Crochet is a timeless, relaxing, and creative craft that has captured the hearts of millions. Whether you’re drawn in by the meditative rhythm of the hook and yarn or the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and useful, every crocheter starts with the basics. And at the foundation of many crochet journeys is the “Easy Stitch.”
But what exactly is the Easy Stitch? While there’s no official stitch by that name, crafters often refer to it as a simple, repetitive stitch pattern that’s easy to learn and satisfying to work. In this blog post, we’ll explore one of the easiest and most versatile stitch patterns: the Single Crochet + Chain Stitch Repeat, which is beginner-friendly and ideal for a wide range of projects.
This guide will walk you through every step of mastering this stitch. We’ll start from the very basics, so even if you’ve never picked up a crochet hook before, you’ll find this tutorial accessible and encouraging. By the end, you’ll be ready to create your first swatch—or maybe even a scarf, dishcloth, or cozy wrap!
Let’s dive in.
What Is the Crochet Easy Stitch?
When crocheters talk about the “Easy Stitch,” they often mean a simple pattern that can be repeated row after row without much thinking. It’s perfect for beginners who want to practice, or seasoned crocheters who enjoy a relaxing, repetitive project.
In this tutorial, our Easy Stitch will be a variation of the Single Crochet Mesh Stitch, which consists of alternating single crochets and chain stitches. This stitch is ideal because it introduces you to two of the most basic techniques in crochet while creating a textured, openwork fabric that’s both sturdy and airy.
Here’s why this version of the Easy Stitch is so great:
- It’s super simple to learn.
- It uses only two types of stitches: the chain stitch and single crochet.
- It works up quickly and evenly.
- It’s perfect for scarves, dishcloths, bags, blankets, and even garments.
Before we get started on the actual stitch, let’s cover the materials and foundational skills you’ll need.
Materials and Tools
You don’t need much to get started with crochet, which is one of its biggest charms. Here’s what you’ll need for learning the Easy Stitch:
Yarn
Recommended: Medium weight (worsted weight) yarn, labeled as “#4” on the yarn label.
Fiber Types: Acrylic yarn is great for beginners because it’s affordable, forgiving, and easy to work with. Cotton yarn is also a good option if you’re making something like a dishcloth.
Color Tip: Choose a light or medium color when learning. Dark yarns can make it hard to see your stitches.
Hook
Recommended Size: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
This is a good starting size that works well with worsted-weight yarn. Make sure the hook feels comfortable in your hand—ergonomic handles can be a bonus if you plan to crochet for long periods.
Extras (Optional but Helpful)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
- Stitch markers (to mark your rows or stitches if needed)
- Tape measure or ruler (if you’re planning a specific project size)
Basic Crochet Skills You Need to Know
Before we jump into the Easy Stitch itself, here are the essential stitches you’ll need to know:
1. Slip Knot
This is how you’ll attach the yarn to your hook to begin any crochet project.
How to make a slip knot:
- Make a loop with your yarn, with the tail behind the loop.
- Reach through the loop with your fingers or hook and grab the yarn coming from the ball.
- Pull the yarn through the loop to create a new loop and gently tighten.
2. Chain Stitch (ch)
The chain stitch forms the foundation of most crochet patterns.
How to do it:
- Yarn over (wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front).
- Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook.
Repeat this to make a chain of the desired length.
3. Single Crochet (sc)
The single crochet is one of the most basic stitches and the building block of our Easy Stitch.
How to do it:
- Insert your hook into the stitch or chain.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (you now have 2 loops on your hook).
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.
How to Work the Easy Stitch: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve learned the basics, let’s walk through the Easy Stitch.
Step 1: Foundation Chain
Start by chaining an odd number of stitches. This ensures your rows will end properly with a single crochet.
Example: Ch 21 (this will give you 10 mesh spaces)
Step 2: First Row
- Insert your hook into the third chain from the hook.
- Work a single crochet (sc).
- Ch 1, skip the next chain.
- Sc in the following chain.
- Repeat steps 3–4 across the row.
- End with a single crochet in the last chain.
You should now have alternating sc and chain-1 spaces across your row.
Step 3: Second Row
- Chain 2 and turn your work.
