Single Crochet for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide)
Single Crochet for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide)
And if you’re feeling nervous, unsure, or worried that crochet might be too complicated, let me reassure you: single crochet is beginner-friendly, repetitive, calming, and easy to master with a little practice.
This guide walks you through everything slowly and clearly. No confusing charts, no advanced terminology, and no pressure. Just simple explanations that help you build confidence stitch by stitch.
In this expanded beginner guide, we’ll cover:
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What a single crochet stitch is
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Why it’s perfect for beginners
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Tools and materials you need
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Step-by-step instructions for making single crochet
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How to work additional rows
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How to count stitches
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Beginner mistakes and fixes
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How tension affects your stitches
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Tips for smooth edges
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Practice project ideas
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How single crochet appears in patterns
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How to build confidence with practice
We’ll also reference helpful beginner resources like your foundation chain tutorial and your crochet abbreviations cheat sheet so everything connects smoothly as you learn.
Let’s get started.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links in this guide may be affiliate links, meaning a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you if you choose to purchase through them. Only tools and supplies genuinely helpful for crocheters are recommended. Thank you for supporting Twisted Stitches Crochet Studio and helping keep free crochet education available for beginners. 🧶
What Is a Single Crochet Stitch?
A single crochet stitch—written as sc in crochet patterns—is one of the shortest and simplest crochet stitches.
It creates a dense, sturdy fabric that holds its shape well, which makes it ideal for many beginner projects.
Single crochet is commonly used for:
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Dishcloths and washcloths
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Blankets and throws
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Amigurumi plush toys
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Hats and scarves
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Coasters and potholders
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Bags and accessories
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Borders and edges on larger projects
Because the stitch is compact and easy to control, beginners find it easier to manage than taller stitches like double crochet.
Learning single crochet also teaches core crochet skills:
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Where to place stitches
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How to control yarn tension
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How to count stitches
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How rows are built
These skills apply to nearly every other stitch you’ll learn later.
Why Single Crochet Is Perfect for Beginners
When people first learn crochet, they often feel overwhelmed by terminology and techniques. Single crochet simplifies everything.
Here’s why it works so well for beginners:
It’s Easy to See Stitch Placement
Each stitch forms a neat little “V” shape at the top. This makes it easier to recognize where your hook should go.
It Builds Muscle Memory
The motions used in single crochet are the same ones used in most crochet stitches. Once your hands learn this rhythm, future stitches feel easier.
It Creates Strong Fabric
The finished fabric is firm and durable, perfect for everyday items.
Projects Work Up Neatly
Even beginner projects look clean and structured using single crochet.
Mistakes Are Easier to Fix
Because stitches are small and consistent, you can spot and correct errors more easily.
Crochet Abbreviation You Should Know
Crochet patterns use abbreviations to save space.
Single crochet appears as:
sc = single crochet
You might see instructions like:
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sc in each stitch across
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sc 20
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2 sc in next stitch
If pattern abbreviations ever confuse you, keeping a printed crochet abbreviations cheat sheet nearby makes reading patterns much easier.
As you crochet more often, these abbreviations quickly become second nature.
What You Need Before You Start
Crochet doesn’t require many supplies, which makes it affordable and beginner-friendly.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Yarn
Medium-weight yarn (often labeled worsted weight or #4) is easiest for beginners because stitches are large enough to see clearly.
Light-colored yarn works best while learning.
Crochet Hook
A 5mm (H/8) hook is beginner-friendly and pairs well with medium-weight yarn.
Comfortable hooks—especially ergonomic ones—reduce hand fatigue and help maintain even stitches.
Scissors
Used to trim yarn when finishing projects.
Optional Tools
Stitch markers can help beginners track stitches and rows.
Before Single Crochet: Foundation Chain Reminder
Every single crochet project begins with a foundation chain.
If you’re unsure how to make one, practice creating chains until they feel comfortable before moving forward.
A smooth, evenly sized foundation chain makes Row 1 much easier.
How to Single Crochet: Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through each step slowly.
Step 1: Make Your Foundation Chain
Start by creating a foundation chain.
For practice, try chaining 15 stitches.
Remember:
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Do not count the loop on your hook.
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Do not count the slip knot.
Step 2: Insert Hook into Second Chain from Hook
Look at your chain stitches.
Skip the chain closest to your hook and insert the hook into the second chain.
Skipping the first chain helps create a clean edge.
Step 3: Yarn Over
Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front.
