What is a Single Crochet Stitch?
The single crochet stitch is one of the simplest and most fundamental stitches in crochet. It is usually the first stitch beginners learn because of its straightforward structure and versatility. It is also often used in beginner patterns, so it is essential to learn. The single crochet creates a dense fabric that is ideal for everything from dishcloths and bags to amigurumi and blankets.
In addition to being a major building block for many crochet projects, learning this stitch gives you a strong foundation for picking up other crochet stitches. Once you’re comfortable with this stitch, it becomes easier to learn variations like the half double crochet or double crochet. Even though the single crochet is considered the most basic crochet stitch, it still offers endless creative possibilities, whether used alone or combined with other stitches for texture and design.
Tools & Materials
To start practicing the single crochet stitch, you’ll need a crochet hook and some yarn. I recommend a medium sized hook, like a size 7 or 8 (4-5mm), and some DK or worsted weight yarn. You don’t want to start too small, otherwise it might be too difficult to see what you are doing. I would also recommend using a lighter colored yarn. If the yarn is too dark, it can also be a challenge to see your stitches. For more details on choosing the right yarn to crochet with, check out The Best Yarn for Crochet Beginners.
How to Make a Single Crochet Stitch
Set Up
In order to start making single crochet stitches, you must have a chain of stitches to work from. So, before we jump into making the single crochet stitch, let’s go over the steps to get you set up.
Make a Slip Knot
Cross the working yarn over the tail end of your yarn to create a circle, pull the working yarn through the circle, and pull the loop tight over your hook.
Create a Chain
Yarn over your hook with your working yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook. This creates one stitch. Repeat for as many stitches as you want to start with, plus one.
Now we can start making our single crochet stitches.
Single Crochet
Step 1
Starting one stitch away from your hook, insert your hook into the stitch.
Step 2
Yarn over and pull the yarn through. Now you should have two loops on your hook.
Step 3
Yarn over and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.
You’ve now created one single crochet stitch. Repeat across all the stitches on your row
Note: If you are continuing to single crochet across the next row, always chain one before you begin. This will allow you to work into the stitch that is one away from your hook, giving your fabric space to grow. If you don’t do this, your work will have an undefined edge and you may end up with the wrong number of stitches.
How to Count Single Crochet Rows
Similarly to knitting, the single crochet stitch looks different from the front and the back. On one side, it looks like little v-shapes. On the other it looks like an upside down v-shape with a bar above and below. So to count your rows you should count each row of v-shapes and upside down v-shapes.
Tips for Beginners
- When working your first row of single crochet stitches into the chain, it can be a bit difficult to insert the hook into the right place. However it gets easier after the first row.
- When you insert the hook, you should see both legs of the stitch over the hook.
- Don’t start too tight. It makes it hard to see what you are doing and it also makes it very difficult to insert the hook into the right place.
Ready to Crochet?
Once you’ve mastered the single crochet stitch, there are so many possibilities of what you can make. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our article on 15 Easy Beginner Crochet Projects. If you’re looking for something more basic to practice your skills, you might want to start with a little accessory like a bag. These are often simple to construct and don’t require too many other techniques. There are some great crochet bag patterns available on the Knit&Note pattern library:
Littmyebag by Strikkerlittmye
This trendy handle clutch style is a great starter crochet project. Put the single crochet stitch to good use with this simple design. Choose your favorite color to make it your own, or make one in every color, to match all your outfits!
Vorin handbag by Strikkevorin
This shoulder bag is a great choice if you like to go handfree. The design is timeless and allows you to practice the single crochet by creating multiple panels before attaching them.
The single crochet stitch is a great starting point for your crochet journey. With just this one stitch, you can create a wide variety of beautiful and practical projects while building the skills to explore more advanced techniques. As with any craft, it can take time to master the basics. Focusing on projects that you enjoy and enjoying the process can help make it go much more smoothly. We hope you have fun working on your first crochet project with the single crochet stitch. Happy crocheting!
