The Slip Stitch

Now that we have a basic knowledge of what crochet is, and now that we know how to read those pesky labels, let's start crocheting!

For this first exercise, you will need a standard size H/8-5.00mm crochet hook.

You will also need medium weight acrylic yarn. I do not recommend using expensive yarn, for people who are just beginning. Get the cheap stuff and figure out how to make this work for you before you go buy expensive yarn. You will be less worried about mistakes using cheap, general, run of the mill, acrylic than you would be on yarns that are softer, fuzzier, finer, and over all more difficult to work with. You want yarn that is simple to pull knots out of and won't make you feel guilty if you end up cutting knots out.

The Chain Stitch:

Before we can make those classic afghans, or the cute little baby hats, or intricate lace, we need to start with the simplest, and most widely used stitch in all of crochet. This is generally the foundation for almost ALL projects. There are one or two other methods for starting projects, but those are slightly more complicated and not as important to learn for beginners. Now I say this stitch is simple because it is only intimidating before you get the hang of it. It's not complex in the way of other stitches, but it can be tricky to those who cannot see the way the yarn interlocks. If you struggle with this stitch, the only way to improve is to practice, stare at it, practice, stare at it some more, and practice until you can make a large chain by feel, with you eyes closed.

The first step is to set up your yarn. start with a slip knot. 

The next step is to set up your hands. put the slip knot on the crochet hook and pull tight. Hold the crochet hook like a pencil with the hook facing the ground

To start the chain stitch, wrap the yarn over the top of the hook (as shown above) and pull the wrap through the slip knot.

Repeat this until you have the desired number of chains for your project. This is a great exercise for beginners to practice. it gives you a good feel for the rest of the craft.

If you have never crocheted before, I hope this helps!

 Remember Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes improvement:)