Make your chain as long as you think it will need to be for your project. For example, if you are making a blanket, then you will probably need to chain at least 90 stitches, plus 4, for a total of 94. Or, if you are making a washcloth, then you can probably just chain 18 stitches, plus 4 for a total of 22.

To double crochet, yarn over your hook and insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook. Then, yarn over again and pull through the first loop. Next, yarn over again and pull through two loops. To finish your first double crochet stitch, yarn over again and pull through both stitches on the hook. [3] X Research source

To single crochet, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over again, and then pull through both loops. [5] X Research source