The single crochet stitch is considered to be one of the most simple, versatile and basic stitches and one of the first stitches beginner crocheters should start with. This stitch is used extensively in amigurumi patterns as it creates a dense, closed fabric.
In this blog post I’ll show you how to do the single crochet stitch with simple, step-by-step photos and instructions. I’ve also included a video tutorial for you.
This tutorial is written using us terminology. The single crochet stitch is called the double crochet when converted to uk terms.
The single crochet stitch is the second tallest crochet stitch. Only the slip stitch (SL ST) is shorter. When the single crochet stitch is used in a written pattern, it will be abbreviated as SC.
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Materials:
I’m using a medium weight yarn / worsted weight yarn (4) and a 5.5mm (I) crochet hook. This stitch can be done with any crochet hook size and yarn weight.
I recommend starting with the suggested hook size given on your yarn label if you’re just starting out. Need help reading a yarn label? Check out my How to Read a Yarn Label Tutorial here.)
Abbreviations (us terms):
- CH = Chain
- SC = Single Crochet
- SL ST = Slip Stitch
- ST = Stitch
- YO = Yarn Over
Learn how to do the Single Crochet Stitch with this Video Tutorial:
Step-by-step Single Crochet Photo Tutorial
Foundation Row:
Step 1: Make a slip knot and create a foundation chain with your desired number of chains. When creating chain stitches, you want to chain the desired number of stitches you’d like to have plus one extra.
So for 10 stitches, you need 11 chains (as seen in the image below).
Step 2: Insert your hook into the 2nd chain (CH) from the hook through the center of the chain and under the back bar of the chain. You should always have 2 loops on your hook at this step that look like little horizontal bars on your hook, unless the pattern states to work under the back loop or front loop only.
Note: (You will never work in the first chain from the hook unless it is specified in the pattern).
Step 3: Yarn over (YO) hook and pull the yarn through the chain. There are two loops on your hook.
Step 4: YO hook and pull through both loops on your hook. You will have one loop (called the working loop) remaining on your hook. First single crochet stitch completed.
Step 5: Insert hook into the next CH through the center of the V and under the back bar of the chain. YO and pull through the chain. You will have two loops on your hook. YO and pull through both loops on your hook. Only the working loop remains on your hook. This is your second stitch completed.
Repeat Step 5 in each remaining chain across.
Adding a second (or more) row(s):
To add a new row of single crochet, CH 1 and turn your work counterclockwise. This CH 1 acts as a turning chain to bring your working yarn up to the correct height of the stitch you’ll be creating.
When starting your second row, you’ll now be working across the top of the stitch of the row of single crochet stitches that you just made.
Step 1: Insert your hook into the last stitch of the previous row of single crochet stitches, under the top 2 loops (often referred to as the first stitch because it is the first stitch you’ll be working into for this row). YO and pull through the stitch to pull up a loop (two loops should be on your hook).
Note: The CH 1 never counts as a stitch unless the pattern tells you otherwise
Step 2: YO hook and pull through both loops on your hook. First stitch completed.
Step 3: Insert your hook into the next stitch, under both loops, YO and pull through the stitch. YO and pull through both loops on your hook. Next SC completed.
Step 4: Repeat Step 2 in each remaining stitch across.
To add more rows, you would repeat the instructions for adding your second row until your piece reaches the desired size.
Tips for New Crocheters Working This Stitch:
- Counting Stitches: Count the V’s across the tops of your stitches to count how many stitches you have. Patterns will typically include a total stitch count at the end of the row of instructions, often in brackets (), to tell you how many stitches you should have.
- Direction of Work: Right-handed crocheters should always be working their rows from the right hand side of the work to the left and left handed crocheters should be working rows from left to right.
- Keeping Edges Straight: Placing stitch markers in the first and last stitch of each row can help you avoid picking up extra stitches or losing stitches which helps keep your edges straight.
- Crochet Charts: When looking at crochet charts each stitch has a unique chart symbol. The SC stitch can look like either a small cross or lower case t shape or an X.
- You can get different looks to this stitch by working in different loops of the stitch (like the front loop or the back loop) or even working front or back post stitches around the stitch. There are lots of ways to play and experiment with it to get different effects and textures in your fabric.
Ready to learn a new stitch? Check out some of my other stitch tutorials. Each includes a photo tutorial:
Basic Crochet Stitches and Techniques:
- Half Double Crochet Stitch
- Double Crochet Stitch
- Magic Circle or Magic Ring Tutorial
- How to Do Single Crochet Increases
- Single Crochet Decreases
More Advanced Stitches and Techniques
- Foundation Single Crochet Stitch Tutorial
- Picot Single Crochet Tutorial
- Tunisian Simple Stitch
- Tunisian Extended Simple Stitch
Check out my Stitch Tutorials page for all available stitch tutorials.
Looking for a crochet project that uses this stitch? Check out some of these free patterns:
- My Favorite Festival Purse
- Bob & Betty Bird
- Rainbow Crochet Sunglasses Case
- Norse Crochet Mittens
- Carter the Carrot Amigurumi Pattern
- Easy Crochet Christmas Baubles
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