How to Single Crochet (SC) for Beginners + Video
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.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 a common one in many crochet patterns.
Single crochet (sc) (US terms) – which is also known as double crochet in UK terms- is the simplest stitch you will be able to learn.
You can find a free PDF of both US and UK terms and abbreviations here – Crochet Abbreviations (US + UK Terms) Free Printable
There are many ways you can work this stitch, from rows to spirals, and it is often worked with other stitches in different types of projects.
Before You Get Started
Here are a few things to know before you begin:
- Yarn choice: Use a smooth yarn in a light color so you can easily see your stitches.
- Hook size: For this tutorial, a super bulky yarn with a 10mm (US 15) hook is used, but you can use any yarn weight and hook size to practice.
- Foundation chain: You’ll need to know how to make a slip knot and crochet a chain.
- Fabric texture: Single crochet creates a tight, dense fabric, and both sides of the fabric look the same.
Tools/Materials Needed
- Yarn (any weight – tutorial uses super bulky)
- Crochet hook (tutorial uses 10mm / US 15)
Video Tutorial
A step-by-step photo tutorial, a written pattern, and a video tutorial are available for beginners.
This is a right hand tutorial. If you have a left dominant hand, you can view a left-hand tutorial here.
How To Single Crochet – Instructions
Step 1 – Inserting your crochet hook
First, you will create: A slip knot (View tutorial here –How to Make a Slip Knot in Crochet: Easy Tutorial With Step-by-Step Photos)
Then: A foundation chain (View tutorial here – How To Start A Crochet Chain For Beginners (Tutorial))
Once you have completed the slip knot and have the foundation chain ready, you will insert the hook through the first chain stitch.
For the foundation row and for the rest of your work, you will place the hook into the first stitch below the two loops you can see in the row.
Insert 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, wrap the yarn over the hook.
Step 3 – Pull the yarn through the loop
Pull the yarn through the chain loops (that first loop).
You should now have two loops on your hook.
Step 4 – Hook the yarn again
Wrap the yarn over your hook again.
Step 5 – Pull the yarn through the loops
Draw yarn through both 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, to make another single crochet stitch into the next stitch.
One loop will now be on your crochet hook, and this is needed for your next single crochet stitch.
And you just made your first single crochet stitch!
You can repeat steps 1-5 as many times as you want for your own practice until you get to the last stitch at the end of the row.
And that will complete the first row of single crochet.
When you turn the work, you will chain (ch) one stitch, as this is known as a turning chain.
This helps to keep the work straight from the previous row to the next new row of single crochet.
You can see in the photo below that the crochet fabric has grown.
Single Crochet for Beginners – Tips
- If you’re new, this is one of the easiest stitch patterns to learn.
- When starting in the foundation chain, holding the work can feel tricky.
- Hold the work in a way that is comfortable for you and allows the yarn to feed easily from the ball.
- It takes practice, but you’ll soon find a rhythm and become confident in your stitches.
You may find this post helpful: How To Hold A Crochet Hook
What Crochet Patterns Use Single Crochet?
Because single crochet is so versatile, you can make a wide variety of projects:
- Blankets
- Washcloths
- Dish towels
- Scarves
- Bags
Beginner-Friendly Practice Patterns
These patterns will help you work on your single crochet rows and make something practical at the same time.
FAQs & Extra Tips
→ Is single crochet the same in UK terms?
No — in UK terms, single crochet is called double crochet.
→ Can you increase and decrease with the single crochet stitch?
Yes, you can both increase and decrease using single crochet.
Single Crochet Increase: Adds one extra stitch to your row or round and is often written in patterns as “sc inc” or “2 sc in next st.”
Single Crochet Decrease: Work two stitches together by partially completing one single crochet, starting the next in the next stitch, and pulling through all loops at once. This is often written as “sc2tog” or ”sc dec”-
Related post: How To Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog)
→ Why use single crochet?
It creates a strong, dense fabric that’s great for structure.
→ Can I use it for amigurumi?
