Single Crochet: Learn How to Single Crochet

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The single crochet is probably the most commonly used stitch in crochet. Actually, you will normally see this stitched abbreviated to SC in written crochet pattern.

One single crochet made next to a text area which says "Learn How to Single Crochet, thecrochetfox.com" next to one row of single crochet stitches made

In fact, this fundamental crochet stitch is the most basic and compact of the stitches you find in crocheting. As it happens, it is the shortest of all the crochet stitches and only has a chain 1 as the turning chain.

Furthermore, it produces a fabric that that is quite dense. In addition, it will typically produce a gauge that is roughly square, that is the number of stitches and rows per inch (centimeter) is more or less the same.

Unsurprisingly, the single crochet is a really versatile stitch. You can use it both entirely by itself or in combination with other stitches. Indeed, not only can it be worked in rows, but also in rounds or spirals, e.g. in amigurumi.

As a matter of fact, this easy to master stitch, can also easily be combined with other stitches in countless variations.

Table of Contents

Single Crochet in UK Patterns

The term “single crochet” is normally not used in British crochet pattern. Instead, you will find this stitch referred to as a double crochet.

Moreover, you can find out a lot more about the differences between US and UK crochet terms in our article on the subject: Crochet Terms: The Differences between US vs UK Crochet Terms Explained.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Single Crochet

Before you can start working your first row in single crochet, you need to make a slip knot and a foundation chain. If you are not familiar with how to make these, you can find our step-by-step tutorials here:

Working Row 1 in Single Crochet

Single Crochet Tutorial Step 1: 11 chains on a crochet hook.

1.	Make a slip knot.
2.	Chain 11.

Single Crochet Tutorial Step 2: Bringing the yarn over the hook from back to front.

1.	Pull the yarn through the chain and onto the working area of the crochet hook.
2.	Skip the first chain from the crochet hook.
3.	Insert your hook into the second chain from the crochet hook. The hook should be inserted through the center of the stitch (the V). It should be under the back bar of the chain.
4.	From back to front, bring the yarn over the hook.

Single Crochet Tutorial Step 2: Two loops on your hook.

5.	You should now have 2 loops on your hook.

Single Crochet Tutorial Step 3: Pulling the yarn through the 2 loops on the crochet hook.

1.	Bring the yarn over your hook, from back to front.
2.	Pull the yarn through the 2 loops on the crochet hook.

Single Crochet Tutorial Step 3: One single crochet made.

3.	There should now just be one loop on the crochet hook.
4.	You have now made your first single crochet.

Single Crochet Tutorial Step 4: One row of single crochet stitches made.

1.	Repeat the steps in Row 1, Step #1 - 4 through to and including Row 1, Step 3 - 4.
2.	You should have 10 stitches in the completed row.

Tip: Do not work into the slip knot. You should also be careful not to twist the chain. Make sure that all the Vs are facing you.

Working Row 2 in Single Crochet

Single Crochet Tutorial Row 2 Step 1: One turning chain stitch on top of a row of single crochet stitches.

1.	Make a turning chain, i.e., chain 1. This will bring your working yarn to the correct height for working the first stitch on row 2.

Single Crochet Tutorial Row 2 Step 2: One row of single crochet stitches with an arrow indicating to turn.

Single Crochet Tutorial Row 2 Step 2: One row of single crochet stitches flipped.

1.	Keep your crochet hook in the loop and turn your work counterclockwise – this will allow you to work back across the first row.

Single Crochet Tutorial Row 2 Step 3: A row of single crochet stitches with an arrow going through the last stitch on the previous row

1.	Work the first stitch into the last stich on the previous row – do not work into the turning chain.
2.	Make the single crochet by inserting the hook under the top 2 loops.
3.	Bring the yarn over the hook from back to front.
4.	Pull the yarn through and up onto the working area of the hook.
5.	You should now have 2 loops on the hook.
6.	Bring the yarn over the hook from back to front one more time.
7.	There should now be 2 loops on your crochet hook.
8.	Pull the yarn through both the loops on the crochet hook.

Single Crochet Tutorial Row 2 Step 4: Two rows of single crochet stitches with an arrow going through the last stitch.

1.	Continue with 2 to 8 under Step 3 until you have worked into each single crochet to the end of the row.
2.	Make sure that you work into every stitch on the previous row.
3.	The last stitch can be a bit tricky to see so make sure you work into this as well.

Single Crochet Tutorial Row 2 Step 5; Two rows of single crochet stitches with 10 stitches each.

1.	Count the stitches and make sure that you still have 10 single crochets on the row.
2.	Continue until you have the desired height and fasten off.

Fastening Off

When your work is measuring the correct height, you need to fasten off.

1.	After the last stitch, cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch (approx. 15 cm) tail.
2.	Draw your crochet hook straight up, pulling the cut yarn tail completely through the loop on the hook.
3.	To close, pull the yarn tail tight.
4.	Thread the yarn into a yarn needle.
5.	Weave back and forth through the stitches to secure the yarn tail.

Tips for Beginners

Getting the First Row Right

When you first start working your single crochets in rows, you may find it a bit challenging. This can be because it can be difficult to hold the work as there is only the foundation chain to hold onto.

If this is the case, make a longer chain just for practice purposes. Practice making samples until you are comfortable with crocheting the first row.

You may also find it difficult to crochet into the foundation chain because your chain stitches are too tight. So, when you are first starting out, make your chain stitches a bit looser than you would normally want to, just so you can get the practice of crocheting into it.

Once you have mastered the first row, tighten up your chain so that is not too tight nor too loose.

Variations on the Single Crochet Stitch

In the tutorial above, I told you to insert the crochet hook under the top 2 loops of the stitch in the row below. This is the most common way to make the this stitch.

However, by inserting your hook through only one of the loops, the single crochet stitch will take on a new appearance. You can find some examples of this here:

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