How to Single Crochet Stitch: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Single crochet is one of the most basic and essential stitches in crochet. It is easy to learn, versatile, and creates a dense and sturdy fabric. Whether you want to make a simple dishcloth, a cozy blanket, or a cute amigurumi, you need to master the single crochet stitch.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about single crochet, including:

How to make a single crochet stitch step by step
How to work single crochet in rows and rounds
How to change colors and carry yarn in single crochet
How to count and mark your single crochet stitches
How to fix mistakes and troubleshoot problems in single crochet
How to make variations and adaptations of single crochet

By the end of this article, you will be able to single crochet with confidence and skill. You will also find some tips and tricks from experienced crocheters to help you improve your technique and enjoy your craft.

Also Read: 6 Basic Crochet Stitches You Need to Know

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Single crochet is the simplest and most common crochet stitch. It is abbreviated as sc in American crochet patterns and as dc in British crochet patterns.
To make a single crochet stitch, you insert your hook into the stitch or space, yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
To work single crochet in rows, you need to chain one and turn at the end of each row. To work single crochet in rounds, you can either join with a slip stitch and chain one, or work in a spiral without joining.
To change colors in single crochet, you need to complete the last step of the stitch with the new color. To carry yarn in single crochet, you can crochet over the unused yarn and pick it up when needed.
To count your single crochet stitches, you can look for the V-shapes on the top of the fabric. To mark your single crochet stitches, you can use stitch markers, bobby pins, safety pins, or paper clips.
To fix mistakes in single crochet, you can either unravel your work or cut and join the yarn. To troubleshoot problems in single crochet, you can check your gauge, tension, hook size, and yarn weight.
To make variations of single crochet, you can work into different loops or spaces, or combine single crochet with other stitches. To make adaptations of single crochet, you can modify the height, width, or angle of the stitch.

How to Make a Single Crochet Stitch

Before you can make a single crochet stitch, you need to have a foundation chain. A foundation chain is a series of chain stitches that form the base of your crochet work. To make a foundation chain, you need to make a slip knot and place it on your hook, then yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of chains.

To work single crochet into the foundation chain, you need to insert your hook into the second chain from the hook (or the third chain if you want a neater edge). Then, follow these steps to make a single crochet stitch:

Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have two loops on your hook.
Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook. You should have one loop on your hook.

That’s it! You have made your first single crochet stitch. To make more single crochet stitches, you need to repeat these steps in each chain across the row. You can also work single crochet into other stitches or spaces, as long as you insert your hook under both loops of the stitch (unless otherwise instructed).

How to Work Single Crochet in Rows and Rounds

You can work single crochet in two ways: in rows or in rounds. Working in rows means that you turn your work at the end of each row and work back and forth. Working in rounds means that you work in a continuous circle without turning your work.

Working in Rows

To work single crochet in rows, you need to chain one and turn your work at the end of each row. This chain one counts as the turning chain, which gives your work some height and space for the next row. However, it does not count as a stitch, so you need to skip it and work into the first single crochet of the previous row.

To work the second row of single crochet, you need to insert your hook into the first single crochet of the previous row, under both loops. Then, you need to make a single crochet stitch as usual. Repeat this in each single crochet across the row, and chain one and turn at the end.

To work the subsequent rows of single crochet, you need to repeat the same process as the second row. Make sure to work into the first and last single crochet of each row, and not into the turning chain.

Working in Rounds

To work single crochet in rounds, you need to join the foundation chain into a ring. You can do this by slip stitching into the first chain, or by using a magic ring. A magic ring is a technique that allows you to make a adjustable ring that you can tighten or loosen as needed.

To work the first round of single crochet, you need to chain one and work into the ring. You can either work into the chain stitches or into the center of the ring, depending on your preference. Make as many single crochet stitches as the pattern calls for, or as many as you can fit into the ring.

To work the subsequent rounds of single crochet, you have two options: joining or working in a spiral. Joining means that you close each round with a slip stitch and start the next round with a chain one. Working in a spiral means that you continue working without closing or starting each round.

If you choose to join, you need to slip stitch into the first single crochet of the round, chain one, and work into the same stitch. Then, work into each single crochet around, and join with a slip stitch at the end. To keep track of the beginning and end of each round, you can use a stitch marker or a scrap of yarn.

If you choose to work in a spiral, you need to work into the first single crochet of the round, without slip stitching or chaining. Then, work into each single crochet around, and keep working without stopping. To keep track of the beginning and end of each round, you can use a stitch marker or a scrap of yarn, and move it up as you go.

How to Change Colors and Carry Yarn in Single Crochet

One of the fun things about single crochet is that you can use different colors to create patterns and designs. To change colors in single crochet, you need to complete the last step of the stitch with the new color. For example, if you want to change from color A to color B, you need to insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over with color A and pull up a loop, then yarn over with color B and pull through both loops on the hook.

