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Home » Patterns » Crochet Stitches

How To Single Crochet (SC) For Beginners

Published: Apr 24, 2023 by Harriet · Leave a Comment

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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.

Main image for blog post on single crochet.
Table of contents
  • What Is A Single Crochet Stitch
  • How To Make A Single Crochet
  • Step By Step Tutorial
  • Tips For Making A Single Crochet
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Things To Make With Single Crochet
  • More Basic Crochet Stitches
  • Stay Connected
  • Printable Pattern
  • How To Single Crochet
  • Comments

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.

Crochet hook and brown yarn.

Step 1 - Hold the hook in your dominant hand and the yarn and crocheted piece in the other hand.

Crochet hook inserted into a stich of the previous row.

Step 2 - Insert the hook into the next stitch of the previous row or round it and wrap the yarn over the hook.

Two loops on a crochet hook.

Step 3 - Draw the hook with the yarn back through the stitch to the front. You will have two loops on the hook.

Yarn over hook and two loops on a crochet hook.

Step 4 - Wrap the yarn over the hook again.

A completed single crochet stitch.

Step 5 - Pull the hook and the yarn through both loops on the hook to make a single crochet stitch.

A swatch of single crochet stitches.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

What does single crochet increase mean?

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.

What is single crochet decrease?

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.

What is single crochet in the back loop?

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

Stay Connected

Pin this post - Pin now to and take your skills to the next level.

Leave a comment - We're excited to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.

Share on Instagram or Facebook - Capture the beauty of your finished crochet projects and share it on Instagram or Facebook! Tag us @easybreezycrochet or #ebcrochetcreations so we can see your work!

Printable Pattern

A step by step image showing how to single crochet.

How To Single Crochet

Learn all about the versatile single crochet stitch in our latest blog post. Discover tips for perfecting your technique and fun project ideas to try out.
Print Pin Rate
Skill Level : Easy
Author :Harriet

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

Tips For Making A Single Crochet
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

More Crochet Stitches

  • Ava crochet stitch pattern swatch.
    Ava - Crochet Stitch Pattern
  • Picture of crochet watch with yellow flowers.
    Harper Crochet Stitch Pattern
  • A hand holding a piece of purple crochet fabric.
    How to Do A Back Post Double Crochet
  • A pink piece of crochet fabric made with front post puff stitches and double crochet stitches.
    How To Make A Front Post Puff Stitch

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Hi! I am Harriet,

Welcome to Easy Breezy Crochet!

I created this free crochet pattern website dedicated to beginner friendly patterns.

Learn more about me here →

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