In this masterclass for absolute beginners, I will show how to single crochet in 4 simple steps. In almost every crochet project, you are required to use single crochet kinda similar to chain stitch. A large portion of every amigurumi patterns require crocheting this stitch for its ability to hold the shape well without making the fabric way tighter.
You can also make many new stitches using single crochet. Moss stitch and crab stitch are two popular examples.
In this tutorial, I will also talk about how working single crochet in chains differs from working single crochet in other stitches. This will be pretty helpful in general for all other basic stitches, like double crochet. Also, the difference between UK and US terms, including turning chains needed, and more. So, follow through with me!
My Experience with Single Crochet
Single crochet is not a difficult stitch. In fact, I found it much easier than the chain stitch, and I was able to maintain its size along the row. However, I tried to tackle this stitch way earlier without having proper control over my tension.
Due to this, in the last step, I always either got my hook stuck in the loop on the hook or got the loops to pass through each other. Along with loosening the ball end, you could grip the bottom of the loop tightly to easily let the loops and hook pass through.
What is Single Crochet?
Single crochet is one of the 6 basic crochet stitches, containing a stack of two loops supported by the length of the double yarn passing through these loops. This stitch is longer than the slip stitch, but shorter than a half-double crochet. However, as Talha proved, it consumes more yarn than the longer stitches to get the same height.
While there is a shorter stitch called the slip stitch, single crochet has a balanced drape, height, and a more prominent effect than the slip stitch.
Supplies
- I will be using a macrame cord with a 3.5mm crochet hook for this tutorial. However, if you are a beginner, you can start with a worsted acrylic yarn along with a 4mm crochet hook.
How to Crochet Single Crochet Stitch: Step-by-Step Instructions
Skill Level: Beginner – Level 2
Abbreviation: sc in US terms and dc in UK terms.
Increase abbreviation: We normally write simply inc for single crochet increase instead of sc inc.
Pattern example: R1: ch 2, 6sc. Means, in the first row, make two turning chains and 6 single crochet in the six stitches.
Step #1: Make A Chain Stitch Row
- Attach a slip knot to your crochet hook and crochet foundation chains in any multiple plus 1 extra chain as a turning chain.
Step #2: Stitch To Work
- Pinch the third stitch from the crochet hook. We shall work single crochet in the top loop of the chain stitch.
Step #3: Insert the Hook
- Pass the crochet hook through the chain stitch by dragging the hook back a little bit, and then inserting it in the loop. For regular stitching, you will want to insert through the top loop as well as down through the middle.
Note: Different patterns may require you to work in the back, top, bottom, or any combination of loops of the chain stitch. Be sure to see the stitch instructions at the beginning of the pattern you are following along. For example, I was working on an oval that needs to be worked on in the first top and then in the bottom loops.
Step #4: Yarn Over
- Yarn over. (yo)
- To do so, align the hook parallel to the yarn and conically rotate the throat below the ball end, and bring it to the right of the yarn. Grip the yarn with the hook part from underneath.
Step #5: Pull Up A loop
- Pull the yarn grabbed by the hook through the loop to bring a new loop on the throat of the crochet hook.
- There are in total two loops on the crochet hook.
Step #6: Yarn Over
- Yarn over again.
- Pull through both of the loops on the crochet hook at once.
And ta-daa! You have made your first single crochet stitch. As you explore further, you will find many variations. I recommend learning the moss and criss-cross single crochet afterwards.
Repeat
Now, continue crocheting more single crochets in the chains all across. That is:
- Insert the hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over.
- Pull up a loop.
- Yarn over.
- Pull through both the loops.
How to work single crochet in the next row?
Turn your work to the other side. Chain 1. For standard non-ribbed single crochet, in the insertion step, insert through the top loop and continue working. These are called top V-loops. For the ribbing, you will either want to insert a hook in the front part of the loop or in the back.
Where to Use Single Crochet
Use this crochet stitch to make a tight, dense crochet fabric for basket and bag bottoms, amigurumi, scarves, and low-height ribbings. You can also crochet Waistcoat stitch, moss stitch, stacked single crochet, and more solid stitches using it.
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