! crochet link directory
for beginners
Learn to Crochet (for real this time) One 45-minute video that covers the all the basic stitches.
How to Crochet for Beginners: 14 Day Masterclass If you want to expand your knowledge, try this 14-day series.
Learn to Crochet For left-handed crocheters, this playlist includes tutorials for both right- and left-handed crochet.
r/CrochetHelp It's okay to ask for help! Search/ask this subreddit if you ever get stuck.
How to Read a Crochet Pattern I know it's tempting to only use video tutorials/patterns, but the reality is that most crochet patterns available are written patterns. This is a step-by-step guide to reading a written pattern. It's easier than you think!
20 Essential Crochet Terms Every Beginner Should Know Here's a useful definition list for terms you may run into in patterns.
Crochet Abbreviations Master List Once you know how to read a written pattern, you'll run into many abbreviations with every new pattern. A good pattern will define these, but here is a master list of official abbreviations for reference. This list also includes the differences between US/Canada crochet terms and UK terms!
An Explanation of Gauge and Why It Matters for Crochet
How to Make and Measure a Crochet Gauge Swatch
Weaving Ends, Simplified I like this video because she quicky covers good end-weaving habits as well as the different options for yarn needles. The only note I'll add is that the Fisherman's Knot hack she mentions does NOT work with smooth, slippery yarn. Those yarns generally don't hold knots well, so use the traditional weaving method instead.
stitch libraries
Rich Textures Crochet This is my #1 favorite site for browsing stitches. Sarah provides straightforward written directions (for folks who like words only, like me) as well as a video tutorial for visual learners.
Nordic Hook This site is a VERY close second to my favorite for crochet stitches. Ieva provides step-by-step photo instructions for each stitch.
Daisy Farm Crafts Daisy Farm Crafts specializes in blankets, so most of the stitches here are well-suited for blanket projects. The instructions are mostly written, with some photos. Video tutorials are provided for some stitches.
TL Yarn Crafts TL is a great resource for both Tunisian crochet. This link goes to a Tips & Tutorials page, but you can find tutorials for both traditional and Tunisian crochet stitches.
Dora Does This is wonderful resource generally if you want to deepen your knowledge of crochet. Dora provides written instructions and video tutorials for both left- and right-handed crocheters. This link points to a crochet tutorial category, but you can find stitch patterns among the posts.
Hilaria Fina This is a Spanish site with an English translated version. Some of the translated stitch names are unclear/vague/inaccurate, but I appreciate that the stitch directions are text-only with a chart. I would not recommend this site for beginner crocheters.
My Picot Please note that this site has both free and premium stitch patterns. You can filter the library for free stitches only. Instructions are provided in PDF format as either step-by-step photo instructions or as a chart.
Made by Gootie I refer to this site often for corner-to-corner (C2C) projects. Agat provides many variations for C2C stitches as well as stitches worked flat or in the round. Stitch patterns are provided as step-by-step photo instructions.
Hooked by Robin This site provides step-by-step photo tutorials and video tutorials for stitch patterns.
Heart Hook Home This site provides step-by-step photo tutorials for stitch patterns.
colorwork
How to Do Tapestry Crochet: Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial This article covers the basics of tapestry crochet, which uses color changes within a row to create images or patterns. I like this technique for simple shape patterns (circles, triangles, checkerboard, etc.), but many folks use this technique to create detailed works of art!
How to Crochet with Variegated and Self-striping Yarn There are no rules, of course, when it comes to using variegated yarn. But pairing a variegated yarn to the right stitch pattern or project can enhance the qualities of both. I plan to write an article on this eventually, but for now this blog post covers the gist of it!
Crochet Inset Mosaic Technique (Video Tutorial) Inset mosaic crochet is a colorwork technique where stitches are worked in the chain-gaps of the contrasting color to make a design. This technique changes colors every two rows. This mosaic method does not produce many ends, but patterns tend to be simple and geometric due to the limitations of its construction.
A Beginner's Guide to [Overlay] Mosaic Crochet Overlay mosaic crochet is a colorwork technique where stitches are worked over the contrasting color row to make a design. This technique changes colors every row. This mosaic method involves a lot of ends but has a lot of flexibility to create elaborate designs. This creator, Alexis Sixel, is well-known for her goth/horror-themed overlay mosaic designs.
How to Do Planned Pooling with ANY Stitch (Picture Guide and Video Tutorial) Planned pooling is an interesting technique to explore when you feel confident in maintaining a consistent tension throughout a project. Planned pooling uses variegated yarn and aligns the color changes in such a way that it produces geometric, plaid-like patterns. This guide explains the method, recommends yarns, and links to an online tool for calculating and previewing pooling patterns.
amigurumi & shaping techniques
What is Amigurumi? If you're new to crochet, you might run into the term "amigurumi" often, especially in the context of crochet toys and plushies. It's a technique that uses only single crochet to create 3D shapes, which are stuffed and sewn together to make dolls, figures, decorations, and more. Don't be fooled: even though amigurumi only uses single crochet, patterns can be quite difficult and complex!
Two Ways to Single Crochet (and Why It Matters For Amigurumi) Yarn under single crochet is an easy alternative to the basic single crochet. It is often used in amigurumi projects because creates X-shaped stiches when working in the round instead of the usual V-shaped ones. Whether or not you use this method is up to personal preference!
How to: Crochet a Perfect CircleThis tutorial works hand-in-hand with the “Crochet Balls and Spheres Of Any Size” tutorial, but for flat circles. Aside from amigurumi, you can use this technique for coasters, bag bases, etc.
Crochet Balls and Spheres Of Any Size If you're wanting to make your own amigurumi designs, knowing how to shape crochet into perfect spheres is an essential skill. This tutorial as a good introduction to the technique.
How to Use a Running Stitch Marker in Crochet Because amigurumi is often worked in un-joined rounds (i.e., a continuous spiral), it's necessary to mark your stitches so you know when a round ends or begins. You can do this with a normal stitch marker but it can be annoying to stop your work to move it. The running stitch marker method uses a bit of scrap yarn instead, which is easy to place and easy to remove from the final piece.
The Invisible Decrease Decreasing is necessary for shaping amigurumi, but the normal single crochet decrease can make very obvious bumps and jags in your work. This method achieves the same end, but makes a neater finish.
tunisian crochet
TL Yarn Crafts: Tunisian Crochet If you’re brand new to Tunisian crochet, check this site first! Toni Lipsey is an excellent teacher of the technique and offers many beginner-friendly patterns for housewares and garments. Author of the tunisian crochet handbook.
Aklori Designs Designer of Tunisian patterns for garments and accessories. Author of exploring tunisian crochet.
Just the Worsted Lots of Tunisian patterns for “knit-like” garments.
Violet Loops Designer of Tunisian patterns for garments and accessories.
Knitter Knotter If you want to really challenge your Tunisian crochet skills, try one of Arunima’s in-the-round or colorwork patterns!
vintage crochet
Free Vintage Crochet Patterns This is a wonderful resource that preserves and shares vintage patterns. All the patterns are free, but you can also purchase them as ad-free e-books. This site also has a Discontinued Yarns section, which you can refer to when searching for substitute materials.
Antique Pattern Library: Crochet Resources This is a great source for vintage pattern books.