How to Single Crochet (sc) for Beginners
Welcome to Learn to Crochet!
This lesson is part of my Learn to Crochet email course, where I walk you through the fundamentals of crochet step by step while you make your own market bag.
If you're following along with the email course, this is Week 2. If you found this lesson on your own, welcome! You can work through the lessons at your own pace or join the free email course to have each lesson delivered to your inbox.
Let's get started!
If you've made your first foundation chain, congratulations, you've officially started crocheting!
Now it's time to learn your first crochet stitch: the single crochet.
Single crochet is one of the most commonly used stitches in crochet. It creates a short, sturdy fabric that's perfect for beginners and is used in everything from stuffed animals and baskets to sweaters, blankets, and hats.
Watch the Video Tutorial
Single crochet is easiest to learn by watching the movement of the hook and yarn.
Use the video below while practicing, then refer back to the written steps and photos as needed.
Before We Begin
You'll use a few crochet terms throughout this lesson. If they don't feel familiar yet, don't worry, here's a quick refresher.
Working Yarn
The working yarn is the strand connected to your skein. This is the yarn you'll use to make your stitches.
The shorter end of the yarn is called the tail. You won't crochet with the tail.
Yarn Over (YO)
A yarn over means wrapping the working yarn over your crochet hook from back to front.
You'll use a yarn over in almost every crochet stitch, so it's one of the most important movements to learn.
A good way to remember it is this: The hook scoops the yarn from behind and brings it toward you.
Pull Up a Loop
After inserting your hook into a stitch, you'll yarn over and pull the hook back through the stitch.
This creates a new loop on your hook.
If you've done it correctly, you'll now have two loops on your hook.
How to Start Your First Row
Before making your first single crochet stitch, you'll need your completed foundation chain.
→ Missed the previous lesson? Before learning the single crochet stitch, you'll need to know how to make a slip knot and foundation chain. If you're just joining the series (or need a quick refresher) head back to How to Crochet a Foundation Chain, then come right back here!
For a single crochet row:
Skip the first chain closest to your hook.
Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.
The loop currently on your hook is not a chain.
How to Crochet a Single Crochet Stitch
Now you're ready to make your first stitch. Let's go through each step together.
Step 1: Insert Your Hook
Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, working under the top two loops of the chain.
You should now have one loop on your hook.
Step 2: Yarn Over
Wrap the working yarn over your hook from back to front.
Step 3: Pull Up a Loop
Pull the hook back through the chain.
You should now have two loops on your hook.
Don't worry if they're a little uneven, that's completely normal when you're learning.
Step 4: Yarn Over Again
Wrap the yarn over your hook one more time.
Step 5: Pull Through Both Loops
Pull the hook through both loops on your hook at the same time.
You now have one loop remaining on your hook.
Congratulations! you've just made your first single crochet stitch!
Continue Across the Row
Repeat those same five steps in every remaining chain.
Each chain receives one single crochet stitch.
When you reach the end of the row, stop and admire your work, you've completed your first row of crochet!
What Should Your Row Look Like?
Don't worry if it isn't perfect. Your first row should:
Have one stitch in every chain
Look roughly the same height across the row
Feel flexible instead of stiff
Still have one loop on your hook
Crochet gets easier with every row you make.
How to Turn Your Work
To continue crocheting, you'll turn your work and begin the next row.
For single crochet:
Chain 1
Turn your work like turning the page of a book
Insert your hook into the first stitch of the previous row
Continue making single crochet stitches across
For most patterns, the turning chain does not count as a stitch.
Where Do You Insert Your Hook in the Next Row?
After the first row, you won't crochet into chain stitches anymore.
Instead, you'll work into the stitches from the previous row.
Look at the top of each stitch.
You'll see a small V shape.
Unless your pattern says otherwise, insert your hook under both loops of the V.
How to Count Single Crochet Stitches
Each stitch creates a small V along the top of your work.
To count your stitches:
Count each V across the row.
Don't count the loop on your hook.
Don't count your turning chain unless your pattern specifically tells you to.
Checking your stitch count after every row is one of the easiest ways to keep your edges straight.
Common Beginner Mistakes
My Hook Won't Go Into the Stitch
This usually means your stitches are too tight.
Try relaxing your grip and avoid pulling the yarn tightly after every stitch.
My Edges Keep Getting Wider or Narrower
You're probably adding or skipping stitches.
Count your stitches after every row until it becomes second nature.
I Can't Find the Next Stitch
Look for the V-shaped loops along the top edge of your work.
If you're unsure, gently stretch your work, the stitches become much easier to see.
Single Crochet Cheat Sheet
Abbreviation: sc
Turning Chain: Chain 1
Starting Foundation Chain to Work Into: Second chain from the hook
Fabric Characteristics: Dense, sturdy, and relatively firm
Common Uses: Amigurumi, bags, hats, baskets, washcloths, garments, and home décor.
Continue Learning
If you're learning crochet on your own, continue with the next lesson in the Learn to Crochet series: How to Half Double Crochet.
Taking the email course? Your next lesson and practice assignment will be in your next email.