, I’ve included a quick video for every stitch so you can follow along at your own pace. Whether you’re starting your first magic ring or working into the back loops only, you’ll find everything you need right here.

1. Slip Knot

There are several ways to make a slip knot, and most crocheters have their favorite method. The goal is always the same: to create a secure, adjustable loop on your hook to begin your work.

Method A: The Classic Finger Loop

This is the most common way for beginners to start. You form a circle with your yarn, pull the working yarn through the center with your fingers to create a loop, and then insert your hook.

Method B: The Professional Hook Method (My Favorite!)

In my tutorials and patterns, I prefer this method because it uses the same hand movements as starting a Magic Ring, making your workflow much faster once you get the hang of it.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Wrap the yarn: Drape the yarn over your index and middle fingers, forming an “X” on top.
2. Insert the hook: Slide your hook under the first strand of the “X.”
3. The Hook & Pull: Grab the second (back) strand with your hook and pull it under the first one.
4. The Twist: As you pull the loop through, give your hook a slight twist to create the knot, then pull both ends to tighten it snugly around the hook.

How to Crochet Basic Stitches by EmmaS Dolls

2. Chain Stitch (ch)

Once your slip knot is ready, the chain stitch is the next building block you’ll need. In amigurumi, we use it for starting oval shapes or for turning chains in flat pieces.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Yarn Over (yo): With the slip knot on your hook, bring the hook under and then over the yarn (back to front).
2. The Draw: Catch the yarn with your hook and pull it through the loop already on your hook.
3. One chain made: You have now completed one chain stitch!
4. Repeat: Simply repeat the “yarn over and pull through” process for as many chains as the pattern requires.

Pro Tip: Keep your tension consistent. If your chains are too tight, it will be hard to work into them in the next round.

How to Crochet Basic Stitches by EmmaS Dolls

3. The Magic Ring (mr)

The Magic Ring (also known as a Magic Circle) is the secret to starting an amigurumi project without a hole in the center. Unlike the traditional chain method, the magic ring can be pulled tight, closing the gap completely.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Form a loop: Lay the yarn tail across your palm and wrap the working yarn around your fingers to create a loop, crossing it over the tail to form an “X.”
2. Insert hook: Slide your hook under the first strand of the “X” and catch the second strand (the working yarn).
3. Pull and twist: Pull the working yarn under the first strand and give your hook a slight upward twist to create a small loop on the hook.
4. Secure the ring: Yarn over with the working yarn and pull through the loop on your hook (this is like a chain 1). Your ring is now secure and ready!
5. Work into the ring: Insert your hook into the center of the large loop (making sure to go over both the loop and the yarn tail) and work the number of single crochets required by your pattern.
6. Pull it tight: Once you have finished your stitches, hold your work and pull the yarn tail firmly. Watch as the center hole magically disappears!

How to Crochet Basic Stitches by EmmaS Dolls

4. Single Crochet (sc)

The single crochet is the most common stitch in amigurumi. It creates a tight, dense fabric that is perfect for keeping the stuffing inside your dolls.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Insert hook: Push your hook into the next stitch (under both loops of the “V” shape from the previous row).
2. Yarn Over (yo): Wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front.
3. Pull up a loop: Pull the yarn through the stitch. You should now have two loops on your hook.
4. Yarn Over again: Wrap the yarn over your hook once more.
5. Final Draw: Pull the yarn through both loops on your hook.
6. One sc made: You now have one single crochet stitch completed and one loop remaining on your hook.

Pro Tip: In amigurumi, we usually work in a continuous spiral. To keep track of your first single crochet of the round, always use a stitch marker!

The Secret to Perfect Amigurumi: “V” vs “X” Stitch

Did you know that the way you wrap your yarn can completely change the look of your doll? While most beginners use the standard Yarn Over (YO) method, many professional amigurumi artists prefer the Yarn Under (YU) technique.

1. Yarn Over (Standard – “V” Shape): In this method, you wrap the yarn over your hook. This creates a slightly taller, softer stitch that looks like a little “V.” It’s great for general crochet projects.

2. Yarn Under (The “X” Shape): Instead of wrapping over, you catch the yarn by placing your hook on top of the strand and pulling it under.

Why use Yarn Under?

• The “X” Look: It creates a distinct “X” shape that looks very neat and professional.
• Tighter Tension: The stitches are naturally tighter and more compact, which means your doll will be a tiny bit smaller but much firmer.
• Less Stretching: Because the stitches are so dense, they hold their shape better when stuffed, and you won’t see any of the filling peeking through.