Yes — single crochet is perfect for tight, gap-free stitches in stuffed projects.
→What is the purpose of a turning chain?
In crochet, a turning chain is used at the beginning of a new row (or round) to bring your yarn up to the proper height for the stitches you’re about to work.
The number of chain stitches you need to do depends on the stitch pattern you are working on.
→ What supplies do you need to work on a single crochet project?
For a project that works with single crochet stitches, you’ll want to gather supplies that suit both the stitch and the type of item you’re making.
- Yarn – Yarn Weight Guide (+ Yarn Conversion Chart)
- Crochet hook – Crochet Hook Sizes Chart (A Free Conversion Guide)
- Scissors
- Tapestry (yarn) needle
- Stitch markers – What Are Stitch Markers?
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Row counter
- Blocking supplies – How To Block Crochet (Beginner’s Guide)
→ Are there variations of the single crochet?
Yes, there are quite a few variations of the single crochet stitch that create different textures and looks while still using the same basic stitch foundation. Some popular ones include:
- Single Crochet Back Loop Only (SC BLO) – Insert the hook only into the back loop of the stitch, creating a ribbed effect.
- Single Crochet Front Loop Only (SC FLO) – Insert the hook only into the front loop for a subtle horizontal line detail.
- Extended Single Crochet (ESC) – Adds extra height by adding a chain between the pull-throughs, giving a slightly looser fabric.
- Waistcoat Stitch (a.k.a. Knit Stitch) – Work into the “V” of the stitch below instead of the top loops, creating a knit-like look.
- Spike Stitch – Insert the hook into a row below the current row for a decorative vertical drop stitch.
- Thermal Stitch – Uses single crochet worked through the back loop of the current row and the unworked loop of the previous row for a thick, double-layered fabric.
These variations are great for adding texture, stretch, extra thickness, or a different look to projects while keeping the familiarity of the regular single crochet motion.
Crochet Lessons
If you need more tutorials, check out the crochet lessons here – Crochet Lessons {With Video Tutorials}.
There, you will find tutorial posts for the basic stitches and all the crochet techniques a newbie needs to know, like how to make a slip knot and more.
For extra help and to connect with more makers, check out the Handylittleme Knitting And Crochet Community Facebook group.
You can also find us on various social media platforms, including Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, Ravelry, and TikTok.
Want to Learn More?
- How To Half Double Crochet Stitch For Beginners (hdc)
- How To Double Crochet (dc) For Beginners
- How To Treble Crochet (TR)
- Half Treble Crochet Stitch (htr) For Beginners
- Crochet Pumpkin {Single Crochet Ribbing}
- How To Crochet The Popcorn Stitch: Step-By-Step Tutorial With Video
- Crochet Basketweave Stitch (Free Printable)
- How To C2C Crochet For Beginners (Free Printable)
- 50 Best Crochet Stitches For Blankets And Afghans
- 50 Crochet Stitches For All Skill Levels (Free)
- How To Crochet A Front Post Double Crochet Stitch
- How To Make A Back Post Double Crochet Stitch (BPDC)
- Star Stitch Crochet Tutorial (Easy For Beginners)
- How To Crochet The Alpine Stitch (Pattern Tutorial)
- How To Crochet The Waffle Stitch (Free Tutorial)
- Crochet Puff Stitch (A How-To Tutorial For Beginners)
- How To Crochet The Blanket Stitch For Beginners
- Free Crochet Patterns
Happy Crocheting!
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.?
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
Hallo..
Do you have a tutorial on changing colour on the beginning of a next row..
Thank you..🧶
Hi there Marianna! 👋
Great question — I don’t currently have a step-by-step tutorial on changing color at the beginning of a new row, but it’s definitely something I can add to my list for future tutorials.
In the meantime, the easiest way is to join your new yarn at the start of the row, leaving a small tail to weave in later, and then continue knitting (or crocheting) with the new color.
Thank you for the suggestion — it’s always helpful to know what tutorials would be useful! 🧶💛