If you’re a beginner crocheter, then learning how to single crochet is an essential skill to master. This crochet guide comes with pictures and videos to help you learn how to crochet this basic stitch.
The crochet single stitch is a very versatile stitch that can be used in many different ways to create different textures in your finished product. With this one stitch alone, you can make some pretty impressive projects. When it’s combined it with other stitches it can create unique stitch patterns.
Single crochet stitches are fairly easy to learn and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to create all kinds of crochet patterns.
Table of Contents
What is a Single Crochet Stitch?
The single crochet stitch is often the first stitch beginner crocheters learn after the slip knot and chain stitch.
It is known for being the most basic stitch you can crochet, with just 5 simple steps.
The steps of the single crochet is to insert hook into the stitch or space indicated on the pattern instructions, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through the loops on the crochet hook.
Continue these steps to make more stitches.
Crochet Supplies You Need to Make a Single Crochet
Any crochet hook size and yarn.
For crocheting single crochet you can use any type of yarn from acrylic yarn, wool yarn to cotton yarn.
If you are going to follow your first crochet pattern, I suggest using the same yarn and crochet hook size as suggested in the pattern and make a swatch.
If you are learning the stitch only try:
- 3 light yarn with a 4.5 mm, 5 mm or 5.5 mm crochet hook
- 4 medium yarn with a 5.5 mm, 6 mm or 6.5 mm crochet hook
- 5 bulky yarn with a 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm or 9 mm crochet hook
In the photos the yarn used was 4 medium worsted weight yarn.
The exact sizes hook and yarn doesn’t matter, but the experience for a beginner improves if they match fairly well.
If you do start with a yarn that’s a lot thinner, it may become more challenging, the same goes with a crochet hook and yarn that’s a lot thicker.
Don’t worry to much if you have just one hook and yarn, use what you have!
How to do a Single Crochet Stitch
A quick written description:
- Insert hook into next stitch (or space specified in pattern)
- Yarn over
- Pull up a loop
- Yarn over
- Pull yarn through the 2 loops on your crochet hook
- Repeat steps 1 to 5 to make more single crochet stitches
Single Crochet Stitch Abbreviation
The most common crochet abbreviation is sc in US crochet terms.
Note: In UK crochet terms the single crochet is referred to as a double crochet and abbreviated dc.
The abbreviation sc is used for both one and multiple stitches.
The abbreviation list will write it like this: sc = single crochet.
If you are supposed to crochet multiple sc stitches you may find it written as “sc 2“, “sc 3” ect or “2sc“, “3sc” ect. in a crochet pattern.
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Single Crochet Stitch Chart Symbol
The single crochet stitch crochet chart symbol is simple and looks like a “x” or “+” sign.
It will be turned in the direction it will lay in your finished crochet work.
Photo showing the sc crochet stitch chart symbol.
Single Crochet Stitch – Step By Step Photo Tutorial
How to Single Crochet Into A Foundation Chain
In this photo tutorial you will see how to crochet a single crochet and also how to work into a foundation chain.
The steps of the sc stitch are the same if crochet into stitches instead of a foundation chain row.
Grab your crochet hook in your right hand and crochet chains as shown in the how to crochet chains tutorial to be ready for step one.
1. Insert the crochet hook into foundation chain / or indicated stitch
Insert the crochet hook into second chain from the crochet hook for the first single crochet, from front to back.
- If you are working on a second single crochet, work into the next foundation chain.
- If you are working on a second row (or later), work into the next stitch form previous row.
Note: In some cases you may be instructed to work into the third foundation chain from the hook, because crochet evolves as it’s passed down from generation to generation, and each person who learns may change small details. The result is so close to the same that it doesn’t matter.
2. Yarn over
Yarn over from back to front to be ready to pull up a loop on next step.
3. Pull Up A Loop
Pull up a loop.
To pull up a loop, the yarn you just “Yarn over” will stay around the hook end of the crochet hook, and the stitch where you inserted your crochet hook will move off the hook..
You have 2 loops on the crochet hook.
4. Yarn Over
Yarn over from back to front.
To yarn over, wrap the yarn over your crochet hook once from back to front.
5. Pull Yarn Through Both Loop On Hook
Pull the yarn through both loops on the crochet hook.
