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Learn Crochet Beginner Basics

Links to places on the Web where you can learn the basics of crocheting, from the first slip knot and beginning chain, the basic crochet stitches and finishing techniques.
Basic Techniques Photos for Learning Crocheting
At About Crochet: Photos showing close looks at crocheting that teach some basic techniques like the meaning of the second chain from hook in a starting chain, skip a stitch and more. The stitches are marked on the photos for easy understanding and learning.
How To Single Crochet Step-By-Step
Photos showing the steps for making a single crochet stitch. Learn how to crochet.
First Steps In Learning To Crochet
Someone who has never crocheted before can follow the links on this page to learn the basics. Tutorials can also be handy for crocheters to brush up on their skills. Links to free easy patterns for beginners are also listed.
How to Make a Crochet Starting Chain
Step-by-step photos show in easy steps how to make a starting chain for crochet, which is the first step for learning crocheting. If you've ever thought about learning how to crochet, this is the place to start.
How To Make A Crocheted Slip Stitch
At About Crochet: Instructions for doing a crocheted slip stitch, along with a list of some ways that slip stitches are used in crochet patterns.
Basic Stitches Used In Crocheting
At About Crochet: A list of the most basic stitches used in crocheting. Links to instructions for learning how to do those crochet stitches.
Crocheting Half Circles Pattern Instructions and Photos
Photo examples and pattern directions for crocheting half circles in single crochet. A link to a page for making a half circle in double crochet stitches is included.
Around Ring (with Photos)
Crochet at About.com: Photos showing steps for crocheting around a hair elastic for the first round of a scrunchie. This will also help you know how to crochet around a plastic ring or around a crocheted chain that's closed with slip stitch to form a circle.
Back Loop (with Photos)
Crochet at About.com: Photos with back loop portion circled and also showing crochet hook inserted in stitch ready to crochet in back loop only.
Changing Colors in Crochet
At About Crochet: A diagram and explanation for changing to a new color while completing the old color stitch.
Crocheting in A Chain Space (Photos)
At About Crochet: Scroll to the bottom of the page for photos that show how to crochet in a chain-1 space. You would use the same method for crocheting into any size chain space (chain-2, chain-3, etc.)
Decreasing How-to with Photos
Crochet at About.com: Step by step photos showing how to decrease in single crochet.
Joining Crocheted Pieces (Sew and Non-Sew)
At About Crochet: Photos showing how to sew together or crochet together, including a join-as-you-go method.
Single Crochet Step-By-Step (Photos)
At About Crochet: Close-up photos showing steps in crocheting a single crochet stitch.
Starting Chain How-to (Photos)
Crochet at About.com: Step by step photos showing how to make a starting chain, beginning with the very first slip knot.
Multiple Of - Explained For Starting Chain
At About Crochet: What does it mean when a pattern says to crochet a multiple of a certain number for the starting chain? This page explains and gives examples.
Weaving In Ends
About Crochet: Photos illustrate how to weave in the ends on a finished crochet piece, to secure the yarn, so that it will not unravel over time. (Photos)
Abbreviations and More
At Crochet N More: Abbreviations for crochet terms, with detailed explanations.
Basics for Left-handers (Illus.)
At CGOA: For left-handed people - holding the crochet hook, making a slip knot, foundation chain, turning chain, yarn over, fasten off.
Basic Stitches Left-handers (Illus.)
At CGOA: Halfway down the page, see Getting Started: The Stitches. Click on each stitch name to go to illustrations explaining how to do that crochet stitch, for left-handed people.
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