Friends, any knitting begins with a loop. Crochet is no exception. To start crocheting any pattern, you first need to cast on the loops for it, and for this you just need to know how this is done. The main crochet technique is an air loop and a chain of air loops. Without them, it is impossible to knit any pattern in principle. Therefore, let's first figure out how to crochet air loops and see why, how and where these loops and chains of them are used.
For work we will need:
- Any yarn. But it is better if the thread is even, not very thin and light in color. It's just more convenient and simpler. For example, Krokha yarn is perfect for learning
- Hook. For now, I will not give you advice on how to choose a hook... this is a big and not entirely clear topic for a separate conversation... Just read the recommendations on the label of the yarn you have chosen and use them. For the “Krokha” thread I propose, hooks No. 3 or 4 are well suited
So... let's start practicing
Take the hook in your hand. How to take it? Yes, whatever suits you! You can hold it like a ballpoint pen or a pencil, or you can hold it like a spoon in infancy, or like a knife. By the way, there is a lot of controversy about this on the Internet, like how to hold a hook correctly?…
Attention! Answer!
You need to hold the hook in such a way that it is convenient and comfortable for you - and this is the only correct way.
For example, I hold this instrument differently...
This way and that - it all depends on what and from what threads I knit... By the way, it very often happens that in the process of knitting the same product I change the grip of the hook, just for the sake of convenience...
Therefore, try holding it in different ways and you will definitely find the option that suits you.
How to crochet air loops - a guide for beginners and those interested
- We take the hook in the right hand, and the left end of the thread from the ball
Attention! Just remember... The thread coming from the ball is called the working thread in knitting
For your information! The first loop we just knitted is just the beginning of knitting, it is not taken into account (not counted) when counting the number of loops... i.e. tied and forgotten... we start counting from the next loop.
How to crochet air loops, I hope you understand... we continue further...
For example, we knitted 10 loops, which means a chain of ten loops.
Knit 50 loops for training, i.e. repeat the action described above 50 times and you will get a chain of 50 VP (air loops). You can link more if you wish... 
- To “close” or complete the knitting, it is enough to make another air loop with a crochet, but pull it out longer than usual, cut it and pull up the tip... By the way, we will use this closing technique to finish crocheting always and everywhere.
If you need to see visually how to crochet air loops, then this video will help you :)
How are air loops designated in crochet patterns?
It’s no secret that a significant portion of needlewomen use patterns when crocheting...
If you want to thoroughly master crocheting, then learning to read patterns is a must...
Each knitting element corresponds to a certain symbol, and it happens that there is more than one...
For example, air loops and chains of them, which we knitted today, can be presented in the diagrams in the form of dots, arcs, circles (both hollow and filled) or small ovals (both hollow and filled)
Let's see examples:
- Dots, small circles, ovals in the diagram are simple air loops (chains) or lifting loops - they need to be counted before starting knitting, unless, of course, they have already been counted by the author of the diagram
What are chain stitches used for in crochet?
Friends, if you were looking for information on the topic of how to crochet air loops, then it is quite logical to assume that you need it for some reason.
For example, you want to knit something, and we have already said that any product, be it clothing, a toy, a napkin, a simple pattern or something else, crocheted begins with air loops...
Epilogue
Friends, I'm ending this...
Today we figured out how to crochet chain stitches, knitted a chain of chain stitches, looked at how and where these irreplaceable stitches are used and how they are indicated in the diagrams.
In the near future, we will begin to get acquainted with other, no less important, elements - various columns.
Hello, I am glad to see all of you, dear participants, at the first lesson of our course.
After meeting you (thank you for your kindness and positive attitude), I concluded that most of you are not just familiar with crocheting, but are fluent in it. , but at the same time, for some reason, they feel insecure, think that they don’t know, or are missing something important
I immediately warned that we have Crochet course for beginners!
which means that we’ll start from the very beginning and most likely won’t get to “Ireland”.
Therefore, think carefully again: do you need this?!
I wouldn’t want you to get disappointment and regret about wasted time instead of new knowledge.
Have you thought about it? Then let's get started.
Let's consider such a controversial and always pressing question - How to hold a hook correctly?
To begin with, I would like to introduce you to one artist.
This is 41-year-old Huang Guofu. He was left without arms after being electrocuted at the age of 4. Since the age of 12, he has been painting, holding a brush in his right leg or mouth.
Please tell me if he is holding his brush correctly?
The pictures turn out right?!
