If you are learning how to crochet, you will need to know how to single crochet.
This is one of the most basic crochet stitches and one that is commonly seen in many crochet patterns.
Single crochet – which is also known as double crochet in UK terms, is one of the easiest stitches you will be able to learn.
You can find a free PDF of both US and UK terms and abbreviations here.
There are many ways you can work this stitch, from rows to spirals and it is often worked with other stitches.
How To Single Crochet
The single crochet stitch (when abbreviated it is – sc) is the most fundamental of all stitches in crocheting.
The single crochet stitch creates a tight, dense fabric.
Learning how to make a single crochet will serve as the foundation for your crocheting projects – as all stitches are typically variations of this core stitch.
Video Tutorial
There is a step by step photograph tutorial below and a video tutorial.
You can view the video tutorial on my YouTube channel here.
How To Single Crochet
- Step 1 – Inserting your crochet hook
First, you will create the following;
A slip knot
A foundation chain
Once you have the foundation chain ready, you will insert the hook through the first chain.
For the second row and in the rest of your work, you will place the hook into the single crochet stitch below the two loops you can see in the row.
Push the hook through both loops in the chain.
In some patterns, it will say to work into one loop only, which can create different types of looks and shaping.
- Step 2 – Hooking the yarn
Holding your crochet hook in place, you will wrap the yarn over the hook.
- Step 3 – Pull the yarn through the loop
Next, you will pull the yarn through the chain loops (that first loop).
You should now have two stitches or loops on your hook.
- Step 4 – Hook the yarn again
Now you need to wrap the yarn into your hook again.
- Step 5 – Pull the yarn through the loops
Then you will pull the yarn through both of the loops on your hook.
- Step 6 – You can now see your single crochet stitch
Finally, you will have a single crochet stitch completed, and can continue the process again from step 1 to make another single crochet stitch.
One loop will now be on your crochet hook and this is needed for your next single crochet stitch.
You can repeat these steps as many times as you want for your own practice or if your pattern states how many rows.
Single Crochet For Beginners
Here are some tips for anyone who is new to single crochet.
When you first start to single crochet into your foundation chain, it can be difficult to hold the work, as there is not much to hold onto.
Just make sure to hold the work in your right (or left) hand in a way that is comfortable for you and allows you to work the yarn from the ball at the same time.
It does take some practice, but you will soon find a rhythm and become more confident in completing those stitches.
You can take a look at this post, which may help – how to hold your crochet hook.
What Crochet Patterns Use Single Crochet?
As single crochet is used in many patterns in a variety of ways, there are so many things you can make with this simple stitch.
From blankets, washcloths, dish towels, scarves, bags and more!
You can take a look at this beginner-friendly washcloth pattern to practice using single crochet here.
Virginia says
I would like to see the end of the row so I know how to pick up the last stitch for the next row. Does this make sense.?
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Virginia,
At the end of the row, you single crochet into the very last chain/stitch then single crochet once more, then turn the work to continue.
When you start working on the next row, you will continue to single crochet into every chain/stitch along that row, then repeat what you did on the previosu row into the last cahin/stitch.
I hope that helps!
Louise