How to Single Crochet (sc)

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• Fasten Off

Learning The Single Crochet (sc)

For those who are new to crochet & interested in learning, the single crochet stitch is the first stitch you should learn. This beginner's guide on how to single crochet is just what you need! In the world of crochet, the single crochet stitch holds immense significance as one of the fundamental & extensively utilized stitches.

What is a Single Crochet?

The single crochet is a fundamental crochet stitch. A stitch for beginners & is known for being the shortest among all stitches. Its compactness arises from the way the stitch is executed when compared to stitches like the half double crochet or double crochet. As a novice, mastering the single crochet is crucial, as it serves as the foundation for creating various crochet projects. For many, it is among the first stitches they learn when beginning their crochet journey. In our series of crochet stitch tutorials, this is the initial lesson, teaching you the fundamental & most basic crochet stitch.

Variations in Terminology

The single crochet stitch is occasionally referred to in different ways, & it's essential to be aware of these variations.

What Are Abbreviations Used For?

Do All Stitches Have Some Kind of Abbreviation?

Yes, in crochet, all stitches have abbreviations.. The single crochet stitch is commonly abbreviated as (sc) or represented by a symbol in stitch charts. These abbreviations are frequently used to condense crochet patterns & make them more concise. In our tutorial & other patterns, you will encounter various abbreviations, so we recommend reviewing our abbreviations' page & always read the notes in our patterns to familiarize yourself with the most common ones before you begin.

Symbol

I personally don't use these for any of my patterns but stitch charts or symbol diagrams offer an alternative method of presenting crochet patterns. Stitch chart crochet patterns can stand alone as the primary pattern or complement a written pattern. In these charts, the single crochet stitch is represented by either an "X" or a "+" (plus sign). The single crochet stitch is approximately half the height of a half double crochet stitch but taller than the slip stitch. Once you've mastered the single crochet, don't forget to explore our other stitch tutorials! Be sure to give our half double crochet & double crochet lessons a try as well!

Essential Tools to Begin the Single Crochet

When embarking on your journey to learn the single crochet stitch, you'll require a few basic crochet supplies to get started. Ensure you have the following items on hand:

• Yarn: Any yarn weight is suitable. I am using the Red Heart Super Saver #4 Medium Acrylic Yarn, in the color Papaya.

• Crochet Hook: Typically you should choose a crochet hook size that matches the recommendation on the yarn label. However, Worsted weight yarn is typically used with hooks in sizes 5.5mm, 6.0mm, & 6.5mm. Additionally, many people find the (H/8)5.0mm hook to be suitable for working with this popular yarn which is what I will be using for this tutorial.

• Scissors: I use a little pair of scissors like these, although any pair will do.

Single Crochet (SC) Stitch: Versatile & Suitable for Various Projects

The single crochet stitch creates a tight & closed stitch pattern, making it ideal for a wide range of projects, including blankets, scarves, amigurumi, keychains, coasters, etc. To achieve different effects with the single crochet, consider the type of yarn you use.The density of the fabric produced by the single crochet stitch depends on the fiber of the yarn.

For instance, using bamboo yarn with the single crochet stitch results in a finished piece with a beautiful drape, making it perfect for crafting a sweater or shawl. On the other hand, if you opt for 100% cotton yarn, the outcome will be a more dense piece with less stretch, making it ideal for creating washcloths or dishcloths. Now that you have a grasp of the single crochet stitch basics, scroll down to find a comprehensive photo tutorial, clearly illustrating each step.

Single Crochet (sc) Tutorial

Skill Level: 1 - Basic

Yarn: Worsted Weight #4, Red Heart, in the color Papaya

Hook: (H/8)5.00MM

What Else?

• Scissors

• Smaller Hook or Crochet Needle to weave in ends. (I normally just use a smaller hook to weave my ends, I usually only use a crochet needle for weaving for larger projects. But try out both & do whatever works best for you!)

Crochet Abbreviations:

• ch = chain

• st = stitch

• yo = yarn over (refers to wrapping the yarn around the crochet hook)

• sc = single crochet

• rep = repeat

• rep from * = repeat from typically with some other directions or repeat from * to other * til the end of round or whatever the pattern says.

• sl st = slip stitch

• sl kn = slip knot

Working Stitches:

ch = yo, draw up a loop.

sc = insert hook, yo & draw up a loop, yo & pull through both loops on hook.