- Skip the first sc, and work a sc in the next chain-1 space (this is the gap created by the ch-1 from the row below).
- Ch 1, skip the next sc.
- Sc in the next chain-1 space.
- Repeat across the row.
- End with a sc in the turning chain space.
Step 4: Repeat
Repeat the second row for as many rows as you want. The texture will begin to build up, and you’ll notice a light, mesh-like pattern forming.
Pro Tip: Try not to crochet too tightly. Keeping an even tension will help make your fabric more uniform and easier to work with.
Visual Row Breakdown
Here’s how your stitches break down visually:
Row 1:
sc – ch – sc – ch – sc – ch – … – sc
Row 2 and beyond:
Turn – ch – sc in ch space – ch – sc in ch space – … – sc in turning chain
If you’re adding this to a website or PDF, this is a great place to insert clear, zoomed-in photos or illustrations of the stitch in progress.
What Can You Make with the Easy Stitch?
This simple mesh-like stitch is surprisingly versatile. Here are just a few project ideas:
- Dishcloths: Use cotton yarn and work 25–30 rows for a quick kitchen helper.
- Scarves: Use soft yarn and extend your chain to 150+ stitches for length.
- Blankets: Combine multiple panels or work in long rows for a lightweight throw.
- Market Bags: The airy design is perfect for reusable bags.
- Beach Wraps or Shawls: Use light, summery yarns to create a breathable wrap.
Easy Stitch Pattern Summary
Here’s a simple pattern summary you can copy or print:
Foundation: Chain an odd number.
Row 1: Sc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * to end. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, sc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip sc; repeat from * to end, sc in turning chain. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until your piece reaches the desired length.
Customizing the Easy Stitch
Once you feel confident with the basics, you can play with variations to change the texture, tension, or even design of your project.
Variation 1: Double Crochet Easy Stitch
Swap out single crochets for double crochets (dc) to create a looser, more open fabric.
Tip: This is great for lightweight shawls or lacy summer garments.
Variation 2: V-Stitch Inspired Mesh
Instead of sc + ch 1, try:
(dc, ch 1, dc) in each chain space from the row below for a more decorative mesh.
Variation 3: Color Changes
Try changing yarn colors every few rows for a striped effect. This stitch is ideal for practicing colorwork because the repeat is simple and easy to track.
Tips for Success
- Count your stitches: Make sure you always have the same number of sc stitches and chain spaces in each row.
- Use stitch markers: Mark your first and last stitches to prevent accidental increases or decreases.
- Keep an even tension: This will help your fabric lay flat and look professional.
- Practice with scrap yarn: If you’re not ready to dive into a project, just practice making small swatches.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
My rows are getting wider/narrower!
This usually happens if you’re accidentally adding or skipping stitches. Make sure you always end each row with a sc in the correct space.
The fabric is curling!
Crochet naturally curls when worked too tightly. Try loosening your tension or going up a hook size.
I can’t see where to insert my hook!
Use lighter-colored yarn and make sure your stitches aren’t too tight. Practice will help!
Practice Project: Easy Stitch Dishcloth
Here’s a quick pattern to put your new skills to work:
Materials:
- 100% cotton yarn (approx. 50g)
- 5.0 mm crochet hook
Pattern:
- Ch 31 (foundation).
- Row 1: Sc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 1, skip 1 ch, sc in next ch; repeat to end. Turn.
- Row 2: Ch 2, sc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip sc; repeat. Sc in turning chain. Turn.
- Repeat Row 2 for 25–30 rows.
- Fasten off and weave in ends.
You’ve made your first project!
Final Thoughts
Crochet is about more than just making things—it’s about creativity, mindfulness, and the joy of learning something new. The Easy Stitch is the perfect way to get comfortable with your yarn and hook, all while creating a beautiful and functional fabric. As you practice, you’ll find that your tension improves, your speed increases, and your confidence grows.
Once you’ve mastered this stitch, a whole world of crochet possibilities opens up. Try different yarns, switch up your color palette, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Every great crocheter started with the basics—and the Easy Stitch is a wonderful place to begin.
Happy crocheting, and remember: every stitch you make is a step forward on your creative journey.
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