How To Crochet The Ultimate Crochet Guide For Beginner’s Crochet

Hi my name is Matilde and I’m the owner of Mati Denmark – Denmark’s first business with crochet clothes in focus. Read this post if you want to learn how to crochet.

If you are able to, you can donate small or big amounts to say thanks for the pattern, this way I can continue to share free patterns:

See all crochet patterns here.

If you are a crochet beginner then look no further, cause here I’ll show you my tips and tricks, so you can learn how to crochet your own clothes.
Let’s go!

My goal is both to innovate and simplify crochet patterns, techniques and crochet clothing designs in general.

1. Pick a hook that you like

Go looking in your local supermarket or yarn shop and feel for a hook that is comfortable in your hand. You determine the size of the hook by looking for the “mm” – the higher the number the bigger the hook. For starters choose a hook that is 3 mm or bigger.

You can try one with a simple handle (6 mm) or one with an even more advanced handle (4 mm) for ultimate comfort.
No matter which you choose it’s important you find it comfortable or like to hold it.

2. Pick the right kind of yarn

When it comes to yarn try to look for cotton and avoid wool as it will be more difficult to unravel or yarn with many threads as it can get stuck in the hook. I recommend yarn that is woven like this or if you want some thinner yarn, this one is great for both garments and cloths.

On the yarn label it will show you what size hook is recommended – it will also say so on the website. Bare in mind you will almost always be able to use a smaller or bigger hook than recommened on the label. But this is just a good indicator to make sure the crocheting is as easy as possible.

On this page you can read more about my favourite yarns.

3. Start practising

In the next sections you will learn to crochet basic crochet techniques, learn my favourite unique stitches and learn different techniques that you can use for your crochet projects:

How to crochet the basic stitches:

When you have your materials ready it’s time to get started with crocheting!

Start by practising the smallest stitches first.
Here is how to crochet CHAINS (ch)

With chains you will have a foundation for whatever stitch you want to make.

Here are the stitches and their abbreviations in order of how big they are (= how they difficult they are).
These are US terms:

chain (ch)
slip stitch (ss)
single crochet (sc)
half double crochet (hdc)
double crochet (dc)

If you know these basic stitches you will be able to make many of my patterns.

Learn crochet stitches

Learn how to crochet CHAINLESS FOUNDATION

If you want to make garments it’s good to know chainless foundation. Chainless foundation acts as the first row or round on your project. In this playlist I show you how to make chainless foundation with three different stitches.

Other good things to learn:

• crochet in a circle (for making circle shapes for either garments or animals)
• add new yarn to your project (either by tying yarn ends together or pulling the new yarn through the stitch)
• decrease and increase (meaning to either remove or add stitches to create a specific shape)
• crocheting out from your existing crochet (this is if you want to add something extra to your project)

CROCHET STITCHES

Learn how to crochet unique stitches for your next crochet pattern. you can use these if you are thinking of designing your own crochet pattern. These are some of my personal favourite and there is a lot of stitches that I have invented myself, this will give your crochet project or crochet clothes a unique look.

ROUND MESH STITCH

Learn how to crochet this unique stitch I came up with that consists of circles and looks like tentacles.

123 TEXTURED STITCH

Learn how to crochet this textured stitch that I came up with, which is very meditative.

Buy the crochet pattern here>>

TRIANGLE MESH STITCH

Learn how to crochet a mesh stitch that I came up with, Ternion stitch.

Buy the crochet pattern here>>

HALF DOUBLE CROCHET RIB STITCH

Learn how to crochet ribbed stitches for a knit look and stretchy texture:

Buy the crochet pattern here>>

DOUBLE CROCHET MESH STITCH

Learn how to crochet mesh double crochet stitches:

Buy the crochet pattern here>>

LUCET CORD STITCH

Learn how to crochet an old viking stitch as a cord:

LOOP STITCH

Learn how to crochet the loop stitch as seen on the Freya jacket. You can also cut and brush it (like I show in the video) and get a faux fur look which is both plastic free and vegan as you will be using cotton yarn.

Buy the crochet pattern for Freya jacket here>>

UNIQUE LACE STITCH

WAVE STITCH

Here’s how to crochet a 70’s crochet stitch with beautiful and unique texture. This is a stitch I learned from a Danish vintage crochet book from the late 70‘s.

