How to Finger Crochet: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial

Learn how to finger crochet without a hook with this easy step-by-step tutorial.

What Is Finger Crochet?

Do you know how to finger crochet? Finger crochet is a great way to enjoy crochet when you don’t have a hook on hand or when your hook isn’t the right size for your yarn. It’s also a fun way to teach crochet. Your fingers only have to focus on the mechanics of the stitches rather than on how to hold the hook.

Since your fingers are probably relatively thick compared with crochet hooks, start with bulky or super bulky yarn. That way, the stitches are easier to see and work with as you learn.

How to Start Finger Crochet

Once you have your yarn selected, start with a slip knot on the forefinger of your dominant hand. In other words, use your right hand if you’re right-handed or your left hand if you’re left-handed. Leave the slip knot loose.

How to Make a Finger Crochet Foundation Chain

With your other hand, wrap the yarn over your forefinger from back to front. This step is similar to making a yarn over (yo) in standard crochet.

Next, bend your forefinger and draw the yarn through the loop already on your finger. You may need to use your other hand to help pull the yarn through.

You’ve made a chain!

Continue these steps until the foundation chain is as long as you’d like for your project.

How to Make Single Crochet Stitches With Your Fingers

Now that you have a foundation chain, it’s time to move on to single crochet stitches. This is where you’ll begin to see your finger crochet project take shape.

Step 1: Skip the First Chain

Skip the first chain. The loop on your finger doesn’t count as a chain, so skip the first one that’s off your finger. This step is similar to skipping the turning chain (t-ch) in standard crochet.

Step 2: Insert Your Finger Into the Chain

Next, insert your forefinger into the next chain.

Step 3: Yarn Over

With your other hand, wrap the yarn over your forefinger.

Step 4: Pull Up a Loop

Draw the yarn through the first loop on your forefinger. You should still have two loops on your finger.

Step 5: Complete the Single Crochet

With your other hand, wrap the yarn over your forefinger once more.

Finally, pull the yarn through both loops on your finger. You’ve made a single crochet!

Repeat Across the Row

Continue working the same steps across the row. Insert your forefinger into the next chain. With your other hand, wrap the yarn over your forefinger. Draw the yarn through the first loop on your forefinger, leaving two loops on your finger.

Then, wrap the yarn over your forefinger again. Pull the yarn through both loops on your finger to complete the single crochet. Repeat these steps until you have a full row of single crochet stitches.

How to Make the Next Row

Once you finish your first row, you can begin the next row of single crochet stitches. First, turn your work.

Make the Turning Chain

Make a chain by wrapping the yarn over your forefinger.

Then, draw the yarn through the loop on your forefinger.

Work Single Crochet Across the Row

Now, repeat the steps for working a single crochet. Insert your forefinger into the next, or first, stitch.

With your other hand, wrap the yarn over your forefinger.

Draw the yarn through the first loop on your forefinger. You should still have two loops on your finger.

Next, wrap the yarn over your forefinger again.

Pull the yarn through both loops on your finger.

Repeat these steps until you have as many single crochet stitches as you need for your project.

How to Finish a Finger Crochet Project

When you’re ready to finish off your project, cut the yarn, leaving about 5” of yarn tail. Draw that short end through the last loop on your finger to finish off. Finally, use a yarn needle or crochet hook to weave in the yarn tails.

What Can You Make With Finger Crochet?

The possibilities are endless with finger crocheting, but it makes especially great bulky scarves and shawls!

Finger crochet is also a fun option when you want to experiment with larger stitches and chunky yarn. Since you don’t need a traditional crochet hook, it can be a convenient technique to try when you’re traveling, teaching, or simply looking for a different way to crochet.

Is Finger Crochet Good for Teaching Kids?

If you’re interested in teaching crochet to kids, this is a great first step. The larger movements can make the basic mechanics easier to demonstrate and follow. Once you’re ready to get a little more complex, check out our article on How to Teach Kids to Crochet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Finger Crochet

What is finger crochet?

Finger crochet is a crochet technique that uses your finger instead of a traditional crochet hook. It works especially well with bulky and super bulky yarn because the larger stitches are easier to manipulate.

How do you finger crochet?

To finger crochet, start with a slip knot on your dominant forefinger. Then, use your finger to make a foundation chain and work single crochet stitches through the chains. Continue making rows until your project reaches the desired size.

Can you crochet without a hook?

Yes. Finger crochet allows you to crochet without a traditional hook. Instead, your finger takes the place of the hook as you pull the yarn through loops and create stitches.

What yarn is best for finger crochet?

Bulky or super bulky yarn is a good choice for finger crochet. The larger yarn makes the stitches easier to see and manipulate with your finger.

Is finger crochet good for beginners?

Yes. Finger crochet can be a beginner-friendly way to learn the basic mechanics of crochet. It can also be useful for teaching children because there is no crochet hook to hold and coordinate.