To change colors neatly and securely, you need to follow some tips:

Change colors at the end of a row or round, or at the point where the pattern indicates.
Leave a tail of at least 6 inches for each color, and weave in the ends later.
Do not cut the yarn unless you are done with that color, or you have a long distance to the next color change.
Carry the unused yarn along the wrong side of the work, and crochet over it when possible.
Use a bobbins or butterflies to keep the yarn from tangling.

Carrying yarn means that you keep the unused yarn along the wrong side of the work, and crochet over it when you work the next row or round. This way, you don’t have to cut the yarn and weave in the ends every time you change colors. However, carrying yarn is not always possible or desirable, depending on the pattern and the yarn.

To carry yarn in single crochet, you need to follow some tips:

Carry yarn only when the color changes are frequent and close together, such as in stripes or tapestry crochet.
Carry yarn only when the yarn is thin and smooth, and the colors are similar or contrasting.
Do not carry yarn when the color changes are infrequent and far apart, such as in color blocks or intarsia crochet.
Do not carry yarn when the yarn is thick and textured, or the colors are different or complementary.
Use a tapestry needle to weave in the ends of the yarn that you don’t carry.

Here is a video tutorial that shows you how to change colors and carry yarn in single crochet:

How to Make Variations and Adaptations of Single Crochet

Single crochet is a versatile stitch that can be modified and customized in many ways. You can make variations of single crochet by working into different loops or spaces, or by combining single crochet with other stitches. You can make adaptations of single crochet by changing the height, width, or angle of the stitch.

Some of the most common variations of single crochet are:

Front loop only (FLO) single crochet: You work into the front loop of the stitch, leaving the back loop unworked. This creates a ridge on the wrong side of the work, and a stretchy and textured fabric.
Back loop only (BLO) single crochet: You work into the back loop of the stitch, leaving the front loop unworked. This creates a ridge on the right side of the work, and a stretchy and textured fabric.
Front and back loop single crochet: You work into both the front and back loop of the same stitch, creating two stitches out of one. This increases the stitch count and creates a thick and dense fabric.
Extended single crochet (ESC): You work a chain before completing the single crochet stitch, creating a taller and looser stitch. This adds more height and drape to the fabric.
Slip stitch single crochet (SSC): You work a slip stitch instead of a single crochet stitch, creating a shorter and tighter stitch. This reduces the height and adds more firmness to the fabric.
Single crochet two together (SC2TOG): You work two single crochet stitches together, creating one stitch out of two. This decreases the stitch count and shapes the fabric.
Single crochet three together (SC3TOG): You work three single crochet stitches together, creating one stitch out of three. This decreases the stitch count and shapes the fabric.
Single crochet cluster (SC CL): You work multiple single crochet stitches into the same stitch or space, creating a cluster of stitches. This adds more texture and dimension to the fabric.
Single crochet popcorn (SC POP): You work multiple single crochet stitches into the same stitch or space, then drop the loop from the hook and insert the hook into the first stitch of the group, then pick up the dropped loop and pull through. This creates a popcorn that pops out of the fabric.
Single crochet bobble (SC BOB): You work multiple single crochet stitches into the same stitch or space, then yarn over and pull through all the loops on the hook. This creates a bobble that pops out of the fabric.

Some of the most common adaptations of single crochet are:

Half double crochet (HDC): You yarn over before inserting the hook into the stitch or space, then yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook. This creates a taller and looser stitch than single crochet, and adds more warmth and drape to the fabric.
Double crochet (DC): You yarn over before inserting the hook into the stitch or space, then yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook. This creates a taller and looser stitch than half double crochet, and adds more height and drape to the fabric.
Triple crochet (TR): You yarn over twice before inserting the hook into the stitch or space, then yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook. This creates a taller and looser stitch than double crochet, and adds more height and drape to the fabric.
Foundation single crochet (FSC): You work the foundation chain and the single crochet stitch at the same time, creating a stretchy and flexible base for your work. This eliminates the need to work into the foundation chain, and allows you to adjust the length of your work as you go.
Reverse single crochet (RSC): You work the single crochet stitch in the opposite direction, from left to right (or from right to left if you are left-handed). This creates a twisted and decorative edge for your work, and adds more interest and flair to the fabric.

Conclusion

Single crochet is a simple but powerful stitch that can create amazing crochet projects. By learning how to single crochet, you can make anything from scarves and hats to blankets and bags. By mastering the variations and adaptations of single crochet, you can add more style and creativity to your crochet work.

We hope this article has helped you learn how to single crochet like a pro. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you and see your single crochet creations.

Happy crocheting, yarn addicts! 🧶

Source: (1) How to Single Crochet (with Pictures) – wikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/Single-Crochet. (6) Single Crochet Stitches – My Step-by-Step Tutorial (Photos) – Craftbuds. https://craftbuds.com/single-crochet/.