My Tip: If you want that signature professional amigurumi texture, try practicing the “Yarn Under” method. It might feel a bit different at first, but the results are worth it!

How to Crochet Basic Stitches by EmmaS Dolls

5. Half Double Crochet (hdc)

The half double crochet is the perfect middle ground between a single and a double crochet. It adds a bit of height to your work but remains dense enough for amigurumi projects. We often use it for ears, clothes, or rounded shapes.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Yarn Over (yo): Before you insert your hook, wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front.
2. Insert hook: Push your hook into the next stitch.
3. Pull up a loop: Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook.
4. Final Yarn Over: Wrap the yarn over your hook once more.
5. The Draw Through: Pull the yarn through all three loops on your hook at the same time.
6. Complete: You have now finished one half double crochet stitch!

Pro Tip: When working hdc in rows, your turning chain is usually two chains (ch 2), though some designers prefer one (ch 1) for a tighter edge.

How to Crochet Basic Stitches by EmmaS Dolls

6. Double Crochet (dc)

The double crochet is a tall, elegant stitch that creates a softer and more flexible fabric than the single crochet. In amigurumi, we mostly use it for decorative elements like doll dresses, flower petals, or scarves.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Yarn Over (yo): Before you start, wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front.
2. Insert hook: Push your hook into the next stitch.
3. Pull up a loop: Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook.
4. First Draw Through: Yarn over and pull the yarn through only the first two loops on your hook. You will have two loops remaining.
5. Second Draw Through: Yarn over once more and pull the yarn through the last two loops on your hook.
6. Complete: You have now finished one double crochet!

Pro Tip: Because this stitch is quite tall, it creates larger gaps between the stitches. I don’t recommend using it for the body of your toy, as the stuffing might show through!

How to Crochet Basic Stitches by EmmaS Dolls

7. Treble Crochet (tc)

The treble crochet (also called triple crochet) is even taller than the double crochet. It creates a very loose and draped fabric. While it’s rarely used for the main body of an amigurumi, it is fantastic for creating long, thin shapes or decorative frills.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Yarn Over Twice (yo x2): Wrap the yarn over your hook two times before inserting it into the stitch. You should have three loops on your hook.
2. Insert hook: Push your hook into the next stitch.
3. Pull up a loop: Yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch. You should now have four loops on your hook.
4. First Draw Through: Yarn over and pull through the first two loops only (3 loops left on hook).
5. Second Draw Through: Yarn over and pull through the next two loops (2 loops left on hook).
6. Final Draw Through: Yarn over one last time and pull through the remaining two loops.
7. Complete: You have now finished one treble crochet!

How to Crochet Basic Stitches by EmmaS Dolls

8. Increase (inc)

An increase is used to add extra stitches to your round, which makes your crochet piece grow wider. In amigurumi, this is how we create rounded shapes like heads and bodies.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. First sc: Work one complete single crochet (sc) into the next stitch as you normally would.
2. Second sc: Insert your hook back into the exact same stitch you just used.
3. Complete: Work a second single crochet into that same spot.
4. Result: You have now turned one stitch from the previous row into two stitches.

The Invisible Increase (Pro Tip)

If you want your amigurumi to look extra smooth and professional, I highly recommend using the Invisible Increase. This method is fantastic because it eliminates the small gaps or “stretching” that can sometimes happen with the standard method.

How to do it:

1. First sc (BLO): Insert your hook into the next stitch, but only into the Back Loop Only (BLO), and complete your first single crochet.
2. Second sc (Both loops): Insert your hook back into that same stitch, but this time go under both loops as usual, and complete your second single crochet.

Why use it? By working the first stitch in the back loop and the second in both, you fill the space more densely. This ensures that even when your toy is firmly stuffed, no gaps will appear in your increases.

How to Crochet Basic Stitches by EmmaS Dolls

9. Decrease (dec)

A decrease is the opposite of an increase; it joins two stitches together to make the round smaller. This is how we shape the narrowing of a head, a neck, or the end of a limb.

Standard Decrease (sc2tog)

This is the traditional way to decrease, often called “single crochet two together.”

1. Insert hook: Put your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
2. Insert again: Insert your hook into the following stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
3. Complete: Yarn over and pull through all three loops at once.

Invisible Decrease (Best for Amigurumi!)

