Master the Single Crochet Stitch [Video for Beginners]

The simplicity and versatility of the single crochet stitch is unmistakable. Join us as we guide you through the process of crafting this essential stitch. Learn how to crochet by watching the video tutorial or following the written instructions.

Let’s dive in and bring your creations to life with the magic of the single crochet stitch!

What is a Single Crochet Stitch? 

It is one of the basic crochet stitches, usually abbreviated to “sc”. In crochet diagrams, we mark it with “+” or “x” symbols.

Benefits of Learning Single Crochet (sc)

Mastering the single crochet stitch is a foundational step toward creating fantastic textures and patterns. It will surely open the door to a world of more complex and intricate crochet projects. 

• Density – single crochet creates a dense fabric with tightly packed stitches. It’s ideal for projects that require durability and structure, such as amigurumi or dishcloths.
• Easy and quick – it’s simple to learn, so the progress is efficient and straightforward.
• Versatility – you can use it in a variety of projects, such as blankets, garments, or decorations.
• Easy to count stitches – simple, visible single crochet stitches are very easy to count.

Why the Single Crochet Stitch is a Must-Know

What makes the single crochet so popular is mainly its versatility and simplicity. It’s a fundamental technique in the craft. As we mentioned before, it creates a dense and sturdy fabric that holds the shape.

It’s extremely well-suited for amigurumi, where a firm structure is essential. It’s adaptable to any kind of yarn, so it’s a fantastic choice for beginners.

Start with…

• How to Make a Slip Knot
• How to Make a Foundation Chain

How to Single Crochet Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2023

Learn this basic stitch with us, choosing a video tutorial, photo instructions, or written crochet patterns.

Video

video tutorial by Crochetpedia

Step-By-Step

Follow the steps and written instructions below.

1. Start with a foundation chain: Create a starting chain of the desired length.
2. Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.
3. Yarn over: Wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front.
4. Pull the yarn through the chain, so you have two loops on your hook.
5. Yarn over again: Wrap the yarn over your hook.
6. Pull the yarn through both loops on your hook.

You’ve just completed a single crochet stitch! Repeat these steps across the row to create a row of single crochets and a crochet fabric.

How to Work Second Row

First of all, let’s see how many chains are in a turning chain for a single crochet.

The turning chain for a single crochet is one chain and it doesn’t count as a stitch.

Let’s see the transition to another row:

1. Make one chain stitch – this is your turning chain for a single crochet.
2. Turn the work over.
3. Find the first stitch – look for the “V”s.
4. Insert your hook under both arms of the V, yarn over, and pull up a loop. You now have two loops on your hook.
5. Grab the yarn with your hook and pull it through both loops.
6. Repeat making one single crochet in each next stitch of the row.

Tips and Tricks

How to Keep Your Stitches Consistent

• Control the Tension – pay special attention to the tension of your yarn. Experiment with holding the yarn in different ways, until you find a comfortable way. The yarn shouldn’t be too loose or too tight.
• Use the Right Hook – always ensure you have the right size of crochet hook for your yarn.
• Count The Stitches – do it regularly, no matter if you follow a specific pattern or not. If you are just starting out, count them in each row.
• Use Stitch Markers – whether you want to mark the beginning of the round, or make counting easier, stitch markers are a way to go.
• Practice – repeating is the key to mastering any manual craft. Once you’ve done hundreds of stitches, your hands will know how to maintain the tension and hold the yarn.

How to Count Stitches

You can learn how to count stitches in this article.

To count the stitches in the single crochet row, follow these instructions:

1. Identify the V-Shapes – the stitches resemble a “V” shape when you look at them from above. Each “V” is one stitch, but you don’t count the loop that is on your hook.
2. Count from Right to Left – start counting from the place where you started crocheting.
3. Counting in the Round – if you are working in the round, the basics are the same. You look for the “V” shapes and count them. However, you should use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of the round. Count the stitches, and when you reach the marker, it means that you have completed one full round.

How to Increase and Decrease with Single Crochet

Increasing with Single Crochet (2 sc in one st)

1. Insert the hook in a stitch and work a single crochet there.
2. Again insert the hook in the same stitch and work another single crochet there.
3. You have increased with a single crochet.

Decreasing with Single Crochet (sc2tog)

1. Insert the hook in a stitch and pull up a loop. You have two loops on your hook.
2. Insert the hook in the next stitch and pull up another loop. You’ve got three loops on your hook.
3. Grab the yarn and pull through all three loops.
4. You have decreased with a single crochet.

How to Fix Mistakes

1. Identify the Mistake – investigate what has happened: a skipped stitch, an extra stitch, or a tension issue. It’s crucial to know what went wrong before you start fixing it.
2. Use a Stitch Marker – mark the place in which the error occurred. This way you won’t miss it when unraveling the work.
3. Rip Back Stitches – slowly unravel the work until you reach the mistake. If needed, insert your hook in the stitches to prevent them from further ripping.

Read more about this subject on our other websites

FAQ

What is the difference between single crochet and double crochet?

These two fundamental easy crochet stitches differ primarily in height and texture. We work single crochet with no yarn overs, while double crochet has one.

While single crochet creates a dense fabric, double crochet produces much more drape, with looser, taller stitches.

Can I use single crochet to make a blanket?

Of course, you can, but it will take a long time. The single crochet stitch is very short, making it longer to complete. Choose it for smaller blanket patterns, or the ones that use thicker yarns.

What type of yarn is best for single crochet?

While you can make a single crochet with virtually any yarn, worsted-weight yarn is the most common. It provides a nice balance between drape and stitch definition.

If you plan to make amigurumi toys, cotton yarn will be the best choice.

Can I use single crochet for amigurumi?

Of course, it is the most popular stitch in amigurumi because it creates tight and sturdy fabric. Not only does it keep the shape, but also prevents the filling from sticking out between the stitches.

What are some variations of the single crochet stitch?

You may encounter extended single crochet (which adds extra texture), post stitches (that create ribbing), or back loop and front loop combinations.

One of the most popular single crochet stitch variations is an elegant moss stitch. It combines this basic technique with crochet chain stitches.

Are there any alternative methods for starting a single crochet row?

Yes, instead of working your single crochet row into the foundation chain, you can learn how to make a chainless base. It creates a stretchier edge and allows for easier adjustments in the width.

What’s next? See the next part of A Beginner’s Guide: How To Do A Half Double Crochet (HDC)

Summary

We hope that this article will help you learn all you need to know about single crochets! As you can see, this versatile and simple stitch has a wide range of applications. Explore its creative potential and incorporate it into your projects.

In our other articles, you can learn how to make half double crochet and slip stitches, as well as treble crochet stitch.