How to Single Crochet: Step-by-Step for Total Beginners

How to single crochet, step by step

1. Step 1 — Insert: Push the hook from front to back through the stitch (under both top loops, which look like a sideways "V").
2. Step 2 — Yarn over: Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front.
3. Step 3 — Pull up a loop: Draw the yarn back through the stitch. You now have 2 loops on the hook.
4. Step 4 — Finish: Yarn over again and pull through both loops. One loop is left on the hook: one single crochet made.

Practice swatch

1. Row 1: Ch 16. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (15)
2. Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first st and in each st across. (15)
3. Rows 3–15: Repeat Row 2. Count 15 stitches at the end of every row. (15)

The ch 1 at the start of each row is the turning chain. In single crochet it does not count as a stitch, so always work your first sc into the very first stitch.

The five most common mistakes

• Your piece gets narrower: you're missing the last stitch of the row. It hides under the turning chain — put a stitch marker in it.
• Your piece gets wider: you're working into the turning chain as if it were a stitch. Skip it.
• Stitches are too tight to get into: you're pulling the loop on the hook tight. Keep loops on the wide shaft of the hook, not the throat.
• Holes and gaps: inconsistent tension. Wrap the yarn around your little finger and over your index finger to control the feed.
• Edges are wavy: usually a mix of the first two. Count every row until it's automatic.

Variations of single crochet

• Back loop only (BLO): makes ridges and ribbing — used in our pumpkin.
• Single crochet in the round: the basis of amigurumi; start with a magic ring.
• Moss stitch: sc and ch 1 alternating — see our moss stitch tutorial.
• Decrease (sc2tog): two sc worked together into one.

Projects to practise single crochet

A dishcloth is the classic first project. After that, try coasters, a napkin ring or our crochet ball to practise working in the round.

Common questions

What is the difference between single crochet and double crochet?

Height and the number of steps. Single crochet pulls straight through two loops; double crochet starts with a yarn over and pulls through two loops twice, making a stitch about twice as tall and a looser fabric.

Does the turning chain count as a stitch in single crochet?

No. The ch 1 is only there to lift your yarn to the height of the next row. Work the first sc into the first stitch.

Why is single crochet called double crochet in the UK?

The UK names stitches by the number of loops drawn through after the first pull-up; the US names them by height. The stitch itself is identical.

How many single crochets per inch is normal?

With worsted yarn and a 5 mm hook, about 3½–4 stitches and 4 rows per inch. Tight crocheters get more; check against your pattern's gauge.

Got a swatch done? Count those stitches and show us in the comments. 🧶