Step 4: Pull Through the Chain
Pull yarn through the chain stitch.
You now have two loops on your hook.
Step 5: Yarn Over Again
Wrap yarn over hook once more.
Step 6: Pull Through Both Loops
Pull yarn through both loops on the hook.
You’ve completed one single crochet stitch.
Step 7: Repeat Across the Row
Repeat these steps in each chain across:
Continue until reaching the end.
Step 8: Chain 1 and Turn
At the end of the row:
Now you’re ready for the next row.
How to Single Crochet Additional Rows
Row 2 and beyond follow the same steps.
Insert hook under both loops of the first stitch.
Yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops.
Repeat across.
Chain 1 at the end, turn, and continue.
After several rows, your piece begins forming a fabric.
How to Count Single Crochet Stitches
Counting stitches keeps your project straight.
Look at the top of each stitch.
Each one forms a “V”.
Count each V across the row.
Do not count the turning chain unless your pattern instructs you to.
If rows become wider or narrower, you may be accidentally adding or skipping stitches.
Common Beginner Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Mistakes are part of learning.
Missing the Last Stitch
Projects shrink over time.
Fix: Count stitches every row.
Stitches Too Tight
Hook is hard to insert.
Fix: Relax grip or try a larger hook.
Uneven Edges
Sides look crooked.
Fix: Count stitches and use turning chains consistently.
Confusion About Turning Chains
Beginners often stitch into turning chains.
Fix: Mark first stitch with stitch marker.
Understanding Yarn Tension
Tension is how tightly or loosely you hold yarn.
Too tight:
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Stitches are hard
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Fabric becomes stiff
Too loose:
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Fabric looks messy
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Holes appear
Aim for relaxed, consistent stitches.
Tension improves naturally with practice.
Tips for Smooth, Straight Edges
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Count stitches every row.
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Always chain 1 before turning.
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Use stitch markers at row ends.
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Keep tension consistent.
Clean edges make projects look polished.
Beginner Practice Project: Dishcloth
Try this beginner project:
This small project builds confidence quickly.
How Single Crochet Appears in Real Patterns
Once familiar, you’ll see single crochet everywhere:
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Plush toys
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Blankets
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Borders
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Texture stitches
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Bags
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Hats
Instructions become readable once abbreviations make sense.
Building Confidence Through Practice
Confidence grows with finished projects.
Start small:
Each finished piece builds skill and motivation.
A structured challenge workbook or project tracker helps beginners stay consistent and actually complete projects.
Why Crochet Feels Difficult at First
New crocheters often worry they’re doing something wrong.
Common early struggles include:
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Awkward hand positions
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Losing stitches
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Uneven tension
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Slow progress
This phase passes quickly.
Muscle memory builds faster than expected.
Crochet as Relaxation
Crochet is calming and repetitive.
Many crocheters use it to:
Single crochet’s rhythm makes it especially soothing.
How Long Until Single Crochet Feels Natural?
For most beginners:
After a few hours of practice, stitches look better.
After one or two projects, hands feel more comfortable.
After a month of casual practice, stitches become automatic.
Progress sneaks up on you.
Encouragement for New Crocheters
Your early stitches might look:
That’s normal.
Every crocheter starts here.
Skill develops one stitch at a time.
Final Thoughts: You’re Officially Crocheting Now
Learning single crochet marks the moment you truly begin crocheting.
With this stitch, you can already make real projects, useful items, and heartfelt handmade gifts.
If stitches don’t look perfect yet, remember: crochet is meant to be calming, not stressful.
Take your time. Enjoy the rhythm.
Keep your yarn relaxed, your hook comfortable, and your stitch guide nearby while learning.
With each row you finish, your confidence grows.
And before long, you’ll look back at your first swatch and realize how far you’ve come.
You’re officially on your way to becoming a crocheter — one stitch at a time. 🧶
Grab my free Crochet Abbreviations Cheat Sheet so you’ll never feel confused reading patterns again. It’s perfect to print and keep in your project bag.
Ready to go deeper? My Learn to Crochet for Beginners book on Amazon walks you step-by-step through the foundations of crochet, helping you move from complete beginner to confident maker.
If you’re looking for motivation and project ideas, check out my 30 Project Crochet Challenge Workbook on Amazon, designed to help you practice consistently, track progress, and actually finish projects you’ll love.
And don’t forget to download the free Heart Granny Square pattern, a fun and beginner-friendly project perfect for gifts, blankets, or adding a sweet handmade touch to any crochet piece.
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