Learn to Crochet: Chain and Single Crochet First Square

Instructions

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1. 1Holding and the first loopHold the hook in your right hand like a pencil or a knife, whichever feels comfortable. Make a slip knot 15 cm from the yarn end, put it on the hook and tighten; this loop is never counted. Wrap the ball yarn once around your left little finger and over your index finger; raise the index finger slightly to keep the yarn taut and pinch below the knot with your thumb and middle finger.
2. 2ChainCatch the yarn with the hook from back to front (yarn over) and pull it through the loop on the hook; that is 1 ch. Form the chains on the thick part of the hook so they are all the same size. Make 21 ch and count them; the loop on the hook does not count.
3. 3Row 1Insert the hook into the 2nd chain from the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over again and pull through both loops: that is 1 sc. Work 1 sc in each remaining chain (20 sc). The skipped first chain gives the row its height and is not a stitch.
4. 4Turning and row 2Chain 1 and turn the work like a page of a book. This chain does not count; work the first sc into the stitch right below it. Insert the hook under both loops of the V at the top of each stitch and work 1 sc in each (20 sc). The last stitch of a row is easy to miss; placing a marker in the first and last stitches makes counting easier.
5. 5Rows 3-22Repeat ch 1, turn, 1 sc in each st (20 sc) on every row. After row 22 the piece should be about 12 x 12 cm. If the edges creep inwards you are skipping the last stitch; if they spread out you are working into the turning chain.
6. 6Border roundAfter row 22, turn and ch 1. Top edge: 3 sc in the first st, 1 sc in each of the next 18 sts, 3 sc in the last st (24 sc). Side edge: 20 sc evenly spaced along the row ends. Bottom edge: into the free loops of the foundation chain; 3 sc in the first ch, 1 sc in each of the next 18 ch, 3 sc in the last ch (24 sc). Other side: 20 sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc (88 sc).
7. 7FinishingCut the yarn leaving 15 cm and pull it through the loop on the hook to fasten off. Weave the ends 5 cm through the border round with the yarn needle and back again. Dampen the square and dry it flat; use it as a coaster or a small cloth.