You have 1 loop on your crochet hook.
6. Your First Single Crochet Is Finished
Your first stitch is finished and you can now repeat steps 1 to 5 to crochet more sc stitches.
Step By Step Single Crochet Tutorial Video
Single Crochet Height and Turning Chain
Above you learned how to crochet one sc. But when working in either rows or rounds, you may come across the term turning chains.
The turning chains are used to start rows or rounds.
The number of turning chains you crochet depends on the height of the crochet stitch.
For this stitch the most common number of turning chains is one.
Mostly this turning chain doesn’t count as a single crochet, but in some patterns it may be specified to count as the first stitch.
Single Crochet In Rows
You can crochet sc stitches in rows.
In that case you will start your project with a row of foundation chain stitches (or if more experienced maybe a foundation single crochet (FSC)).
Then to crochet your first row of single crochet, you will repeat steps 1-5 to crochet sc stitches into every foundation chain.
When you reach the end of the row, turn your work by flipping it to the other side, ready to work in the opposite direction over the stitches you most recently crocheted.
To start a new row of single crochet stitches, chain one (ch-1) and work sc stitches into all the single crochets from the first row. Work the first sc stitch into the last stitch from previous row.
Single Crochet In Rounds
Single Crochet With In Ending Rounds
You can crochet sc stitches in rounds.
In that case you will start your project with a row of foundation chain stitches.
To work in rounds, you have to form a ring or circle. To create a ring, slip stitch (sl st) into the first chain you made, making sure you don’t twist your chain stitches.
To crochet your first round of single crochet:
- Chain one and repeat steps 1-5 to crochet sc stitches into every foundation chain.
- When you reach the end of the round, slip stitch into the first sc made on this round.
To start a new round of single crochet repeat steps 1 and 2 directly above.
Single Crochet With In Spiraling Rounds
You can also crochet sc stitches in rounds without ending the rounds, but just work in a spiral.
When working in a spiral, you will end up with a crochet piece shaped like a tube.
To work single crochet in spiraling rounds do this:
- Start with a row of foundation chains and slip stitch into first chain made.
- Chain one and repeat steps 1-5 for the sc stitch into every foundation chain.
- When you reach the end of the round, single crochet into the first sc stitch made.
- Continue working single crochet stitches in each sc stitch until your project has the desired length.
When working a project in a crochet tube like this, you can easily make crochet headbands, hats and body parts of crochet sweaters and more!
How To Count Your Single Crochet Stitches
The photo below shows how to count the sc stitches just made at the end of the first row.
Each of the first 5 stitches are shown by an arrow, then you can practice to find 14 stitches total on this photo.
Single Crochet Increases and Decreases
Single Crochet Increases
To increase sc stitches, all you have to do is work multiple single crochets into the stitch.
This will be will be written in crochet patterns like this:
- Sc 2 in next stitch (you will increase 1 stitch).
- Sc 3 in next stitch (you will increase 2 stitches).
- Sc 4 in next stitch (you will increase 3 stitches).
It can also be written like this:
- 2sc in next stitch, which means the same as sc “2 in next stitch”.
Or like this:
- Inc or inc SC. Which means you should do 2 single crochets in one stitch if not specified with a specific number.
- 3 sc inc, will then mean you should crochet 3 stitches in next stitch.
In some cases you may be asked to increase sc stitches evenly over a certain amount of stitches, in that case you can use the crochet increase and decrease calculator.
The quick video tutorial below shows you how to increase one stitch.
Single Crochet Decreases
There are many ways to decrease stitches in crochet, and also different ways to decrease single crochet stitches. Below you can find 3 different ways to decrease 1 stitch with single crochet.
Skip A Stitch Single Crochet Decrease
The easiest way to decrease is to simply skip a stitch and continue crocheting in the stitch after. Shown in the quick video tutorial below:
Regular Single Crochet Decrease – Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog)
In many cases you will come across sc2tog in crochet patterns, also known as single crochet two together.
The most common way to decrease 1 in sc stitch with the sc2tog crochet:
- Pull up a loop from the next stitch.
- Pull up a loop from the stitch after that. You have 3 loops on your crochet hook.
- Yarn over.
- Pull yarn through all loops on your crochet hook.
