How to Do a Single Crochet: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Are you new to crochet and eager to learn the basics? One of the first stitches you’ll need to master is the single crochet. This fundamental stitch is essential for creating a variety of projects, including clothing, blankets, and tapestry crochet. 

In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to do a single crochet step by step with photos to guide you. Let’s get started!

What is a Single Crochet Stitch?

The single crochet (abbreviated as sc in US terms) is one of the simplest and most commonly used crochet stitches. It creates a tight, dense fabric that is perfect for making sturdy and warm items.

I use this stitch as the base for all of my botanical tapestry designs, making it the perfect stitch to begin with if you are interested in tapestry crochet!

Materials You’ll Need

To get started with single crochet, you’ll need the following:

  • A crochet hook (use the size recommended for your yarn) - I will be using a 3.75mm (F hook) for the tutorial 
  • Yarn of your choice - I am using hobbii friends cotton 8/6
  • Scissors
  • A tapestry needle (optional, for weaving in ends)
scissors, needle, crochet hook and yarn

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make a Slip Knot

Begin by creating a slip knot and placing it onto your crochet hook. Tighten it just enough so it slides easily along the hook.

how to make a slip knot
how to make a slip knot

2. Create a Foundation Chain

Next, make a foundation chain by yarning over (yo) and pulling through the loop on the hook. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of chain stitches. For this demonstration, I have made 11 chain stitches. You will want to add 1 to the number of stitches you’d like your final piece to be across.  

crochet foundation chain

3. Insert Hook into the Second Chain

Skip the first chain from the hook, then insert your hook into the second chain from the hook. 

insert your hook into the second chain from the hook

4. Yarn Over and Pull Through

Yarn over and pull the yarn through the chain stitch. You should now have two loops on your hook.

yarn over
pull through chain stitch

5. Complete the Stitch

Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook. And there you have it! You’ve just made your first single crochet stitch!

yarn over
single crochet stitch

6. Continue Crocheting

Repeat steps 3-5 across the entire row. When you reach the end of the row, chain one and turn your work to begin a new row of single crochet stitches.

one row of single crochet

Here is how the single crochet stitch looks after 5 rows: 

five rows of single crochet

Tips for Success

  • Keep your tension even to ensure uniform stitches.
  • Practice with a smooth, cotton yarn to start.
  • Don’t pull the yarn too tight, or your stitches will be difficult to work into.

Why Learn Single Crochet?

Mastering the single crochet stitch opens up a world of creative possibilities. Once you’re comfortable with this stitch, you can move on to more complex techniques like half-double crochet, double crochet, stacked single crochet, and decorative stitches like the puff stitch. 

comparing single to half double to double crochet

Conclusion

Now that you know how to do a single crochet, you’re well on your way to creating beautiful handmade projects! Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be ready to tackle more advanced crochet techniques. Happy crocheting!

What’s next?

Looking for more crochet tips and tutorials? Follow the quick links below for other beginner stitches or head straight to the full techniques page of my website!

How to Crochet a Magic Circle

How to Crochet a Slip Stitch

How to Do a Half Double Crochet

How to Do a Double Crochet 

Beginner patterns that utilize the single crochet stitch

Botanical Marigold Tapestry Crochet Pattern

Vintage Christmas Tree Tapestry Crochet Pattern

War is Over! Tapestry Crochet Pattern - free on my ravelry!

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