Buy the crochet pattern here (incl. video tutorial)>>

MATI MESH STITCH

Learn how to crochet a unique lace mesh stitch that I came up wirh.

Buy the crochet pattern here>>

More crochet stitches:

4. Choosing a project

I don’t think you need to start out with a basic square – but if you’re just interested in making household items this is a good start. You could also try out my free pattern for a crochet handbag – this is basically just a square but more fun than a kitchen cloth.

If you are more into making garments you need to pick a simple garment to start out with.
Preferably one with no increases or decreases or one that is either just 1 panel worked in rows (like a backless top) or one with a video or video tutorial that comes along.

Crochet top patterns for beginners

Here are some crochet beginner patterns I recommend.

Learn crochet techniques for your next project:

In the following video tutorials you can learn how to crochet (or add to your crochet) with a numerous of different techniques and stitches. Let your imagination run wild and find inspiration for an exisiting pattern, let them help you understand how to make clothes and find ways to make your own crochet pattern.

HOW TO ADD ELASTIC TO YOUR CROCHET

Elastic thread (1 mm)
HOW TO USE ELASTIC THREAD:

Elastic thread is super fun to work with. I use it in my crochet rows to add this ruched effect – the same way you would add it to a sewed item, but here you just manually insert it and crochet around it. I also sometimes just use it in one area of the row to make one area more tight.

Buy the crochet pattern for this ruched top here>>

How to crochet with elastic thread:

Thin elastic band (5 mm)

HOW TO USE THIN ELASTIC BAND (4 ways):

Have you ever tried adding elastic bands to your crochet? You can add it to the edge, all around or just one area where you want to tighten the crochet or make it stretchy. You can even add it into your crochet straps, see below.

1. Elastic edge going all around the body

Buy crochet pattern here>>

2. Elastic edge just on 1 row

Buy crochet pattern here>>

With this crochet dress pattern you learn how to crochet a romantic dress with elastic thread in the waist and thin elastic band in the edge of the top for a comfortable and ruched effect.

3. Elastic straps and edge

Buy crochet pattern here>>

Another use of this elastic is to create ruffles in both edge and straps. Kind of like how a scrunchie works. This both creates a ruched effect on the bra cups as well as making the dress more comfortable.

How to make an elastic crochet strap:

4. Elastic shoulders

Buy the crochet pattern here>>

Here’s an example of a crochet top with long sleeves and rib, where I only inserted elastic in one area of the sleeve – the top edge – this way it holds the sleeve in place plus makes it a more comfortable crochet blouse top wear.

How to add elastic band anywhere:

Wide elastic band (30-35 mm)

HOW TO USE WIDE ELASTIC BAND (2 ways):

Here are the ways I use wide elastic band for my crochet projects.

1. Elastic waist

Buy crochet pattern combo here>>

2. Invisible elastic waist

How to insert invisible elastic in the waist of your crochet skirt, shorts etc:

Here’s a crochet set with an example of invisible elastic edges. The top uses thin elastic band and the skirt uses wide elastic band.

Buy the pattern combo here>>

More crochet techniques…

PENDANT WITH BEADS

How to make a beaded pendant for your bag or crochet clothes:

FLOWER EMBROIDERY

Learn how to make simple flowers on your crochet clothes with this embroidery tutorial:

GRANNY RECTANGLE

I didn’t know what to call this because technically it is not a granny square, but a rectangle. I use it for Althea top but you can use it for a number of different things. How about making them in a big version and using it for a jute bag? Try this free crochet pattern for a granny rectangle bag.

BEADED CROCHET

Check out this video tutorial and learn how to crochet with beads. With this tutorial I teach you how to add beads to your crochet clothes. I have added beads to my Florence top, but you can add it to any crochet project where you are working in rows or rounds.

CONNECTING PANELS

How to crochet on the side of the row and how to connect crochet panels with your crochet. This is instead of sewing – the good thing about this is that you can easily unravel if needed whereas sewing is harder to undo without wasting yarn.

SPAGHETTI STRAPS

To fulfil the Y2K and 90’s crochet look you will need spaghetti straps. They are simple and elegant and so easy to crochet:

FLOWER EMBROIDERY

If you want to make your crochet clothes even more unique why not add this flower and leaf embroidery? It is actually quite simple. Get the free crochet tutorial here:

BRA CUPS

This is the tutorial I use for many of my designs with bra cups. Learn how to crochet a bra cup in any size:

COWL NECK

Learn how to shape a cowl neck. You will need this tutorial for making the Jolene dress, Jolene top, Aronia dress and the free crochet pattern Aronia top.

