Guides for makers, from the first stitch on.
Clear, practical guides to the skills that show up in every pattern. Start with the basics, then keep the ones you need close.
Crochet Stitches: A Beginner's Guide
Learn the six core crochet stitches from shortest to tallest, how to make each one, when to use it, and how US and UK terms differ.
Read the guide →How to Read a Crochet Pattern
Learn to read any crochet pattern with confidence. Decode abbreviations, US and UK terms, brackets, repeats, and stitch counts, step by step.
Read the guide →How to Crochet a Magic Ring
Learn to crochet a magic ring step by step, close the center with no gap, avoid the common mistakes, and start amigurumi and granny squares clean.
Read the guide →How to Crochet a Granny Square
A beginner-friendly guide to crocheting a granny square, from center ring to finished motif, with clear rounds, color changes, and blocking tips.
Read the guide →Amigurumi for Beginners
Learn amigurumi from scratch: the starter kit, the five core crochet skills, and how to count rounds so your first stuffed toy comes out neat and firm.
Read the guide →Crochet Abbreviations (US and UK)
Learn common crochet abbreviations like sc, dc, and ch, plus how US and UK terms differ so you can read any pattern with confidence.
Read the guide →Knitting Abbreviations Explained
Knitting abbreviations are short codes for stitches and actions like k, p, k2tog, and yo. Learn the common ones grouped by what they do, with UK term differences noted.
Read the guide →How to Read a Knitting Pattern
Learn to read any knitting pattern: decode k, p, and the abbreviations, follow repeats and stitch counts, read a chart, and check your gauge before you cast on.
Read the guide →How to Crochet for Beginners
A beginner's guide to crochet: the few supplies you need, how to hold the hook and yarn, the first stitches to learn, and a first project that builds real skills.
Read the guide →Types of Crochet Stitches
A tour of the types of crochet stitches: the basic height ladder, increases and decreases, textured stitches like the bobble and shell, and colorwork, with where each is used.
Read the guide →How to Chain (ch)
Learn how to work chain step by step, when to use it, the common mistakes to avoid, and how US and UK terms differ.
Read the guide →How to Slip Stitch (sl st)
Learn how to work slip stitch step by step, when to use it, the common mistakes to avoid, and how US and UK terms differ.
Read the guide →How to Single Crochet (sc)
Learn how to work single crochet step by step, when to use it, the common mistakes to avoid, and how US and UK terms differ.
Read the guide →How to Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Learn how to work half double crochet step by step, when to use it, the common mistakes to avoid, and how US and UK terms differ.
Read the guide →How to Double Crochet (dc)
Learn how to work double crochet step by step, when to use it, the common mistakes to avoid, and how US and UK terms differ.
Read the guide →How to Treble Crochet (tr)
Learn how to work treble crochet step by step, when to use it, the common mistakes to avoid, and how US and UK terms differ.
Read the guide →How to Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog)
Learn how to work a single crochet decrease step by step, when to use it, the common mistakes to avoid, and how US and UK terms differ.
Read the guide →How to Double Crochet Decrease (dc2tog)
Learn how to work a double crochet decrease step by step, when to use it, the common mistakes to avoid, and how US and UK terms differ.
Read the guide →Looking something up? Browse the stitch glossary or try the free gauge and yardage calculators.