Yarning over (often abbreviated as "yo") is one of the most basic and essential crochet techniques you'll need to master. It’s a simple motion, but it forms the foundation for almost every crochet stitch. Whether you’re just starting or building up your crochet skills, learning how to yarn over is key to success in your projects! 

Right Handed

Left Handed 

At Okey Dokeys, we believe in making crochet fun and easy, so let’s dive into this essential skill with a smile!

What Is a Yarn Over? 

A yarn over is the action of wrapping the yarn over your hook. This simple movement is the first step in creating most stitches, such as single crochets, double crochets, and even more advanced techniques. 

Essentially, when you yarn over, you're preparing to pull the yarn through a loop or stitch on your hook. It's the starting point for creating new loops and building the structure of your crochet project.

How to Yarn Over Step-by-Step: 

Follow these simple steps to yarn over like a pro: 

• Hold Your Hook and Yarn: Hold your crochet hook in your dominant hand and the yarn in your other hand.  

• Wrap the Yarn: Bring the yarn from back to front over your hook, making sure it catches under the hook’s tip.

• Pull Through: Once the yarn is wrapped over the hook, pull it through the stitch or loop you’re working on. Now you’ve yarned over and created a new loop!

And that’s it! You’ve mastered the yarn over. 🎉

Why Is Yarning Over So Important? 

The yarn over motion is the backbone of crochet. You’ll use it every time you make a stitch. Here’s why it’s so crucial: 

• Forms Loops: Every stitch is made up of loops, and yarn over is how you create them.
• Used in All Stitches: Whether you're making single crochets, half double crochets, or taller stitches, yarning over is essential. 
• Foundation of New Techniques: As you grow in your crochet journey, the yarn over will be part of more advanced techniques like increasing and decreasing stitches. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

While yarning over is simple, there are a few common pitfalls beginners might experience: 

• Yarn Slipping Off the Hook: Make sure you’re holding the yarn securely enough so it doesn’t slip off the hook too early. 
• Incorrect Yarn Wrap: Be sure to wrap the yarn from back to front, not the other way around. Otherwise, your stitches will twist and be harder to work with. 
• Too Much Tension: Don’t pull the yarn too tightly. Keep the tension light and comfortable so your stitches are smooth.

Okey Dokeys Tip: Practice Makes Perfect! 

Yarning over might feel a bit awkward when you first start, but with practice, it will become second nature. Try practicing with larger yarn and a bigger hook if you're a beginner — it makes everything easier to see and feel. 

Once you’ve got it down, you’ll be ready to take on all sorts of fun projects, and at Okey Dokeys, we’re here to cheer you on every step of the way!