Half double crochet stitches are slightly taller than single crochet, but shorter than double crochet. You wrap the yarn once around the hook, insert it into the stitch, catch the yarn, and pull it through all three loops on the hook. Gives an even, soft look – great for everything from garments to blankets.
A magic ring is the starting point for many crochet projects worked in the round. You make a loop with the yarn and crochet stitches into it. When you pull the yarn tight, the hole in the middle closes completely – perfect for hats, beanies, or coasters.
When crocheting something round that grows outward, you always need to increase. Increasing means crocheting several stitches of the same type into the same stitch. For example: two single crochets or two half double crochets into the same stitch. This makes the work wider.
To avoid spending time weaving in the ends when you've finished your work, you can crochet over them as you go. Lay the yarn along the edge of the work and crochet around it. The video also shows you how to start a new color in the City Beanie pattern.
An invisible join is used to finish your work seamlessly. You create a false stitch. You'll need a tapestry needle and scissors.
Chain stitches form the foundation chain of many projects and are also used to create spaces or height in a pattern. You make them by pulling the yarn through the loop on your hook. When you work slip stitches, it's the same technique, but used to join two ends together.