Master timeless crochet skills with this concise guide. From the foundational chain and air loops to intricate increases and the art of picot, each technique is detailed with clarity. Perfect for beginners aiming to weave elegance into their craft.

Chain From Air Loops

Fold the yarn into a ring and clamp it between your thumb and index finger. The working yarn should be at the bottom - see fig. 1.
Insert the hook into the ring, catch the working yarn and pull it through the hole - see fig. 2.
Gently tighten the resulting loop by pulling on both ends of the yarn - working and tail.
You have now created the initial loop, into which you can now crochet the next air loop - see fig. 3.

To collect a chain from air loops, hold the beginning of the work firmly, catch the working yarn and pull it through the loop on the hook again - see fig. 4. Repeat until you have a chain of the desired length.

Air Loop for Lifting

At the end of the turning row, you need to crochet one air loop, the so-called lifting air loop, after which you can turn the work. It is important to remember that the lifting air loop has a special status and is not counted when tallying the number of loops in a row.

Amigurumi Ring

Fold the yarn into a ring so that the non-working end looks downwards. Keep the working yarn flexible and pass it forward through the fingers of your hand - see fig. 1.
Grab the ring between your thumb and index fingers, insert the hook into the ring, catch the working yarn and pass it over the hook - see fig. 2. Again, catch the working yarn and pull it through the ring to form the first loop - see fig. 3.
This ring is used as a starting point for amigurumi and you can continue adding loops by passing the hook through the ring - see fig. 4.

Joining Column

Joining columns are very versatile. They are used not only for color branches but also for finishing rounds or creating patterns. To move to the next loop, insert your hook into the designated loop and catch an air loop, then catch the working yarn and pull it over the first loop, thus completing the joining column - see fig. 1 and 2.

Column Without Yarn Over

First, insert your hook into the next loop (counting from the hook), catch and pull the working yarn through. Now catch the working yarn again and pull it through both loops on the hook at once. You have now formed the initial column without yarn over - see fig. 3.

Standing Column Without Yarn Over

Form a starting loop on your hook. Insert the hook into the next loop of the previous round and pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Now, catch the working yarn and pull it through both loops at once. This forms the initial standing column without yarn over - see fig. 1 and 2.

Column With Yarn Over

Wrap the working yarn over the hook (to form a loop), insert the hook into the next loop from the air loop chain, and pull up a loop. You should now have three loops on the hook. Wrap the working yarn over the hook again and pull it through all three loops at once. This creates a column with yarn over - see fig. 3 and 4.

Half Double Crochet With Yarn Over

Start by wrapping the working yarn over the hook (to form a loop). Insert the hook into the designated loop and pull up a loop, there will be three loops on the hook. Wrap the working yarn over the hook again and pull through the first two loops. Now two loops remain on the hook. Wrap the working yarn over the hook once more and pull it through the remaining two loops. This creates a half double crochet with yarn over - see fig. 1 and 2.

Half Double Crochet

Wrap the working yarn over the hook and insert it into the designated loop. Then wrap the working yarn over the hook again and pull through both loops on the hook at once. This creates a half double crochet - see fig. 3 and 4.

Turning Chains

At the end of a turning row, make the necessary number of air loops before turning your work. These loops are not counted in the total stitch count of the row and are only used to gain height.

At the end of a turning row, make the necessary number of air loops before turning your work. These loops are not counted in the total stitch count of the row and are only used to gain height.

Front and Back Loops

In some instructions, you may be told to take loops from only the front or back of the work. This creates texture and provides neater edges. Front and back loop stitches are rarely used.

Spiral Crocheting

In spiral crocheting, continue working without making a joining column and without turning. At the end of each round, make one air loop to step up to the next loop. This allows columns to spiral up, and you can mark the beginning of the round with a marker or a different color thread. This method prevents losing the stitch count.

Picot

After a few stitches, create a picot by chaining three air loops and then inserting the hook back into the starting stitch of these loops to complete the picot. Picots are often used to create a decorative edge.

Long Stitches

Long stitches are worked similarly to regular stitches but with additional yarn overs to increase their height, forming a taller loop. After wrapping the yarn over the hook, draw through all the loops on the hook to complete the long stitch. This technique is used for creating varied textures within patterns.

Invisible Closure

To close the end of a round without changing color, create an air loop and draw the working yarn through to close the first stitch. Then insert the hook into the next stitch and repeat the process, closing each stitch along the round in this way. This method allows for a smooth finish without color changes.

Increase (Adding Stitches)

To add stitches of any type, simply work two stitches into the same place. These stitches are worked in the same manner as usual.

Decrease (Two Columns Worked Together)

To decrease, work two loops together so that they combine at their top with one stitch. Insert the hook into one loop and draw up a loop, then insert the hook into the next loop and draw up another loop. Now you have three loops on the hook. Wrap the working yarn over the hook and draw through all three loops at once.

Invisible Decrease

The invisible decrease technique is especially suitable for amigurumi. Work the decrease by only taking the front loops of the stitches and combining them. This creates a decrease that is almost imperceptible.

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