How to Single Crochet for beginners: step by step
Updated: Sep 21
If you’re learning to crochet, single crochet is the stitch that makes everything start to click. It’s simple, sturdy, and used everywhere, from washcloths and scarves to amigurumi and blankets.
Single crochet is usually abbreviated as sc in patterns. It creates a compact, tight fabric, which makes it great when you want your stitches to feel firm instead of loose and lacy. Once you understand this stitch, so many other crochet stitches will make more sense because they build on the same basic movements.
Grab your yarn and hook, and let’s walk through it slowly.
What you need before you start
You don’t need anything fancy for this practice swatch. A smooth, medium-weight yarn is easiest to see and hold when you’re learning. Pair it with the hook size listed on the yarn label.
You’ll need:
Start with a foundation chain
Begin by making a slip knot and placing it on your hook. Then make 11 chain stitches, often written as ch 11.
Here’s the key thing to remember:
10 chains create the foundation for your stitches
1 chain is your turning chain
That turning chain gives your row a little height so the edge doesn’t bunch up.
When you look at your chain, you’ll see a series of small V shapes. The loop closest to your hook does not count as the first chain. Count back from the hook to find the second chain from the hook. That’s where your first single crochet stitch will go.
Make your first single crochet stitch
Now comes the main movement. This is the part you’ll repeat again and again.
Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.
Yarn over, which means wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front. Then pull that yarn through the chain.
You should now have 2 loops on your hook.
Yarn over again. Pull the yarn through both loops on your hook.
That’s it. You just made one single crochet stitch.
At the end of the stitch, you should have 1 loop left on your hook. That loop stays there while you make the next stitch.
A single crochet stitch has four basic actions: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops.
Once your hands know that rhythm, the stitch starts to feel much easier.
Finish Row 1
After making your first single crochet, move to the next chain in your foundation chain.
Work 1 single crochet stitch into each chain across the row.
Take your time here. The foundation chain can be the trickiest part because it’s small and likes to twist. If you need to pinch the chain between your fingers to see the next spot, do it. There’s no prize for speeding through the first row.
When you reach the end, you should have 10 single crochet stitches in Row 1.
If you’re not sure, count the little V shapes across the top of your row. Each V is the top of one stitch. Counting early helps you catch missed stitches before your rectangle turns into a triangle.
Chain 1 and turn your work
To begin the next row, make 1 chain stitch, written as ch 1.
This is your turning chain.
Now turn your work around, like turning the page of a book. Your hook will be ready on the right side again if you crochet right-handed, or on the left side if you crochet left-handed.
The turning chain helps you get up to the height of the next row. For single crochet, one chain is usually enough.
Work Row 2 into the tops of the stitches
Row 2 is where single crochet starts looking neat and tidy.
Instead of working into chain stitches, you’ll work into the tops of the stitches from the previous row. Look closely at the top edge of your work. Each stitch has a little V shape on top.
Insert your hook under both top loops of the first stitch from the previous row.
Then make a single crochet:
Yarn over.
Pull up a loop.
Yarn over again.
Pull through both loops on the hook.
Keep working 1 single crochet in each stitch across the row.
Be sure to work into the last stitch too. Beginners often skip the final stitch because it can curl around the edge and hide a bit. If your stitch count keeps getting smaller, the last stitch is usually the reason.
At the end of Row 2, you should still have 10 stitches.
Keep practicing until it feels natural
You can stop after Row 2, but it’s worth practicing for several more rows. Each row helps your hands learn the motion.
Here’s the repeat:
Chain 1
Turn your work
Single crochet in each stitch across
Count your stitches
Try making a small square. It doesn’t have to be perfect. The goal is to build muscle memory and learn how your stitches look.
A few quick tips can help:
Keep your yarn tension relaxed, not tight.
Don’t pull the loop on your hook too small.
Count your stitches after each row.
Look for the top V of each stitch before inserting your hook.
If the edges slant, check that you’re not adding or skipping stitches.
Single crochet makes a dense fabric, so it’s often used for projects that need structure. Think dishcloths, bags, toys, potholders, and warm winter accessories.
How to fasten off
When you’re done practicing, you’ll need to secure the yarn so your work doesn’t unravel.
After your last stitch, use scissors to cut the yarn, leaving about a 6-inch tail.
Now pull your hook straight up, drawing the cut yarn end all the way through the loop on your hook. Tug the tail gently to close the stitch.
That’s called fastening off.
Later, you can use a yarn needle to weave that tail into the back of your work. For a practice swatch, simply fastening off is enough.
What to learn next
Once single crochet feels comfortable, you’re ready to try taller stitches. The next great stitch to learn is double crochet, which creates a looser, taller fabric and works up faster than single crochet.
You can follow this next tutorial here: Learn how to crochet the double crochet stitch.
For extra help seeing the hand movements, visit the Wisdom Preserved YouTube channel for helpful crochet videos.
Single crochet is one of those stitches you’ll use over and over. Start with a short chain, practice a few rows, and don’t worry if the first swatch looks a little wonky. Every neat stitch you make later starts with this simple one.
Comments