by Donna Collinsworth

Created on: March 11, 2010

Crochet is based on a series of loops.  It is the number of and combinations of that make the foundations of stitches used. There is the slip stitch: one loop through stitch; single crochet: two loops on hook, yarn over and through; half double crochet: three loops on hook, yarn over and through; double crochet: three loops on hook, yarn over and through two loops, yarn over again and through last loops; treble stitch: 4 loops on hook, yarn over and through two loops on hook, yarn over and through two more loops on hook and finally yarn over and through the last two loops on your hook to name a few.

It is the many different combinations of these stitches and more that form the textures and patterns one can make.  The combinations are endless.  Here are some of the stitch guides to help you expand your knowledge of stitch combinations and patterns out there for the art of crochet.

Barb’s Crafts – Afghan stitch, butterfly stitch, citrus stitch, double love knot stitch, soloman’s knot stitch and much more.

Crochet Pattern Central- Great stitch guide, all free, no registering for this site.

Over 110 stitches, all with step-by-step photos, everything from the Bullions Stitch to Magic Ring to Openwork Lace and even the zigzag stitch.

Annie's Attic - Stitching Help - instructional video clips, drawn illustrations and text-based material on all types of stitching, including crochet, cross stitching, embroidery, knitting, plastic canvas, ribbon embroidery, and tatting

Crochet at BellaOnline - Lessons Library - a series of step-by-step, illustrated beginner crochet lessons, covering such topics as how to hold your hands, hook, & yarn, the chain stitch, slip stitch, single crochet, half double & double crochet, triple, double triple, treble triple, quad & quin triple crochet, hide the hole at the ends, spirals & swirls, crochet on fabric, adding beads, basic tunisian,  tunisian cables, rounder circles, basic triangles, triangles from the inside out, solomon's knot, how to change and use several colors, hairpin lace fringe and loop stitch.

Illustrated Patchwork Crochet -Guide to basic crochet stitches and techniques and patchwork crochet, half double crochet stitch, double crochet stitch, triple crochet stitch, beginning and ending a round, fastening off and weaving ends through back of work.

Smart Crochet: Crochet Tutorial - Step-by-step filet crochet tutorial for crocheters

Wrights Classroom: Needlework - Lessons covering chain stitching, single crochet, slip stitch, finishing techniques and checking gauge.

Now get out your hook and yarn and start experimenting with a few of the new combinations you have learned.  You never know, you man just come up with a pattern all of your very own.

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