In this article:
How to Make and Use the Single Crochet Stitch
If you are, reading how to learn a single crochet stitch, you have probably just decided to get into crocheting. Good for you! It’s an amazing hobby so don’t wait any further to “start hooking”. Yes, the double entendre is not lost on crocheters and we wear it proudly.
Single crochet is the first stitch to start with and the one stitch you absolutely need to know. It is simple to make and very versatile. It is also one of the most common crochet stitches, if not THE most common. Here are examples of projects you can make using the single crochet stitch:
- Hats, scarves and sweaters: single crochet is used everywhere when you want to create a dense fabric, such as in many winter projects
- Blankets: you will be able to make a blanket using only a single crochet stitches, and due to the density it will be warm and have a beautiful drape
- Amigurumi, which means small stuffed toys
- Single crochet is also used in edging and borders for bigger projects. You can practice this stitch to finish off a blanket, dishcloth or any other item that requires a clean edge. Sometimes it’s used to make a denser edge on a lighter and airier project.
- Small appliqués and embellishments. You will be able to create small decorative motifs like flowers, and (gasp!) bunnies and kittens that can be sewn onto other projects as a decor.
- Single crochet is often used to create small decorative motifs, flowers, or other flourishes that can be sewn onto other crochet or fabric projects.
- Combined with other stitches, single crochet creates many more complex textured patterns e.g. cables and ribbing.
I hope these few examples convince you to start practicing immediately.
Abbreviation
Patterns can be presented in written form or as a chart.
In written patterns, a single crochet stitch is abbreviated SC or sc. This is, of course, American terminology.
(In the UK, they use different terminology and it’s called double crochet and abbreviated DC, but let’s stick to the US nomenclature. In the future, check which terminology the pattern uses. For consistency and ease of learning, try to pick patterns with US terminology. Down the line, once you have immersed yourself in the craft, you can look for terminology “dictionaries” to help you translate patterns.
Chart Symbol
In crochet charts, single crochet is represented by an “X” or a “+.”
Finally, let’s get some practice. You will need yarn and a crochet hook.
A Single Crochet tutorial step-by-step
To use single crochet stitches, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Start with a slip knot on your crochet hook. I have described how to tie a slip knot in this tutorial.
2. Wrap the yarn over the hook and catch it with the barb. Pull it through the loop on the hook. You have just made one chain.
3. Repeat step 2 to make 10 more chains. This will be your foundation chain.
4. Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook, and pull it through. Now you have 2 loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook again, and pull it through both loops on the hook.
5. There is only one loop that remains on the hook. You have just created one single crochet stitch (1sc). Repeat step 4 in each remaining chain to the end of the row to create row of single crochet stitches.
TIPS:
- When working in crochet rows, add 1 chain at the end of each row. This becomes a turning chain and allows to keep a constant number of stitches in each row. In the tutorial you’ll note that we have 10 chain stitches and 1 turning chain.
- To make the first single crochet stitch, insert the hook into the second chain from the hook.
- Don’t miss the last chain in a row. It’s a common mistake. To avoid this, count the single crochet stitches in each row. In our example, you should have 10 single crochet stitches in a row.
- Try to maintain consistent tension on the yarn all the time. It’s essential for creating even stitches and consequently even projects.
- Sometimes, you may find instructions to work in the first chain from the hook. In those cases, you should follow the crochet pattern directions.
- A slip stitch is not counted as a chain.