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Single Crochet

Single crochet is a great place to start learning your crochet stitches.  We’ll go through each step one at a time. So that the process clear and simple -just the way you want it.

Before we get started . . .

If you're crocheting in rounds, you'll work your stitches into a foundation ring.

Many of your projects will start by working your stitches into a row of chain stitches. I’ll usually refer to this as your foundation chain.  When you work into this foundation chain, you can decide whether to:

1.  Hook into the top of your chain.  If you do this, you’ll be working over one yarn from the chain.

2.  Hook into the lower part of your chain.  If you do this, you’ll be working over two yarns from the chain.

Try doing both a few times. See which one works the best for you.

I prefer hooking into the top of my chain and working with one yarn.  I think working in the lower part of the chain can be confusing especially when you’re just learning.  But, see what comes easiest to you.

 Either choice will work well for any project (unless your pattern states otherwise).   So, don’t feel like your decision is critical.

Be consistent with the one you pick.  Don't switch back and forth between the two.

Single Crochet Stitch

This is the most familiar crochet stitch and is used more often than others.  It’s fun and easy -- definitely my “go-to” stitch. 

The abbreviation for single crochet in patterns is sc (dc in the UK). 

Now, let’s make a small swatch.

1.  Chain 20, and then add one more chain to allow for turning (turning chain). 

2.  Insert your hook in the second chain from the hook.  There are now 2 loops on your hook.

3.  *yo (remember yarn over) and bring a loop up through the chain. There should still be 2 loops on your hook.

4.  yo again (remember, you hook the yarn by rotating the hook forward) and pull the yarn through both loops on the crochet hook.

You’ve just made your first single crochet stitch!  You’re awesome, right!


Keep going . . . hook into the next chain on your foundation and repeat from *. Continue until the end of the row (foundation chain). When you’re done, you should have 20 single crochet stitches.

Get into the habit now of always checking your stitch count.  Trust me; you’ll be grateful for this habit later, especially when you’re doing bigger projects.

Many patterns will tell you how many stitches you should have at the end of each row.  It’s very helpful.  Take advantage of it.

A Little Help . . .

I sometimes hold the crocheted end between my pinky and ring finger of my right hand.  This adds tension and makes it a bit easier to work the stitches.


When you look at the top of your single crochet, you should see chain stitches. They’re just like your foundation chain.  Your next row will be stitched into this new chain.

There are now three ways to hook into the previous row, through the front loop, the back loop or both. 

Unless your pattern tells you otherwise, you’ll want to hook through both.

Extra loops will be created when you hook into just the front or back. You can learn about them in here.


5.  Ready for your next row of single crochet?  Chain one (turning chain) and turn your work

6.  Insert your hook in the second chain from the hook. Then repeat  steps 2-4.  You now have two rows.

7.  Repeat steps 1-4, 10 more times.  When you’re finished you should have a total of 12 rows.

A Little Help . . .

To help make it easier to keep track of your rows, you can place a stitch marker on the 5th and 10th row  {or whichever row(s) you want}. 

8.  Fasten off. 

Weaving In the Ends

Now that you’ve finished your swatch, you have two ends of yarn hanging out, right.  They’re easy to take care of.

Thread the end through a darning needle.  I like the ones that have a slight curve on the end of them, but any will do.

Weave in your ends as you go.  Don't leave them all for the end.  This keeps your work neater and saves you time later.

Weave the yarn end through your work, making lots of turns.  If you go in a straight line, then you risk the chance of it pulling out and your work could unravel.

If you’re using different colors of yarn, be sure to weave in the end with its same color.

I find it easiest to weave through a small area, pull the needle and yarn through, then weave in a different direction.  I try to do that a few times depending on what my yarn tail with allow.

Before you pull the yarn completely through your work, check your needle from the front and back of your piece.  Can you see the needle?  If you can pull it out and weave it more into the center of the stitches.  You don’t want your weaved in end to be showing.  It should be hidden in your stitches. 

Weave in your ends now.  Don't forget to remove your stitch markers.

Congratulations! 

You’ve just made your first swatch.

Continue to practice either by making swatches or just longer rows.  Be sure to practice ending a row, chain one, turn and starting a new row.  Try out a simple pattern or two that only uses single crochet.

When you’re feeling confident with Single Crochet, move on to Half Double Crochet.

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