How to Single Crochet (sc)

Single crochet (sc; UK double crochet) is the shortest of the basic “real” stitches and the backbone of crochet. It makes a firm, dense fabric that’s perfect for dishcloths, amigurumi, bags and edgings. Once you can single crochet, every taller stitch is the same idea with extra yarn overs.

US/UK note: this page uses US terms. US single crochet (sc) is the same stitch as UK double crochet (dc).

You’ll need

• Smooth worsted-weight yarn in a light color
• A hook to match — a 5 mm (H-8) hook is a common choice
• A foundation chain of about 16 chains to practice on

Step-by-step: how to single crochet

Row 1 (into the foundation chain)

1. Count to the 2nd chain from the hook. Don’t count the loop on the hook. The chain you skip acts as the turning chain.
2. Insert your hook into that chain, front to back.
3. Yarn over (wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front).
4. Pull up a loop: draw the yarn back through the chain. You now have 2 loops on the hook.
5. Yarn over again.
6. Pull through both loops. One loop remains. That’s one single crochet.
7. Work one sc into each chain across to the end.

With a 16-chain foundation, you’ll have 15 sc in Row 1.

Tip: After step 4, check that both loops sit on the shaft of the hook, not crowded into the throat. Loops the same size as the shaft give even stitches.

Working the next row

1. Chain 1 — this is the turning chain.
2. Turn your work (flip it like the page of a book) so the last stitch you made is now nearest your hook.
3. Single crochet into the first stitch — the stitch right at the base of the turning chain. For sc, the turning chain does not count as a stitch, so don’t skip that first stitch.
4. Work 1 sc into each stitch across. Insert the hook under both top loops (the V on top of each stitch) unless the pattern says otherwise.
5. Count: you should still have 15 sc.

Repeat these steps for every row. After a few rows you’ll see a dense fabric with little “ridges” made by the stitches sitting row on row.

Anatomy of a single crochet

• Top loops: the sideways V on top of each stitch. Work into both loops for standard sc.
• Post: the short body of the stitch.
• Front and back loops: working into only one of the two top loops (BLO or FLO) creates ribbed or textured fabric.

Common mistakes

• Skipping the first stitch. Because the ch 1 doesn’t count, the first sc goes into the very first stitch. Skipping it loses one stitch per row and the piece narrows.
• Working into the turning chain at the end. In single crochet the ch 1 isn’t a stitch, so don’t work into it at the end of the next row. Doing so adds a stitch per row and the piece widens.
• Missing the last stitch. The last sc of a row can hide under the turning chain. Count the Vs, or place a stitch marker in the first sc of each row so you can find it on the way back.
• Tight stitches. If you struggle to insert the hook, relax your grip on the working yarn and pull loops up to the full width of the hook.
• Twisted foundation chain. Keep the Vs of the chain facing you as you work Row 1.

Variations

Variation	How	Effect
Back loop only (BLO) sc	Insert under the back loop only	Ribbed, stretchy, good for cuffs
Front loop only (FLO) sc	Insert under the front loop only	Leaves a horizontal line of loops
Single crochet in rounds	Work in a spiral without joining	The basis of amigurumi
sc increase	2 sc in the same stitch	Adds one stitch
sc2tog (decrease)	Pull up a loop in each of 2 sts, yo, pull through all 3 loops	Removes one stitch

FAQ

Does the chain 1 count as a stitch in single crochet?

Usually not. Most patterns treat the ch 1 turning chain as a way to raise the yarn, then place the first sc in the first stitch. If a pattern says otherwise, follow the pattern.

Why is my single crochet getting wider or narrower?

You’re adding or losing stitches at the row ends. Count every row, work the first sc into the first stitch, and don’t work into the turning chain.

What is single crochet called in UK patterns?

UK double crochet, abbreviated dc. If a pattern written in UK terms says “dc,” it means this stitch.

How many chains do I need for a row of single crochet?

Chain the number of stitches you want, plus 1 for the turning chain. For 20 sc, chain 21 and start in the 2nd chain from the hook.

Is single crochet good for beginners?

Yes. It has only two steps after inserting the hook, the stitches are easy to see and count, and it makes a sturdy fabric for first projects like dishcloths.