GETTING STARTED Directions for basic square

Here is the way to make a simple crochet square as the basis for blankets, pillows, tote bags and more.

For starters you’ll need: Worsted weight yarn (a medium weight), size H crochet hook, small pair of scissors and a yarn needle with a big eye.

Hold the crochet hook in one hand and make a slip knot on the hook. (Create a loop, fold one side of the yarn down so that it is lined up with the center of the circle, then pull through. Insert the hook into that loop.)

Bring yarn over the hook from back to front, and grab it with the hook.

Draw the hooked yarn through the slip knot, onto the hook. This makes one chain stitch.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have 28 chains, or as many as you need. Stop with one loop still on the hook.

Skip the first chain stitch, and insert the hook into the center of the next one. Draw yarn through the stitch and up onto the hook, so there are two loops on the hook.

Bring the yarn over the hook from back to front and draw it through both loops on the hook.

One loop should remain on the hook. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the rest of the chain.

At the end of the row, make a chain stitch and turn the chain counterclockwise, leaving the hook in the chain. Begin another row, repeating steps 5 and 6.

Make a single crochet stitch in the first stitch, then continue down the row to the last stitch.

Turn and repeat until the block is 9 inches, or as long as required.

Cut the yarn, leaving six inches at the end. Draw the hook straight up, bringing the yarn through the remaining loop on the hook. Then thread it into the yarn needle and weave back and forth through the stitches.

Associated Press