Lesson 6: Part 1
Learn how to crochet an afghan stitch. In this free crochet lesson, you will learn exactly how to crochet this classic crochet stitch.
Make a chain of 45 stitches.
1st Row: Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook and draw up a loop; retaining all loops on hook draw up a loop in each ch across (Fig. 1). There are 45 loops on hook. Yarn over and draw through 1 loop, * yarn over and draw through 2 loops. Repeat from * across (Fig. 2). The loop which remains on hook always counts as the first st of next row (Fig. 3).
2nd Row: Insert hook under 2nd vertical bar and draw loop through; retaining all loops on hook draw up a loop in each vertical bar across to within last vertical bar (Fig. 4). Insert hook through the last vertical bar and the stitch directly behind it and draw a loop through – this gives a firm edge to this side (45 loops on hook).
Repeat 2nd row as specified in directions. Then make a sl st in each vertical bar across. Break off.
How to Increase in Afghan Stitch
To inc 1 vertical bar at beginning of row, insert hook under vertical bar directly below loop on hook (Fig. 5) and draw loop through. Retaining all loops on hook work across row as before to last vertical bar – to inc 1 vertical bar at end of row, insert hook under last vertical bar and draw up a loop, insert hook under stitch directly behind last vertical bar (Fig. 5) and draw loop through (1 st increased at both ends).
How to Decrease in Afghan Stitch
To dec 1 st at both ends of row, insert hook under 2 vertical bars at one lime (Fig. 6) and draw loop through.