If you're new to crocheting, one of the first stitches you will want to learn is the single crochet stitch.
While it may seem like a simple stitch, it is quite versatile and can be used to create a wide variety of projects, from cozy blankets and scarves to adorable stuffed animals and amigurumi.
In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the single crochet stitch, including how to make it, some tips and tricks for getting it just right, and a few fun project ideas to try out.
Table of contents
What Is A Single Crochet Stitch
What Is A Single Crochet Stitch
A single crochet stitch is a basic stitch used in crochet, where the hook is inserted into the previous row's stitch and a loop is pulled through.
The loop is then pulled through the two loops on the hook, creating a new stitch.
Single crochet stitches are typically used to create dense, sturdy fabric and are commonly used in projects such as amigurumi, dishcloths, and blankets.
Abbreviations
In US crochet patterns the single crochet stitch is abbreviated to "sc" and in the UK it is known as double crochet and is abbreviated to "dc".
In crochet charts, it is written as an "X" or a "+".
How To Make A Single Crochet
To make a single crochet stitch, insert the hook into the stitch of the previous row, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
Then yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook. Repeat this process across the row to create a chain of single crochet stitches.
Step By Step Tutorial
Often you will start a project with chain stitches or a foundation ring (or magic circle) and work your stitches into that.
Or your pattern may have you do a series of single crochet stitches somewhere else in the pattern.
Regardless of where you start the single crochet stitch the following steps apply.
Step 1 - Hold the hook in your dominant hand and the yarn and crocheted piece in the other hand.
Step 2 - Insert the hook into the next stitch of the previous row or round it and wrap the yarn over the hook.
Step 3 - Draw the hook with the yarn back through the stitch to the front. You will have two loops on the hook.
Step 4 - Wrap the yarn over the hook again.
Step 5 - Pull the hook and the yarn through both loops on the hook to make a single crochet stitch.
Step 6 - To continue, repeat steps 2 - 5 across the row or round to the end.
Step 7 - To start a new row, turn the work and make a chain stitch (this does not count as a stitch in the row). Then repeat steps 2 - 6.
Tips For Making A Single Crochet
- Choose a hook size that is appropriate for the weight of yarn you are using. A hook that is too small will make your stitches tight and difficult to work, while a hook that is too large will result in loose, floppy stitches.
- Keep your tension even because this is the key to creating neat, uniform stitches. Try to keep your tension even throughout the entire project by not pulling the yarn too tightly or letting it become too loose.
- Make sure your stitches are the same height, with each stitch sitting neatly on top of the previous row. If your stitches are too tall or too short, your project may become distorted.
- Counting your stitches as you go can help you keep track of where you are in the project and ensure that you don't accidentally skip or add a stitch.
- As with any skill, the more you practice making single crochet stitches, the better you will become. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts are not perfect – keep practicing and you will improve over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Single crochet increase is a technique used in crochet to increase the number of stitches in a row.
It is commonly used to add fullness and shape to a crochet project and is often found in patterns for hats, amigurumi, and other projects.
To work a single crochet increase, follow these steps:
- Insert the hook into the first stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Instead of inserting the hook into the next stitch, insert it into the space between the first stitch and the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Insert the hook back into the next stitch and complete a regular single crochet stitch.
This will create two stitches in the space where there was previously only one.
By working a single crochet increase in this way, you will increase the stitch count in the row by one.
Single crochet increases are typically worked in pairs, with one increase stitch worked on either side of a center stitch.
This helps to maintain the shape of the work and ensure that the increase is evenly distributed.
Single crochet decrease (sc2tog) is a technique used in crochet to decrease the number of stitches in a row.
It is commonly used to shape the work and is often found in patterns for amigurumi, hats, and other projects.
To work a single crochet decrease, follow these steps:
- Insert the hook into the first stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Insert the hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over and draw the yarn through all three loops on the hook.
This will create one single crochet decrease stitch, which will decrease the stitch count in the row by one.
Single crochet decrease stitches are typically worked in pairs, with one decrease stitch worked on either side of a center stitch.
This helps to maintain the shape of the work and prevent it from becoming too narrow or too wide.
Single crochet in the back loop is a variation of the basic single crochet stitch.
When working in the back loop, instead of inserting the hook under both loops of the stitch from the previous row, the hook is inserted only under the back loop of the stitch.
This creates a different texture and appearance in the finished project, with a raised ridge running along the back of each row.
Single crochet in the back loop is often used in projects such as ribbing, cuffs, and edging, as it creates a stretchier and more flexible fabric than single crochet worked through both loops.
Things To Make With Single Crochet
There are many things that you can make with the single crochet stitch in crochet:
- Blankets
- Scarves
- Hats
- Mittens
- Dishcloths
- Bags
- Amigurumi toys
- Coasters
- Washcloths
- Headbands
- Slippers
- Pot holders
- Purses
- Decorative pillows
- Baby booties
More Basic Crochet Stitches
- How to crochet a slip knot
- How to start a crochet chain stitch
- How to half double crochet
- how to make a double crochet stitch
- How to crochet a treble stitch
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Printable Instructions
How To Single Crochet
What You Will Need
Yarn
- 1 ball yarn
Hook
- Size hook suited to the yarn you are using.
Notions
- Scissors
Gauge
- Not important for this pattern
Instructions
- 1. Hold the hook in your dominant hand and the yarn and crocheted piece in the other hand.
- 2. Insert the hook into the next stitch of the previous row or round it and wrap the yarn over the hook.
- 3. Draw the hook with the yarn back through the stitch to the front. You will have two loops on the hook.
- 4. Wrap the yarn over the hook again
- 5. Pull the hook and the yarn through both loops on the hook to make a single crochet stitch.
- 6. To continue, repeat steps 2 - 5 across the row or round to the end.
- 7. To start a new row, turn the work and make a chain stitch (this does not count as a stitch in the row). Then repeat steps 2 - 6.
Notes
- Choose a hook size that is appropriate for the weight of yarn you are using. A hook that is too small will make your stitches tight and difficult to work, while a hook that is too large will result in loose, floppy stitches.
- Keep your tension even because this is the key to creating neat, uniform stitches. Try to keep your tension even throughout the entire project by not pulling the yarn too tightly or letting it become too loose.
- Make sure your stitches are the same height, with each stitch sitting neatly on top of the previous row. If your stitches are too tall or too short, your project may become distorted.
- Counting your stitches as you go can help you keep track of where you are in the project and ensure that you don't accidentally skip or add a stitch.
- As with any skill, the more you practice making single crochet stitches, the better you will become. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts are not perfect – keep practicing and you will improve over time.
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