How to Single Crochet

Single crochet is a short, sturdy stitch. It creates a firm fabric that works well for coasters, dishcloths, amigurumi, and simple edges. Once you understand where to place your hook and how to pull up a loop, this stitch becomes one of the most useful skills in crochet.

What you need

• Medium yarn in a light or solid color
• 5 mm crochet hook
• A small practice chain

Abbreviation

sc means single crochet. In most US patterns, single crochet is made by inserting the hook, pulling up a loop, yarning over, and pulling through two loops.

Foundation practice

Make a slip knot, then ch 16. This gives you a short practice row that is easy to count. You will work into the second chain from the hook. The loop on the hook is not counted as a chain.

Steps

1. Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.
2. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the chain. You should have two loops on the hook.
3. Yarn over again.
4. Pull through both loops on the hook. One single crochet is complete.
5. Work one single crochet into each remaining chain.

Stitch count

If you started with 16 chains and worked into the second chain from the hook, you should have 15 single crochet stitches in Row 1.

Turning for the next row

Chain 1, then turn your work. Work one single crochet into the top of each stitch across. You should still have 15 stitches. The chain 1 is a turning chain and is not counted as a stitch for this beginner practice.

Common mistakes

If your rows get smaller, you may be missing the first or last stitch. Count after every row until your hands learn the shape of the edge. If your fabric becomes very tight, the hook may be too small or your working yarn may be pulled too firmly. Loosen your hands and let the hook form the stitch size.

Practice six rows of 15 single crochet stitches. This makes a small rectangle that helps you see your edges, tension, and stitch tops clearly.

When you practice, use a light yarn so the top loops are easy to see. Dark yarn can hide the stitch shape and make counting harder while you are still learning.