What is crochet?

What can you crochet?

Crochet is very versatile. Once you learn the basics, you can create:
 • coasters
 • scarves
 • baskets
 • toys (amigurumi)
 • clothing
 • home décor items
Crochet allows both simple and very complex patterns, making it suitable for everyone.

Why learn to crochet?

 • reduces stress
 • develops creativity
 • gives quick results
 • easy to start – only a hook and yarn needed
 • practical – you can create useful items

What should a beginner know?

 • crochet is a process, not a race
 • hand tension may be uneven at first – this is normal
 • movements become easier after 10–15 minutes of practice
 • patience and consistency matter more than perfection
 • everyone makes mistakes, even experienced crafters

Goal of this beginner’s guide

To help you:
 • understand the basics
 • learn essential stitches
 • complete first exercises
 • crochet your first project
 • feel confident to continue

Tools and materials

Crochet hooks

A crochet hook is the main tool used for crochet. Hooks can be made of metal, plastic, bamboo, or wood.
They come in different sizes: the thicker the yarn, the larger the hook needed.
For beginners, a 4–5 mm hook with medium‑weight yarn is recommended.

Yarn

Yarn can be made of cotton, acrylic, wool, or blends.
Each yarn has a label indicating its thickness.
For beginners, medium‑weight (Worsted / No. 4) yarn is the easiest to work with.

Additional tools

Useful extra tools include:
 • scissors
 • yarn needle
 • stitch markers
 • measuring tape

Beginner’s recommended set

 • 4–5 mm hook
 • medium‑weight cotton or acrylic yarn
 • a few stitch markers
 • scissors
 • yarn needle

Goal of this section
To help beginners understand which tools they need and how to choose them.

Key symbols and abbreviations

International symbols

Crochet charts use universal symbols understood worldwide.
Each symbol represents a stitch: chain, single crochet, double crochet, etc.
Knowing these symbols allows you to read patterns from any country.

Lithuanian abbreviations:

	OK	chain
	St	stitch
	St su užm.	double crochet
	Pst	half double crochet
	Sl	slip stitch
	MŽ	magic ring

English abbreviations (US terms)

	ch	chain
	sc	single crochet
	hdc	half double crochet
	dc	double crochet
	sl st	slip stitch
	MR	magic ring

How to read charts?

Crochet charts are read by following the placement of symbols:
 • round patterns are read clockwise
 • rows are read row by row
 • each symbol represents one action
 

Goal of this section
To help beginners understand how to read crochet charts and recognize symbols and abbreviations.

 

Basic movements and posture

How to hold the hook?

There are two main ways to hold a crochet hook:
 • Pencil grip – holding the hook like a pencil
 • Knife grip – holding the hook like a knife
Both are correct. Choose the one that feels most natural.

How to hold the yarn?

The yarn should be held in a way that allows easy tension control.
Usually, the yarn is wrapped around the index finger, while the other fingers help maintain steady tension.

Hand tension

Beginners often hold their hands too tightly.
It is important to:
 • crochet slowly
 • take breaks
 • relax shoulders and wrists
 

Basic movement: yarn over

Yarn over is one of the most essential crochet movements.
It is done by wrapping the yarn around the hook and pulling it through a loop.

Movement rhythm

Crochet has a natural rhythm:
 • insert the hook
 • yarn over
 • pull through
 • complete the stitch

Goal of this section
To help beginners understand how to hold the hook and yarn, control tension, and perform basic movements.
 

First project for a beginner

Choosing the project

The first project should be simple and repetitive.
Good options include:
 • a coaster
 • a small square
 • a straight strip
 • a small doily

Materials needed

 • 4–5 mm hook
 • medium‑weight yarn
 • scissors
 • yarn needle

Steps from start to finish

 1. Make the required number of chain stitches.
 2. Crochet single crochet or half double crochet stitches.
 3. Repeat rows until the desired size is reached.
 4. Finish with a slip stitch.
 5. Weave in the ends.

Common mistakes

 • yarn held too tightly
 • uneven stitches
 • missing stitches at row edges
 • crocheting too fast
 

How to care for crocheted items?

Hand washing

Handmade items keep their shape best when washed by hand.
Use:
 • lukewarm water
 • gentle detergent
 • slow, gentle movements
Avoid rubbing or wringing — this can deform the piece.

Machine washing

If the yarn allows it, machine washing is possible, but only:
 • on a gentle cycle
 • inside a laundry bag
 • at a low temperature (30 °C)
Always check the yarn label.

Drying

Never dry crocheted items by hanging, as they may stretch out.
Recommended:
 • dry horizontally
 • on a towel
 • avoid direct sunlight

Ironing

Most crocheted items should not be ironed directly.
If needed:
 • use low temperature
 • iron through a cloth
 • do not use steam if the yarn is sensitive to heat

Storage

To help items keep their shape:
 • store folded, not hanging
 • avoid moisture
 • protect from moths (especially wool)