A slip knot is not really a stitch, but often the foundation for making your stitches. The vast majority of projects start with a slip knot.

1. Form a loop about 10-15 cm from the end of the yarn.
2. Form another loop by pushing a piece of the short yarn end through the first loop.
3. Insert the crochet hook through the new loop and pull both yarn ends to tighten the slip knot around the crochet hook.
4. If the loop on the crochet hook can be made larger and smaller by pulling the yarn ends separately, your slip knot is correct.

Chain stitches is used to form a foundation for the rest of your work. Chain stitches are also used as turning stitches within the work.

1. Start with a slip knot on your crochet hook. Hold the knot with your left middle finger and thumb so that the loop on the hook is not too small. The hook should be able to move easily through the loop.
2. Bring the crochet hook under the yarn and catch the yarn with the hook. Pull the yarn through the slip knot. This is your first chain stitch. 

When you crochet chain stitches, it is very important not to make the stitches too tight. It should be possible to easily get the crochet hook through all the stitches later when you continue your work. If you find your chain stitches are too tight, you can use a larger hook for the chains, and then go back to the desired hook size once the chain has the correct length.