Author: Talha
I am a crochet designer, macramé maker and a crafter who also loves doing MATH.
In this tutorial, I will show you how to make a single crochet cross stitch Aka x single crochet, and yarn under single crochet. This is a recommended stitch to crochet professional-looking amigurumi. You will also find this stitch in many crochet top and purse patterns. I have covered tens of them myself in this blog.
This stitch has a beautiful “x” shape, but is worked in the same way as the regular single crochet. Only we modify the traditional yarn over step to yarn under. Don’t worry, I will show you how to do yarn under as well as crocheting the crossed single crochet here. It is a 1-row repeat pattern, and you will love it!
Note: Single crochet cross stitch is irreversible, so I recommend slip stitching the first and last chains so you don’t have to turn after the row. That’s why it is mostly used for crochet round projects and not flat ones!
Difference between regular sc and sc cross stitch
Based on appearance, the single crochet stitch has x-shaped stitches, while normal single crochet will have v-shaped stitches. In terms of crocheting, we need to bring yarn over the hook for normal single crochet and yarn under the hook for single crochet cross stitch.
Be sure you have enough rows and don’t turn the work (work in rounds) so that all stitches look consistent!
Crochet Cross Single Crochet: Step-by-Step Instructions
Difficulty: Beginner – Level 2
Techniques: Slip Knot and chain stitch, plus yarn under.
Instructions:
- Tie a slip knot to the crochet hook and make chain stitches in any number designated in your project. You can also slip stitch in the last chain to avoid turning the work.
- Insert the hook in the 2nd chain from the crochet hook if you did not close the ring. If you closed the ring, chain one and insert the hook in the first stitch.
- Yarn under. Bring the hook over the ball end of the yarn and now twist the hook around, going right to left (if you are right-handed) from the bottom and grab it using the grip of the hook.
- Note that in yarn over, we bring the hook down the ball end of the yarn and now twist the hook around, going right to left (if you are right-handed) from the top to bottom and grab it using the grip of the hook.
See that the middle of locked yarn is on the right side for yarn over and on the left side for the yarn under.
- Complete the single crochet by pulling up a loop on the crochet hook.
- Yarn under, again!
- Pull through both the loops on the crochet hook to make a single crochet cross stitch.
- Just repeat the above steps.
What is a single crochet cross stitch?
The single crochet cross stitch is a variation of the traditional single crochet. In this, you work the stitch using a “yarn under” (YU) instead of the traditional yarn over (YO). This makes a tighter stitch with a “X” shape. That’s why, it is usually used in amigurumi.
Why is the single crochet cross stitch recommended for amigurumi?
It is recommended because it makes:
- Tighter fabric (less stuffing shows through)
- Better stitch definition
- Even elegant look
Can I use this stitch for flat crochet projects?
It is not for flat pieces because it is irreversible. That means, it does not look the same when turned. For better results, it is mainly used in:
- Rounds
- Continuous spiral projects
Do I need to turn my work after each row?
No. The I recommended working in rounds instead of turning rows, because the stitch pattern is not reversible and turning can make the texture bad-looking.
Why does my stitch look different from the tutorial?
- Mistakenly used yarn over instead of yarn under
- Turning the work instead of working in rounds
- Tension
- Missing the correct insertion
What is the benefit of slip stitching the first and last chain?
Slip stitching helps you:
- Close the round neatly
- Avoid turning the work
Can I switch between yarn over and yarn under in one project?
It is possible, but not recommended. Mixing them will change stitch texture and can make uneven fabric.
Does yarn under use more or less yarn than yarn over?
It usually requires less yarn because the stitch is tighter and more compact, though the difference is small in most projects.
Did you find this tutorial helpful? Tell me in the comments
Faqs
Do I always chain 1 at the beginning of each round?
Yes, in this method you will chain 1 to start the round, especially when working in rounds for amigurumi.
Why does my fabric look tighter than normal single crochet?
That is expected. Yarn under makes:
- Smaller loop height
- Denser fabric
- Less stretch
So, especially when you are using the macrame cord like me, you will have an even tighter fabric.
Is yarn under harder to work than yarn over?
It may feel awkward at first because your hook motion is reversed. But as you get used to the twist direction, it becomes just as fast as regular single crochet.
What happens if I accidentally use yarn over in one stitch?
You’ll notice a break in texture. The stitch will look like a “V” instead of an “X.” Just undo it by pulling the ball yarn.
Does hook size need to change for this stitch?
Since the stitch is tighter, many crocheters choose a larger hook for softness, depending on the project you are working on.
Did you like this Tutorial?
Your feedback is always a great way for me to improve my crochet tutorials. So, share your thoughts on whether you tried this one or not, and highlight the weak points.
