single crochet stitch: crochet for beginners step by step with pictures

The single crochet stitch is one of the most important stitches in crochet. Once you learn it, you can make dishcloths, scarves, blankets, toys, garments, and countless other projects. Many beginner patterns rely almost entirely on single crochet because it creates a sturdy, neat fabric that is easy to control and forgiving while learning.

If you’ve already practiced making a foundation chain, you’re ready for the next step. If you haven’t yet learned how to make one, you should first practice that skill because single crochet stitches are worked into a foundation chain or previous row of stitches.

Before continuing, make sure you’ve completed a practice foundation chain using your guide:
👉 How to Crochet a Foundation Chain

Now, let’s build on that base.

This article will walk you slowly through every part of creating single crochet stitches, including clear diagrams, common mistakes, tension tips, troubleshooting, and beginner practice routines. By the end, you’ll understand not just how to make the stitch, but how to make it look clean and consistent.

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What Is Single Crochet?

Single crochet (often abbreviated SC in patterns) is one of the shortest crochet stitches. It produces a tight, dense fabric that works well for:

• Dishcloths
• Bags
• Amigurumi toys
• Hats
• Blankets
• Scarves
• Home décor projects

Because it’s short and sturdy, it’s also one of the easiest stitches for beginners to control.

A single crochet stitch consists of:

Inserting the hook into a stitch
Pulling up a loop
Yarn over
Pulling through both loops

Simple in theory — but learning the movement takes practice.

Tools Needed

To practice single crochet, you’ll need:

• Yarn (medium weight recommended)
• Crochet hook matched to yarn
• Scissors
• Foundation chain

Lighter yarn colors help you see stitches clearly.

Understanding Stitch Anatomy

Before making stitches, it helps to understand what you’re looking at.

Each foundation chain stitch looks like a tiny braid made of V shapes.

Chain Structure Diagram

Each V represents a stitch.

Single crochet stitches are inserted under these loops.

Step 1: Start With a Foundation Chain

Begin with a foundation chain of at least 10–15 stitches for practice.

Remember:
• Do NOT count the loop on your hook.
• Count the V shapes only.

Step 2: Insert Hook Into Second Chain From Hook

You never crochet into the first chain attached to your hook.

Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.

Diagram:

Hook enters under both loops.

Step 3: Yarn Over

Wrap yarn over hook from back to front.

Step 4: Pull Up a Loop

Pull yarn through chain stitch.

Now you have two loops on your hook.

Diagram:

Step 5: Yarn Over Again

Wrap yarn around hook again.

Step 6: Pull Through Both Loops

Pull yarn through both loops at once.

One loop remains.

You have completed one single crochet stitch.

Step 7: Continue Across Row

Repeat steps in next chain stitch.

Step 8: Turning Chain

At the end of the row:

Chain 1
Turn your work

Working Into Second Row

Instead of chains, you now insert the hook into stitches.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Mistake: Missing First Stitch

Fix: Count stitches every row.

Mistake: Tight Stitches

Fix: Relax hands.

Mistake: Adding Extra Stitches

Fix: Mark first stitch with marker.

Why Single Crochet Feels Hard at First

Because:
• Hands are learning movement
• Tension is inconsistent
• Hook control improves slowly

This is normal.

Tension Tips

Good tension feels:

• Smooth
• Not tight
• Not floppy

Practice by making rows slowly.

Beginner Practice Routine

Practice rows:

• Chain 15
• Crochet across
• Turn
• Repeat 10 rows

Watch stitches improve.

How Fabric Should Feel

Correct single crochet fabric:

• Slight stretch
• Not stiff
• Even stitches

Edge Stitch Tips

Edges stay straight when:

• First stitch is not skipped
• Last stitch is not missed

Use markers at edges if needed.

Practice Exercise

Try making:

• A small square
• About 15 stitches wide
• 15 rows tall

This builds muscle memory.

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Edges slant inward
Cause: Missing stitches
Fix: Count each row.

Problem: Work curls
Cause: Tight stitches
Fix: Loosen tension.

Problem: Holes appear
Cause: Loose tension
Fix: Pull yarn slightly tighter.

Speed Comes Later

Focus on:
• Accuracy
• Consistency
• Comfort

Speed follows naturally.

Recognizing Improvement

You’ll notice:

• Rows get straighter
• Tension evens out
• Hands move smoothly

Building Confidence

Single crochet forms the base for many patterns. Once comfortable, patterns become much easier to follow.

Next Skills After Single Crochet

Once mastered, learn:

• Half double crochet
• Double crochet
• Granny squares
• Increasing and decreasing

Practice Project Ideas

Beginner projects:

• Dishcloth
• Coaster
• Scarf
• Simple blanket square

Why Practice Matters

Every crocheter starts uneven. Repetition builds skill faster than perfection.

Crochet improves through motion.

Final Encouragement

The single crochet stitch is your first real building block in crochet. Once your hands understand the movement, you’ll be able to create projects confidently and experiment with new techniques.

Take your time. Every stitch you make improves the next one.

And remember — every crochet project you’ll ever make begins with the skills you’re learning right now:

• Foundation chain
• Single crochet

Master these, and the rest becomes much easier.

Practice Goal

Today: Make 5 rows.
Tomorrow: Make 5 more.

Within a week, single crochet will feel natural.

Final Reminder

If you need help reviewing the base step, go back and practice with your guide:

👉 How to Crochet a Foundation Chain

A strong foundation makes every stitch easier.

If you’re ready to stay motivated, improve your skills, and actually finish more crochet projects, the Crochet Challenge Workbook is ready to help you every step of the way.

Free Crochet Pattern - Solid Heart Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern

New to Crochet? Checkout Learning Crochet For Beginners Available on Amazon!

Happy crocheting — and enjoy watching your skills grow one stitch at a time.