day 4: Christmas Tree!

This DIY kit includes everything you need to create a cute little tree to brighten up your space.

back to 12 days

what's in your kit

  • Toy Stuffing
  • Pattern Leaflet
  • Yarn
  • Yarn Needle
  • Needle
  • Stitch Markers
  • Crochet Hook 2.25 mm (U.S B/1 )

STITCHES & HANDY TIPS

Need a little extra help? The diagrams and videos below help break down each individual technique, so you can master your new-found crochet skills.

Magic Loop
Chain
  • Almost all crochet begins with a foundation chain, which is a series of chain stitches beginning with a slip knot. You then work the first row of other stitches into the chain to start making crochet fabric. The foundation chain is also called a base chain or starting chain.

    How to Hold the Yarn and Crochet Hook

    To work a foundation chain, start by making a slip knot.

    How to Hold the Yarn and Crochet Hook

    Then chain as many stitches as the pattern calls for.

    How to Hold the Yarn and Crochet Hook

    Next, start working stitches into the chain. You can use double crochets, or any combination the pattern tells you to use.

    When working into the starting chain, you may work under one or two strands of chain loops as shown in the illustration. Either of these methods forms an even, firm bottom edge.

    Some people like to work into the "bump" on the back of the chain. This forms an even, stretchy bottom edge that is ideal for garments. It also produces an edge that looks more similar to the final edge of your project, making it useful for projects where both ends are exposed, such as scarves.

    Whichever method of working into the foundation you choose, be consistent. Work all the pieces of a project in the same manner.

Single Crochet
  • Single crochet is the most common basic crochet stitch that will result in fabric. It is abbreviated sc.

    Step 1

    Insert the hook into the work (second chain from hook on the foundation chain,*yarn over and draw yarn through the work only.

    How to Single Crochet

    Step 2

    Yarn over again and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.

    How to Single Crochet

    Step 3

    One single crochet made. Insert hook into next stitch; repeat from * in step 1.

    How to Single Crochet
Single Crochet Decrease Sc2tog

Single crochet is the most common basic crochet stitch that will result in fabric. It is abbreviated sc.

Step 1

Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over and draw a loop through (one sc worked up to the last step): 2 loops on hook.

How to Do A Single Crochet Decrease

Step 2

Insert hook into next stitch.

How to Do A Single Crochet Decrease

Step 3

Yarn over and draw a loop through (another sc worked up to last step): 3 loops on hook.

How to Do A Single Crochet Decrease

Step 4

Yarn over and draw through all three loops on hook.

How to Do A Single Crochet Decrease

1 dec completed.

How to Do A Single Crochet Decrease
Double Crochet

Double crochet is a very common crochet stitch. It is taller than Read more. Half Double CrochetRead more.Half-double crochet, and is abbreviated dc.

Step 1

Read more. Yarn over and insert the hook into the work (fourth chain from hook on starting chain).

How to Double Crochet

Step 2

* Yarn over and draw yarn through, pulling up a loop.

How to Double Crochet

Step 3

Yarn over and pull yarn through only the first two loops on the hook.

How to Double Crochet

Step 4

Yarn over and pull yarn through the last two loops on the hook.

How to Double Crochet

Step 5

One double crochet made. Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch; repeat from * in step 2.

How to Double Crochet
Half Double Crochet
  • Half double crochet is in between the height of single crochet and double crochet, and it is made using aspects of both. It is abbreviated hdc.

    Step 1

    Yarn over and insert the hook into the work (third chain from hook on the starting chain).

    How to Half-Double Crochet

    Step 2

    * Yarn over and draw through pulling up a loop.

    How to Half-Double Crochet

    Step 3

    Yarn over again and pull yarn through all three loops on the hook.

    How to Half-Double Crochet

    Step 4

    One half-double crochet made. Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch; repeat from * in step 2.

    How to Half-Double Crochet
Simple Increase - Sc
  • To increase the width of a basic crochet fabric, 2 or more stitches must be worked into 1 stitch at the point specified in the project instructions.

    Read more.Single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and longer stitches are all increased in the same manner.

    There is no specific abbreviation for a crochet increase. Patterns will usually give instructions similar to "2 sc in the next sc", to indicate you will work two single crochet stitches in the next single crochet stitch, and thereby increase.

    Single Crochet Increase

    Step 1

    Work a single crochet into the specified stitch.

    How to Do Crochet Increases

    Step 2

    Work a second single crochet into the same stitch.

    How to Do Crochet Increases
Picot Crochet
  • Learn to use information given in the pattern for successful results. Kristin Omdahl uses the Sir Echo Jacket as an example for skill level, schematics, yarn weight, gauge, special stitches, special techniques, and more.

Fasten Off
  • To fasten off the yarn permanently, cut the yarn leaving an 8" end (longer if you need to sew pieces together). Pull the end of the yarn through the loop on the hook and pull gently to tighten.

    How to Fasten Off Crochet
Working in back loops only
  • The project instructions will specify if you are to work into the front or back loop of the stitch in the row below. Unless otherwise stated, always work under two strands of the top of the stitch in the row below.

    How to Crochet In Front or Back Loops
The workings of a crochet stitch
Right side vs Wrong side
  • This easy-to-follow tutorial shows you how to establish the right side of your work in your crochet project. Watch and learn this basic crochet technique!

How to crochet a gauge swatch
Working in rounds
  • Left: Learn how to crochet the Camel Stitch. It's an easy stitch that gives the surface of your crochet a completely different look.