Knitting is also creativity, and there are no strict boundaries here either.
It doesn’t matter which option you use, it doesn’t matter which hand you knit with (left or right), or maybe you will invent your own method and be able to knit with your foot, mouth or ear and you will succeed - that means your method of holding the hook is correct!
Feel free to use it and don’t listen to anyone!
In the meantime, while you haven’t yet invented your own special way of holding a hook, let’s look at those that exist.
Usually the hook is held in the right hand and the yarn for knitting in the left.
Lefties can knit the same way or vice versa.
Option 1 - Straight Grip
The hook can be held like a pen (or pencil), pinched between the thumb and forefinger. The hook slides easily over the middle finger. 
The middle finger can also lie on the hook and hold the loops. 
Second option - Reverse grip
To do this, you need to place your hand over the hook and grasp it, as if you were holding a knife in your hand. This option may be more familiar if you know how to knit. 
I would like to add that thin hooks without a handle, as well as hooks with an ergonomic handle, are more comfortable to hold like a knife. This method is also used when knitting with thick yarn;
when knitting irregular mesh in Irish lace and in other situations.
In my opinion, the first option seems to be the most convenient, since it provides greater mobility of the hook head, and when knitting, only the movements of the fingers of the right hand will be enough. Handles get tired less, and knitting only brings pleasure.
Try both options. Use the one that is most convenient for you.
I repeat once again - both of these options are correct!
And we will not argue with those who think otherwise,
Let’s smile back and continue knitting, as it’s convenient for us!)
So the hook is in the right hand, what does the left hand do?
It is responsible for feeding and tensioning the thread (yarn). Thread tension control ensures comfort and uniform knitting density. The end of the thread (then the fabric) must be held with your thumb and middle finger. The thread should be placed over the index finger and held inside the palm. You can additionally pass the yarn between the ring finger and the little finger or wrap the thread around the little finger. This will allow you to adjust its tension.
Let's start knitting.
Look carefully at the drawing.
Make a loop and insert the hook into it as shown in the picture above. Now grab the working thread, that is, the thread going to the skein. Pull it through the loop and tighten, but not too tight.
You have the first loop on your hook - the initial loop.
Next we will make a chain of air loops.
As a rule, the zero row of any product is made from it, as well as airy, openwork motifs. How to crochet an air loop? We grab the working thread and pull it through the loop on the hook. We also perform all subsequent air loops (abbreviated VP). In knitting patterns, this element can be indicated by a circle or an oval. Carefully examine the resulting chain. The initial loop is a tack stitch, zero. Columns will not be knitted into it in the future. The loop that remains on the hook continues knitting and is also not included in the count.
Task number 1 - Dial a chain of 1000 VPs.
No, I didn't make a mistake with the zeros. No, not much. No, you won't get tired. Yes, definitely
Of course, you don’t have to count the loops; you can measure the first twenty loops with a centimeter and knit the required number of meters. or put a marker after every 20-30 or 50 loops)
Do not pull the loops too far, do not tighten them too much, make sure that they are the same along the entire length of the chain and that the hook can easily fit into each of them. You can knit with one crochet hook, or try different ones. Try changing the yarn, try different hooks with different yarns. Let your eyes and hands get used to the hook.
In the comments we will talk about how to hold the hook, how to make the first loop, and also post a photo of the finished chain.
Show your imagination, let us be interested in looking at your photos!
In the future, when casting on a large number of loops, you may find this advice useful:
It is very convenient to cast on a chain of air loops and knit the first row of various balls on it.
Take the first ball, cast on a chain of chain stitches, not counting approximately the required length, and leave it. Then take another ball and start knitting the calculated number of elements from the beginning of the chain. If you have not collected enough air loops in the chain, you can add them; if the air loops remain redundant, then by pulling the thread with which the chain was knitted, remove these extra loops (the chain is tightened) and tear off the thread with which the chain was knitted. Continue knitting with thread from the ball that was used to knit the first row.
This master class for beginners “Crochet” is dedicated to the air loop. You already learned how to knit the very first loop in the previous lesson, and today we will tell you, in detail and step by step, how to cast on a chain of air loops and what it can be used for.
The chain stitch is the beginning of the crochet stitch. On the diagrams it is indicated either by a dot or a circle. A chain of air loops can become a preparatory row for knitting stitches; it can create checks in fillet knitting or openwork patterns, or connect elements - for example, in Irish lace.