Notes

This tutorial is written in standard US crochet terms. Before starting, it's helpful to read through the tutorial once or twice to familiarize yourself with the process of the single crochet stitch. If you're new to crochet, I recommend going through this tutorial a few times until you feel comfortable with the technique. Keep in mind that achieving the exact look of the picture may take practice, so don't worry if it doesn't look perfect at first. With persistence & practice, you'll quickly master the single crochet stitch, faster than you might expect. This tutorial covers how to single crochet into a foundation chain.

Learn the Single Crochet Stitch:

This tutorial guides you on how to single crochet into a foundation chain.

To Start the foundation row making a slip knot with your hook:

Take the end of the yarn & create a loop around the hook. Then Yarn over(yo) & pull the working end through the loop, & then tighten the knot around your crochet hook.

Or to start the foundation row making a slip knot with your fingers:

Using your pointer & thumb, place the yarn over them with the end on the right side. Take the end piece from the right side & hold it in place with your pinky finger. Then grab the working piece of yarn with the looped fingers & pull it through. Put your hook in the loop & adjust the it by pulling the working end of the yarn to make the loop smaller for your hook.

This way works for me & how I've always done it, even after learning how to crochet. My mom taught us this method when we were young, & I still prefer it. However, feel free to use whichever method works best for you!

Now! For the foundation row, starting with our slip knot on our hook, We are going to Chain (ch) 15.

To make a Chain: Yarn over (yo) (wrap the yarn around the hook from back to front) then pull the yarn through the loop on your hook to create the first chain stitch.

Watch How to Yarn Over (yo) Correctly & Pull Through in This Quick Clip

Make sure you are counting out a total of 15 chains. Keep your tension even & avoid making the chains too tight or too loose. The chains should look the same.

Watch This Quick Clip Chaining 15.

Single Crochet Stitch (sc): Once you've completed your foundation row, it's time to work the single crochet stitches.

Step 1: Locate the 2nd chain from the hook & insert your hook into the chain(ch). Tip: Counting up from the beginning this is your 14th chain. Also unless the pattern explicitly instructs you to do so you will never work in the first chain from the hook.

Step 2: Yarn over (yo) (wrap the yarn around the hook from back to front), then pull the yarn back through the chain stitch your in drawing up a loop, you should now have two loops on your hook.

Step 3: Now yarn over (yo) again, & pull the yarn back through both loops on the hook. This completes one single crochet stitch!

Step 4: Finish the first row by continuing to work single crochet stitches across the entire row by inserting your hook into the next chain, & repeating steps 2-3 until you reach the end of the row. You should have a total of 14 single crochet stitches.

How to Single Crochet(sc) into a Row

For the second row after chaining 1 & flipping your work. You will then insert the hook into the top of the first single crochet stitch (not the chain 1) making sure you are going through both top loops.

Step 5: Once you've reached the end & have done your last sc for that row. You will chain one, then with your hook still in the chain 1 loop you've just made, turn your work by flipping it over. Note: (the turning chain will depend on the stitch pattern you choose, but for a single crochet, it's typically one chain stitch).

Watch How to Correctly Flip Your Work

Step 6: Now, to start the next row where you will begin working single crochets(sc) into a row of single crochets(sc), You will need to find the top of the first single crochet stitch (not the chain 1). Insert your hook into top of first single crochet making sure you are in the stitch correctly, it should look like a V.

Step 7: Then repeat steps 2-3 to make a single crochet. Followed along by step 4 to complete your second row. Keep in mind that to create more rows, you must always start with a chain 1 & turn your work before commencing a new row of single crochets.

Continue your rows until you've made at least a 4"x2" or 4"x4" block or until you feel comfortable with them. When you are ready to stop follow the instructions below to fasten off your work.

Fasten Off Step 1: Once your block reaches the desired size, cut the yarn, leaving a tail of a few inches, then yarn over(yo) & pull the yarn end through the loop on your hook, then pull to secure it.

Step 2: Weave in any remaining yarn ends. I'll be using a smaller hook to weave in my ends.

Congratulations!

You've completed your single crochet block & gained valuable practice in creating foundation rows!! Keep exploring & experimenting with different stitch patterns & yarns to expand your crochet skills further. Happy crocheting! Let me know if you have any questions or need any help at all!! I'm happy to help!!😊

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