Start here · a little extra help
Choose tools you can see clearly
The hook catches a strand of yarn and pulls it through a loop. Its size is the width of the shaft, measured in millimetres (mm). A larger hook usually makes larger loops with the same yarn; it does not automatically make a better stitch.
A yarn needle is different from a crochet hook: it has an eye for threading yarn and a blunt point for sewing ends into the fabric. A stitch marker is a removable marker that clips into a stitch so you can find it again. Never use a closed ring that will get trapped in crochet.
Your small practice goal
Choose one smooth, pale yarn and its suggested hook size. Find the hook shaft, yarn needle and marker before starting.
Picture it
Select the diagram to open it at full size. Use the written steps for the actual hook movements.
Words you’ll meet
No need to memorise these. Keep them nearby and look up a word whenever you need it. This guide uses UK names, with US equivalents explained.
Open the plain-English word guide · 7 terms
Chain · ch
A small loop pulled through the loop on your hook. A line of chains often forms the starting edge.
UK dc / US sc
UK double crochet is called single crochet in US patterns. They are the same short stitch.
DK · double knitting
A yarn thickness name. Despite the name, DK yarn can be used for crochet.
Aran
A yarn thickness name, generally thicker than DK. Check the label and your gauge rather than relying only on the name.
mm · millimetres
A unit of length: ten millimetres make one centimetre. Hook diameter is often shown in mm.
Hook shaft
The straight part of the hook behind the shaped tip. Its diameter helps set the size of the loops.
Stitch marker
A removable clip or scrap of contrasting yarn used to mark a stitch or place in the work.
Quick note: this guide uses UK crochet names. UK double crochet is US single crochet.
The useful little kit
Choose a smooth, light-coloured yarn so the loops are easy to spot. DK or aran is a friendly place to begin. Try the hook size suggested on its band, plus two stitch markers, scissors, a ruler and a blunt yarn needle. A scrap of contrasting yarn can be a marker too.
Make yourself comfortable
- Try holding the hook like a pencil, then like a small dinner knife. Choose whichever feels relaxed.
- Let the ball end of the yarn run through your other hand. You want it to slide, not squeeze your fingers.
- Make a short chain, pause and shake out your hands. You are learning a movement, not racing anyone.
A tiny first goal
Aim for ten relaxed chains, not a perfect blanket. Put your first attempt in a little project bag with the yarn band. Later you will be able to see how far you have come. Save fluffy, very dark or slippery yarn for when you can recognise your stitches more easily.
Sources & further learning
Checked 24 October 2026. Written in UK terms, with US equivalents where useful. Follow a project's own stitch key if it differs. These are original explanations and practice exercises, not copies of the linked publishers' patterns.