When you knitted the first loop, as we taught in the last lesson, you got just a chain loop on your hook. Let's take a closer look at how you managed to do this. Fortunately, there is no disagreement about how to do this - there simply cannot be any other options.
We place the work on the index finger of the left hand (if you are left-handed, then, accordingly, your hand will be right-handed), insert the hook under the working thread with the tip towards the palm and pull the thread through the loop that is on the hook. You have the following air loop.
Important: try not to tighten the loops that you removed from the hook - most often you will have to knit stitches in them later, and if you knit too tightly, difficulties may arise. The loops should also not be too loose, otherwise the work will look full of holes. Focus on the thickness of the hook: stretch the loop along it so that it acquires the desired diameter, and do not change it again.
How to crochet a chain of chain stitches
By knitting the loops one after another, we get a kind of braid, which is called a chain of air loops. The number of loops in it must correspond to the number of stitches in the first row of knitting or be indicated separately in the pattern.
The double chain is noticeably larger; it can serve as an independent element - for example, a cord or connection for motifs in Irish lace, or can be used as a thickened edge of the product.
To knit such a chain, we need a fairly long tail. It’s easy to calculate its length: we knit ten chain stitches for a sample, mark where we ended the knitting, and then unravel them so as not to lose the place where we started our chain. All we have to do is measure how long the tail is needed for ten loops, and recalculate its length taking into account the quantity we need. Just in case, make a small supply.
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
And now to the double chain of air loops itself. Leaving the tail, we make an initial loop, and then we intercept the thread so that the tension of the non-working thread (our tail) is controlled by the ring and little fingers, and the working thread by the middle and ring fingers. The work is located on the index finger. We insert the hook between the threads under the non-working one, grab the working one and pull it through the loop on the hook.
Why are air loops knitted?
Basics for starting knitting
The first purpose is to knit columns into it. After all, they are knitted into the loops of the previous row, and when knitting begins, when this row does not exist yet, its role is played by the chain.
Lifting hinges
When we finish one row of knitting and move on to another, we cannot immediately start knitting stitches - our work will be skewed. First we need to knit the lifting loops - they replace the first column in the row. Their number is calculated as follows:
- single crochet - 1 loop,
- Patent stitch - 2 loops,
- Single crochet - 3 loops
- double crochet - 4 loops.
As the number of yarn overs increases, one chain stitch will be added.
Important: lifting loops, as a rule, replace the first column in the row. Don't forget this when doing your calculations.
Ring of air loops
If you plan to knit in the round, then you can start it either with a sliding loop (it tightens and there is no hole left inside), or, if the work should be openwork, with a ring of air loops. Everything is simple here: we knit the required number of loops and connect them to the first half-column. Depending on the pattern, the columns of the first row can be knitted either into the loops themselves or inside the ring.
Pico is a small decorative element that is often used, for example, when knitting napkins. The desired column is knitted according to the pattern, then a chain of chain stitches (usually an odd number of them), and then a half-column is knitted into the base. The resulting decorative cone is called pico.
Step 1 
Step 2 
Step 3
Important: there is an opinion that the picot ends with a single crochet, knitted into the first chain stitch. This is incorrect, because as a result you will end up with an asymmetrical element. Look carefully at the drawing to see where and how it should be covered. For comparison, here is a photograph of what is obtained using the method often described on the Internet, and how it should be. Compare the correctly knitted picot on the left with the one to the right.
On the left is the correct picot
Sirloin mesh
By alternating small chains and columns, you can create an openwork pattern called a mesh. It can be either geometrically regular or arbitrary - the so-called irregular grid. This technique is used for fillet knitting, as well as when making coupling guipure.
Connecting motifs with crochet
Also, chains of air loops are used to connect knitted elements. In Irish lace, which is assembled from individual motifs, connecting posts and air loops are used to create a single work. Chains are also used to create a rounding of the cord in Bruges lace.
And we will definitely talk about all the mentioned types of knitting in our next lessons.
The crochet technique appeared a long time ago and is still very popular. It differs from knitting by the whimsicality of patterns that cannot be replicated by a knitting machine. They interestingly and unusually complement various modern images and look great on interior details: bedspreads, decorative pillows, napkins, scarves. Also no less interesting are clothing items made from yarn. These can be various pullovers, knitted blouses, scarves, tops and even dresses. You can knit a wide variety of items from wool and nylon threads of varying thickness and density, depending on the desired result.
