US sc · UK dc · beginner
Single Crochet: step-by-step tutorial
Single crochet is the shortest standard crochet stitch after the slip stitch. Insert the hook into a stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop so two loops sit on the hook. Yarn over again and pull through both loops. Single crochet makes a dense, sturdy fabric.
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How to single crochet, step by step
- Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook, or into the next stitch.
- Yo and pull up a loop — 2 loops on hook.
- Yo again.
- Pull through both loops — 1 loop on hook, 1 sc made.
- Repeat in each chain or stitch to the end of the row.
- Ch 1 and turn; the ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
How do you single crochet for beginners?
To single crochet, insert the hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again and pull through both loops. Practise on a chain of 16 in worsted weight yarn with a 5 mm hook.
Work rows until the stitches look even, usually 10 to 15 rows. Counting stitches at the end of every row prevents the edges from drifting.
| Stitch | US abbr. | UK name | Height vs sc | Turning chain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slip stitch | sl st | Slip stitch | Almost none | 0 |
| Single crochet | sc | Double crochet | 1× | 1 |
| Half double crochet | hdc | Half treble | About 1.5× | 2 |
| Double crochet | dc | Treble | About 2× | 3 |
| Treble crochet | tr | Double treble | About 3× | 4 |
Is US single crochet the same as UK double crochet?
Yes. US single crochet and UK double crochet are the same stitch. UK terms name stitches by the number of loops on the hook after the first pull-through.
Always check whether a pattern is written in US or UK terms before starting, because every stitch name above the slip stitch shifts by one.
What is single crochet used for?
Single crochet is used for amigurumi, bags, baskets, dishcloths and edgings where a tight fabric is wanted. It shows little gap between stitches, so stuffing does not poke through.
Because it is short, single crochet uses more rows and more time per centimetre of height than taller stitches.
Patterns that use single crochet
Round amigurumi cat for beginners
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 3.5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 50 yd
Free pattern
Little round amigurumi bunny with long ears
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 3.5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 35 yd
Free pattern
Sturdy chunky crochet basket with handles
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Super bulky (#6)
- Hook size
- 8 mm hook
- Yardage
- 180 yd
Free pattern
Quick chunky half double crochet throw
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Super bulky (#6)
- Hook size
- 10 mm hook
- Yardage
- 1000 yd
Free pattern
Simple crochet leaf with stem
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 4 mm hook
- Yardage
- 6 yd
Free pattern
Day and Night Shell Stitch Rug (vintage American Thread): vintage crochet pattern
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Bulky (#5)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 980 yd
Free preview · in bundle
Heat-safe double thickness crochet pot holder
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 4.5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 170 yd
Free pattern
Simple half double crochet baby beanie in the round
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 130 yd
Free pattern
Frequently asked questions
Does the turning chain count as a single crochet?
No. In most patterns the ch 1 turning chain for single crochet is not counted as a stitch.
Why is my single crochet project getting narrower?
The last stitch of the row is often skipped. Place a marker in the first and last stitch of each row.
What is sc2tog?
Sc2tog is a single crochet decrease that joins two stitches into one.