The single crochet stitch, often abbreviated to sc, is the first stitch you will need to learn before beginning your first crochet project. It is also the most common stitch to use for projects. Whether you are just learning to crochet or an experienced crocheter looking for a refresher, this tutorial is for you!
In this tutorial, I will show you how to complete the US single crochet stitch. This is the same stitch as the UK double crochet, but I will explain that more in depth below. This tutorial has three easy steps for learning how to work the single crochet stitch. Each step has a photo included to help you visualize exactly where the hook and yarn are positioned in each step.
Learning to crochet can be tricky. It takes a bit of patience and practice to figure out how to hold the yarn and the hook while completing the steps. However, the more you practice it, the more it becomes second nature. Now, I don't even think about how I'm holding my crochet hook or yarn. You will quickly figure out what works best for you, and that's different for everyone. As long as you complete the steps, how you hold the hook and yarn doesn't matter too much. For now, just focus on the basics.
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Single Crochet US vs Double Crochet UK
Most crochet patterns call for single crochet stitches but watch out because single crochet is different in US terms from UK terms. The US and the UK have different terms for crochet stitches. Confusing! I know. I can't begin to tell you how many patterns I've started entirely wrong because I didn't pay attention to the terminology.
In the US, this stitch is called the single crochet stitch. Meanwhile, this crochet stitch in the UK is called a double crochet stitch. This can be tricky because there is also a US double crochet stitch. Don't worry; your pattern will tell you whether you should use US or UK crochet terms. If the pattern doesn't specifically say which terms it uses, you can always contact the designer to make sure. Most designers will be happy to clarify! I'm undoubtedly guilty of occasionally forgetting to write which terms I use.
Although the terminology can be confusing, this stitch is the first crochet stitch you must learn before starting your first project. The US single crochet stitch/UK double crochet stitch is the foundation of almost every crochet project. Amigurumi (the crochet plushies) uses this stitch to create adorable plushies. Although this might seem like a boring stitch to learn, the possibilities are endless once you've mastered the basics of crochet.
I write my patterns in US terms, so for the rest of this tutorial, I will reference this stitch as the US single crochet stitch, or just Sc for short.
What is the Single Crochet Stitch Used For?
The single crochet stitch is used for just about everything in crochet. It's often the first stitch you will learn; at least, it was for me. The techniques used for single crocheting, yarning over, pulling through a loop, etc., are used in every other crochet stitch. Therefore, learning this basic crochet stitch is crucial before moving on to more advanced stitches.
The single crochet stitch is excellent for a variety of projects. Sometimes, the single crochet stitch is all a pattern will call for, or it will be included among several other crochet stitches. A great beginner crochet project with the single crochet stitch is a washcloth. Simply work the single crochet stitch back and forth until your desired length is reached, and you will have a simple crochet dishcloth. As you become more comfortable with the single crochet stitch, you can expand to things like scarves and even amigurumi projects.
Amigurumi are stuffed crochet toys. They are typically stuffed animals or other items made into crochet projects. Amigurumi is one of my favorite things to crochet, and the patterns usually only call for the single crochet stitch. You will need to learn a few more techniques, like increases and decreases, but those are easy to learn once you get the hang of crocheting. Many people can begin making amigurumi projects surprisingly early on when learning how to crochet.
As you become comfortable with the single crochet stitch, the possibilities open up for you in the crochet world. You'll be able to pick from thousands of crochet patterns and quickly become overwhelmed with the amazing designs. Learning additional stitches will come quickly as you continue to refine your crochet skills.
What you should know before completing this tutorial
All you really need before beginning this tutorial is a basic understanding of crochet, but it does assume that you know some terms before beginning.
This tutorial shows the basics of the single crochet stitch, but there is a bit more to it. This tutorial assumes that you know how to start a row of crochet stitches by creating a chain. Creating a chain is simple, and you must do this before beginning the first single crochet row.
This tutorial also assumes that you know the basic crochet terms, such as yarning over. The images below show the basics of yarning over, but you might want to refresh yourself on this further before beginning.
In addition, if you are working multiple rows of the single crochet stitch, you will need to chain 1 at the end of every row before turning your work. This will ensure the edges are nice and clean and everything looks even.
If you're ready to learn US single crochet, then keep scrolling to start your crochet journey or refresh your crochet basics!
Single Crochet Stitch Tutorial
Follow along below to learn how to complete the US single crochet stitch (sc). Each step features an image to help you along the way. Take it slow and focus on one step at a time.
Keep repeating the three steps below to begin single crocheting like a pro!
Step 1
Insert the hook into both loops of the next stitch or chain.
The crochet hook is inserted from front to back through the next crochet stitch. Make sure your hook goes below both top loops of the previous row (front and back loops) or through a chain of your foundation chain row.
Step 2
Yarn over and pull up a loop.
Yarn over by wrapping the working yarn around your crochet hook. The crochet hook will still be through the top two loops of the stitch when you wrap the yarn around the hook. Then, use the crochet hook to pull the yarn to the front of your work. You will pull the working yarn through the stitch yu are working into. You will now have two loops on your hook.
Step 3
Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
Yarn over again by wrapping the working yarn around your crochet hook. Then, pull the yarn through the two loops on your hook. You will now be left with one loop on your hook, and you've successfully completed a single crochet stitch.
Remember, practice makes perfect.
Keep practicing this stitch until you get the hang of it. At first, it can seem a bit wonky trying to hold the hook and the yarn at the same time, but eventually, it will become second nature. Every experienced crocheter you see has had their fair share of tangled yarn and failed projects. Learning how to crochet for beginners can be daunting, but don't get discouraged along the way.
Ready to put your single crochet skills to the test?
Once you've mastered the single crochet stitch, you're ready to put your skills to the test by following a crochet pattern. I have a ton of adorable crochet patterns available to purchase, and many for FREE!
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