At the initial stages it is not at all difficult; any novice craftswoman or master can handle the training. But the result will delight you with the sophistication and lightness of openwork patterns and weaves. Where to start learning to crochet?
Selecting Tools
First, let's choose a suitable hook and yarn to knit our first projects. There are crochet hooks steel and aluminum, and the biggest ones are even bamboo. Their size is determined by a number - diameter in millimeters. For beginners, numbers from 3 to 5 are best. The thickness of the hook should be selected depending on the thickness and density of the yarn. It can be almost anything. It is important to avoid burrs and roughness on the head of the crochet hook.. This can significantly interfere with your work. And also make sure that its tip is not too pointed, as it can easily be scratched.
Correct technique and conventions
There are 2 ways to hold a crochet hook correctly: as a pen for writing or as a knife while eating. For convenience, modern instruments have a small flattened area approximately 2-4 centimeters from its head. This is where it will be correct to hold our tool. Now we’ll tell you a little about the terms so that there are no difficulties when analyzing diagrams and master classes.
How to knit chain stitches?
To start our chain of air loops - the first row of the future product - we need to complete the first of them. It will be slightly different from the subsequent ones, but it is not at all difficult to perform. To do this:
- By wrapping the working thread around your index finger and then removing it, you get a small loop. Its short end should be placed on top.
- We insert a hook into it and grab the working thread as it continues.
- Pull the thread through this ring and tighten the ends of the first air loop. You should not do this too tightly, because it should be free and move around the hook without difficulty.
How to crochet an air loop from threads - watch step by step in the instructional video.
Did you understand how to knit the first loop and try it? Did it work? Now from the completed first element you can begin to knit a series of air loops. To do this, wrap the working thread over your index finger and hold the short end with your thumb and middle finger. The hook is inserted into the first loop, then we hook the working thread and bring it into the loop, we do the same thing again and again to get a chain.
If you want to postpone the work, simply pull out the last (working) stitch a few centimeters. Then your product will not unravel accidentally.
After the first row of the product - the chain - is completed, you can begin to create a further pattern according to the scheme. For beginners, I recommend that you first practice by making the chain longer.
It is important to monitor the tension of the loops. They should be even and not too tight or loose. Otherwise, the first row of the product will turn out uneven, which means that all subsequent rows will also have errors. Once you learn how to knit a chain of chain stitches, you can begin to master other crochet techniques, such as double crochet, single crochet, and so on.
In the diagram, the air loop is designated as “0”, and the chain of loops is designated as “00000”. The count of loops in the chain does not include the one on the hook. As a rule, the first row (chain) is not included in the drawing on the diagram, that is, it is not depicted on it at all. Therefore, you need to be very careful when counting the rows in the product.
There are several options for making such a chain, as well as ways to obtain the first air loop. Also, in addition to a single row, you can perform, for example, a double row. Various variations of knitting rows are also possible, such as crocheting in the round. In this way you can make round needle beds or thick napkins/hot coasters/potholders and similar products.
How to make a double row
To do this, you need to knit 2 air loops as described earlier. The hook is passed through both, and then the working thread is placed on it. It is hooked and knitted through them. This creates another loop. Then we add the next one to it and do it all again. You should end up with a double row. As you can see, this technique is not much more complicated than making a single chain. But such a chain looks much more attractive and stronger.
These techniques are the basis of crochet. Therefore, they need to be practiced and be able to perform perfectly before moving on to further training and creating products in this way. But then you can easily knit and weave any products from threads - crafts are made on the basis of the same loops, you will see if you look at the pictures of the finished works. Be patient and good luck in learning a new craft!
Crochet air loop- This is the basic knitting technique. If you need to knit an openwork tunic for the summer, then the main element is air loop crochet.
Air loops are used to create openwork patterns. An air loop is indispensable and when climbing to higher rows, such an air loop is called.
It is used in most products as a base, as well as to create airy motifs.
From the lesson you will learn how to knit an air loop And how to cast air loops to form a chain of air loops.
Crochet lessons for beginners - a chain of air loops
To perform the first air loop, you must use the initial loop from the previous lesson: ""
1. Here is ours first crochet stitch from the previous lesson
3. Pull the working thread through the loop on the hook. This first air loop
4. Now let's master the diagrams))) In the diagram, the air loop is reflected in a circle. Some descriptions may be different, but these are mostly foreign ones.
5. Grab the working thread and pull it through the loop on the hook - this second air loop
Several air loops following each other are called chain of air loops
7. In the diagram, the chain of air loops will look like this