For toys, I always recommend the Invisible Decrease. The standard method can leave small bumps or gaps, but this version is almost impossible to see on the finished project.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Front Loops Only: Insert your hook into the front loop only of the first stitch.
2. Pick up the second loop: Without wrapping the yarn, immediately insert your hook into the front loop only of the next stitch. You now have two front loops on your hook plus the original loop.
3. Yarn Over: Wrap the yarn over your hook and pull it through the first two loops (the front loops).
4. Finish: Yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops on your hook.

Why use it? Since you are only using the front loops, the decrease stays flat and matches the texture of your other stitches, keeping your amigurumi surface perfectly smooth.

How to Crochet Basic Stitches by EmmaS Dolls

10. Slip Stitch (sl st)

The slip stitch is the shortest of all crochet stitches. Unlike the single crochet, it doesn’t add height to your work. In amigurumi, we mainly use it to join rounds or to create a clean, finished edge when we “fasten off” a piece.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Insert hook: Push your hook into the next stitch.
2. Yarn Over (yo): Wrap the yarn over your hook.
3. The Draw Through: Pull the yarn through the stitch and immediately through the loop that was already on your hook.
4. Complete: You now have one slip stitch done and one loop remaining on your hook.

Pro Tip: Keep your slip stitches relatively loose if you plan to crochet into them later. They tend to be tighter than regular stitches, which can make the next round a bit challenging!

How to Crochet Basic Stitches by EmmaS Dolls

11. Skip Stitch (sk st)

As the name suggests, “skipping a stitch” means you don’t work into the next stitch at all. In amigurumi, we use this to create openings (for example, where a safety eye might go) or to create specific shapes in more complex patterns.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Identify the stitch: Look at the next stitch in your row where you would normally insert your hook.
2. Move past it: Simply ignore that stitch and insert your hook into the following stitch instead.
3. Complete the next stitch: Work whatever stitch the pattern calls for (usually a single crochet or a chain) into that second stitch.
4. Result: You will see a small gap or space where the skipped stitch was left empty.

How to Crochet Basic Stitches by EmmaS Dolls

12. Back Loop Only (BLO)

Normally, we insert the hook under both loops of a stitch (the “V” shape on top). When a pattern says BLO, it means you should only work into the loop that is furthest away from you.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Identify the loops: Look at the top of your next stitch. You will see two strands of yarn forming a “V.” The one closest to you is the front loop, and the one further away is the back loop.
2. Insert hook: Instead of going under both, insert your hook only into the center of the “V” and push it through to the back of your work.
3. Complete the stitch: Yarn over and complete your single crochet (or whichever stitch the pattern requires) as usual.
4. Result: You will see a thin horizontal line (a “ridge”) left on the front of your work.

Why use it? Working in BLO allows you to create sharp corners or flat bases. It also leaves the front loops free, so you can later go back and attach details like hair, ruffles, or skirts!

How to Crochet Basic Stitches by EmmaS Dolls

13. Front Loop Only (FLO)

When a pattern calls for FLO, you will only work into the strand of the stitch that is closest to you. This technique is often used to make a piece flare out suddenly (like a ruffle or the bottom of a dress) or to prepare for an invisible decrease.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Identify the loops: Look at the “V” shape on top of your next stitch. The strand of yarn that is nearer to your body is the front loop.
2. Insert hook: Slide your hook from the bottom up, through the center of the “V,” so that only the front strand is on your hook.
3. Complete the stitch: Yarn over and finish your stitch as you normally would.
4. Result: This leaves the back loops unworked on the inside of your piece, creating a flexible “hinge” that allows the fabric to fold outward.

How to Crochet Basic Stitches by EmmaS Dolls

Ready to Start Your Crochet Journey?

Now that you’ve mastered the essential stitches, it’s time to put your skills into practice! Whether you are a beginner or looking for your next creative project, I have plenty of resources to help you along the way.

Explore My Free Patterns If you’re ready to pick up your hook right now, head over to my Patterns ♡ section. You can start with something soft and cuddly like the Plush Bunny, or add a splash of color to your room with the Rainbow pattern. These free versions are available right here on the blog for everyone to enjoy!

Prefer Working Offline?

If you like to crochet on the go, without distractions or ads, I’ve got you covered. You can find high-quality, easy-to-print PDF versions of all my designs in my Etsy and Ravelry shops. Purchasing a pattern is also a wonderful way to support my work so I can keep creating more designs for you!

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How to Crochet Basic Stitches by EmmaS Dolls