Beginner Crochet Stitches

Crochet is such an exciting hobby, that I do not know where to begin! I often use basic beginner crochet stitches to create gifts for friends and family. Simple stitch patterns, like the one I’m sharing today, are easy to adjust to the size and shape that I want for the specific project.

Using easy stitches and a few modifications, I can quickly create a crocheted afghan or crocheted scarf. You can too!

This needlework technique does not require hours of sweating over a symbol-laden pattern grid or tedious time figuring out the patterns instructions. Even better, this methodology works especially well when the projects do not require extensive shaping or increases/decreases – such as crocheted blankets, crocheted scarves or tote bags.

If you are new to this type of needlework, think of crochet as a technique for creating fabric by pulling thread or yarn through self-made loops to generate a fabric surface. While many intricate shapes “can” be made with crochet, today, we’re looking at flat surfaces and square or rectangle shapes.

The sample project ideas below are ideal for crocheting on the go, or when you are under a time crunch to deliver a finished gift. These projects rely on simple, repetitive patterns that allow you to develop a routine quickly. Within a few rows, the finished product begins to emerge from the yards of yarn, which makes the process quite fun!

Let’s get started.

Introduction to the Woven Stitch 

This softly textured stitch is one of my favorites for a crocheted afghan or baby blanket.  It is lightweight and the stitches are simple, making it a wonderfully fast project for crochet. The stitch is presented as the Woven Stitch on page 373 of the Complete Guide to Needlework (Reader’s Digest) book. This book is my go-to resource for needlework fundamentals and usually available at Amazon.com at a very reasonable cost, especially if you choose from the selections posted by individual sellers. 

The woven stitch has many nicknames. I’ve seen it presented as the seed stitch, the moss stitch, and the granite stitch. Nicknames notwithstanding, why does this simple stitch carry so many names?  The truth is that stitch names are abundant in crochet. As stitches were passed down between generations, these popular stitches (especially the easy ones) were named and renamed to fit the look of the design or regional preferences. 

The design requires a chain in multiples of 3 chain stitches plus 3.  What that means is to make the foundation chain to the width that you want. Then, verify that the stitch count is a multiple of 3. Next, add 3 more chain stitches before turning. The second row is one single crochet in alternate chain stitches of the foundation chain with a chain stitch between every single crochet.

So, in other words, create the chain and turn at the end. Single crochet, chain 1, single crochet, to the end of the row and turn, repeat.

For those familiar with crochet terminology, here are the instructions written in a classic style for crochet patterns. 

Required Resources:

• Yarn – I love the feel of Caron’s Simply Soft yarn for afghans and scarves.
• Crochet Hook (size as specified on the yarn wrap)
• Scissors
• Finishing needle
• Adequate Lighting

Skills Required:

 Chain stitch (ch)

 Single Crochet (sc)

The Woven Stitch Pattern:

Description: Beginner level – Single crochet stitches worked in single chain spaces to create a patterned, textured fabric.

Starting row is a multiple of three chain stitches (the width for finished item) plus three chain stitches. 

Row 1: skip 2 ch, 1 sc (into 3rd ch from end of starting row) *ch 1, sk 1 ch, 1sc*, ch 2, turn

 Row 2: *1 sc in the ch sp of Row 1, ch1*, 1 sc in the turning ch sp, ch 2, turn

 Repeat Row 2 until complete. Use the finishing needle to weave in the long tail strands at the beginning and end of the piece. Clip the yarn strands closely with the beautiful vintage-style scissors. 

Crocheted Woven Stitch Scarves

Our first project using the woven stitch is a set of crocheted scarves for the Knit Your Bit program. This charity program honors veterans and delivers warm hand-crafted scarves throughout the country. For these scarves, I used two strands of contrasting yarns in the same weight for a chunky stitch. These were ideal for this nationwide charity program and was rewarding to me as a contributor.

 To create this look, use a ruler to determine the width at the bottom – probably 6″ to 9″ wide – depending on your preference. The length of a scarf is typically 50″ but can be customized for the recipient. This technique results in a thick and cozy textile fabric.  

For a twist, the starting chain could be the length of the scarf and the individual rows along the length until the desired width is reached. 

Summary

And that’s it! With these simple stitches, beautiful gifts (or gifts for yourself) can be created without the constraints of pattern instructions. Give it a try. Reach out on our Crochet Getaway Facebook Group to share your success!

More about crochet…