Crochet Stitch Primer

These directions are for the US versions of these stitches.
Yes, unfortunately we in the US have different stitch definitions from other parts of the world.

Back Loop Only / Front Loop Only (blo or flo):

Often directions will state that you should use only the front loop or back loop of the foundation stitch that you will build on. If one of those are not specified, you should use both the front and back loops.

Chain Stitch (ch):

Make a slip knot, then yarn over the hook and pull it through the loop on the hook.

Double Crochet (dc)

Yo, insert hook in st, yo and draw yarn through 1 loop, (3 loops on hook), yo, draw yarn through 2 loops, yo draw yarn through 2 loops.

Half Double Crochet (hdc):

Yo, insert hook in st, yo and draw yarn through 1 loop, (3 loops on hook), yo and draw yarn through 3 loops.

Half Triple Crochet (htc):

Yo twice, insert hook in foundation st, yo and draw yarn through 1 loop, (4 loops on hook), yo and draw yarn through 2 loops, (3 loops on hook), yo and draw yarn through all 3 loops on hook.

Single Crochet Stitch sc:

1. Insert your hook into center of your next working chain. Grab yarn (known as a yarn over) and draw through the chain stitch and up onto the hook so that you have two loops on your hook.
2. Using your hook, grab yarn and draw it through both loops on your hook, leaving just one loop on your hook. You've made one single crochet stitch.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 as many times as your pattern calls for.

Slip Stitch (sl st):

Insert hook into a foundation stitch, yo, pull thread through both loops.

Triple Crochet (tc):

Yo twice, insert hook in st, yo and draw yarn through 1 loop, (4 loops on hook), yo and draw yarn through 2 loops, (3 loops on hook), yo and draw yarn through 2 loops (2 loops remain on hook), yo, and draw through 2 loops