LABELS

Check out this video tutorial and learn how to sew labels on your crochet clothes:

FELTET CROCHET

Maybe you have crocheted a sweater and want to shrink it or learn how to make it more sturdy. Then try out this felting tutorial:

5. Understanding construction

Depending on what kind of project you want to make there will be different kinds of constructions. This can be working in rows, rounds or in a circle. Backless tops will be in rows. Garments that go all around the body – like regular tops, sweaters or dresses can be made both in rounds or in rows (individual panels that are put together in the end). Then there are things like shapes and calculating increase and decrease to get a specific angle to the specific area of your project.

To learn this in a very simple way I have created a crochet course.

Check out my beginner’s video course on construction here.

6. Taking measurements

Most of my recent patterns follows measurements. And even if they don’t it’s always good to have an idea of what your body measures so you are able to figure out what size you are closest to. This video will show you how and where to measure.

SMALLER CROCHET PATTERNS FOR BEGINNERS:

How to weave in the ends:

Here’s how you can sew in you yarn ends once you’re done with your crochet project:

More crochet tips and tricks:

Take your time

… and have patience.
Learning anything new takes time. But just spending 10 minutes everyday on doing some stitches or working on a project can really go a long way. It’s okay to make mistakes or to finish a project that didn’t turn out how you planned – that’s part of crocheting even when you’ve done it for years or are doing it professionally.
Be kind to yourself – it’s about the journey not the destination.

Remember that you are always welcome to contact me if you need any more help in your crochet journey.

Happy crocheting!

GET FREE CROCHET PATTERNS FOR BEGINNERS HERE

Learn how to crochet beautiful, simple and romantic clothes for women and girls

Here you’ll find all crochet patterns for crochet clothes and crochet accessories. Learn to crochet clothes for girls and women, such as dresses, bags, crochet sweaters, pants, shorts and skirts. Always make sure to measure the first row or round against your body – and stretch it – as the measurements and calculations given are only suggestions.
Explore the many timeless crochet designs made for simple people who want beautiful crochet clothes for everyday and party. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter or completely new, there are crochet patterns for you. So look around, get inspired and find your own self-love and confidence while crocheting something beautiful for yourself.

Crochet patterns for crochet tops and vests

Here you will find crochet tops – both a simple crochet strap top, a crochet top with a cowl neckline or a crochet vest. You will find both sleeveless crochet tops, crochet long-sleeved blouses and if you look under crochet sweaters you will also find crochet summer sweaters that can easily be used as a long-sleeved top.

Patterns for crocheted skirts and dresses

In this crochet category you will find, for example, a crochet wrap dress, a crochet bodycon dress, a crochet rock romantic dress or, for example, a crochet tunic for the beach or to wear over jeans. You will also find crochet skirts – both a pattern for a crochet beach skirt with unique crochet stitches, a tight-fitting crochet skirt in a rib pattern (crochet that looks like knitting) as well as a crochet mini skirt with elastic at the waist and a slit in the side.

Patterns for crocheted sweaters, jackets and cardigans

Here are both crocheted sweaters for summer and winter, crocheted striped sweaters (if you want to crochet a sweater in scrap yarn, for example), a crocheted chunky sweater that resembles a chunky knit, and light, crocheted sweaters with a lace pattern.

Crochet accessory patterns

Crochet accessories, for example, crochet for the home such as crochet dishcloths and crochet tea towels, a crochet plant hanger, learn to crochet a jute scrubber for cleaning in the home, a crochet net that can handle a lot of weight or a crochet tote bag or crochet task for the beach or city trip. You will also find a crochet pattern for a crochet hat – both with a wide brim and a crocheted bully hat. Learn to crochet socks in a super simple way and learn to crochet a mini scarf or, for example, a crocheted rose or crocheted earrings that look like leaves and flowers.

Patterns for crocheted shorts and pants

Whether you like crochet that looks like knitwear in the form of a pair of ribbed crochet shorts with an elastic waist, or a more romantic style such as crochet shorts with embroidered flowers, crochet biker shorts or crochet pants with a seashell pattern, there is something for you. With these simple crochet patterns you can learn how to crochet pants and shorts in any style and size.