You can also decrease two stitches with the single crochet 3 together (sc3tog) and decrease 3 stitches with the single crochet 4 together (sc4tog).
Invisible Single Crochet Decrease
The invisible decrease method, like the invisible crochet single decrease is the one that looks the most similar to a regular stitch.
This is the steps for the invisible decrease:
- Pull up a loop from the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull through the first loop on the crochet hook. You have 2 loops on the hook.
- Pull up a loop from the next stitch. You have 3 loops on your crochet hook.
- Yarn over.
- Pull yarn through all 3 loops on your crochet hook.
We have a full step by step photo and video tutorial for the invisible single crochet decrease.
How To Change Color With Single Crochet Stitches
When you crochet sc stitches and are going to change colors, to get a clean finish, crochet as follows:
- Insert hook into next stitch and pull up a loop with the yarn color you are already working with.
- Yarn over and pull through both loops on the crochet hook with the new yarn color.
You can learn more about colorwork in crochet and tapestry crochet in our detailed tutorial.
Variations of the Single Crochet Stitch
There are many variations of the regular sc stitch that makes it possible to create different crocheted fabric.
Some create more texture, some may create more drape with a bigger crochet hook than yarn and some makes for a prettier look.
This makes the sc stitches a great basic stitch to crochet all types of projects.
Foundation Single Crochet (FSC)
The FSC stitch is a foundation stitch and variation of the regular sc that is used to start crochet projects.
The foundation stitches can also be used the same way as foundation chains to create stitches and open spaces in your crochet work.
The steps of the foundation single crochet:
- Chain 2 (counts as the first FSC).
- Insert hook in the first chain made and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over and pull through the first loop on the crochet hook.
- Yarn over an pull through both loops on the crochet hook.
- Repeat steps 2-4 to create more FSC stitches by inserting the crochet hook in the chain “looking” base created at the bottom of the work.
Want to learn more? We have a detailed step by step tutorial for the foundation sc.
Single Crochet In Front Loops and Back Loops
Sc stitches can be worked through the front and back loops only. They are then refered to as Back Loop Single Crochet (BLsc) or single crochet in back loop only (sc BLO) and Front Loop Single Crochet (FLsc) or single crochet in front loop only (sc FLO).
The most common of the two is the sc stitches is worked in the back loops, because they are one of the ways you can create crochet ribbing.
Back Loop Single Crochet – BLsc or sc BLO
To crochet sc through the back loop only follow these steps:
- Insert hook into the back loop of the next stitch / indicated stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over and pull through both loops on the crochet hook.
Want to learn more? We have a detailed tutorial on the Back Loop sc stitch.
Single Crochet Ribbing Working Through The Back Loop Only
This stitch is one of the most common ways to create crochet ribbing. By working through the back loops only, you automatically get the texture similar to the ribbing used around wrists, necklines and so on in kitting.
Work the BLsc back and forth in rows to create this lovely crochet ribbing texture.
Front Loop Single Crochet – FLsc or sc FLO
When crocheting sc stitches into the front loop only, you will get a more loose crochet fabric which will drape more nicely.
The only difference between a regular stitch and the one worked in the front loop, is the fact that you insert the crochet hook in the front loop and not the whole stitch.
We have a detailed step by step photo and video tutorial for you to learn the Front Loop Single crochet.
The combination of the FLsc and BLsc can be found in the textured sc stitch.
Split Single Crochet or Waistcoat Stitch
The “split sc” or waistcoat stitch is a modification of the regular stitch. The stitch is worked into the center of the stitch, between the “legs” of the single crochet to create a knit looking crochet fabric.
It is important to crochet this stitch loosely, because if worked too tightly it is difficult to insert the hook in the center of the stitch on the next row or round.
The waistcoat stitch is used on the body part of the crochet top below.
Single Crochet Post Stitches
The Back Post Single Crochet (BPsc) and the Front Post Single Crochet (FPsc) are worked the same as regular sc stitches, however you insert the hook and pull up a loop around the post of the stitch instead of into the stitch itself.
- Insert the crochet hook from *front to back to front* for FPsc stitches to pull up a loop.
- Insert the crochet hook from *back to front to back* for BPsc stitches to pull up a loop.
After pulling up a loop, finish the sc stitch with yarn over, and pull through both stitches on the hook.
Spike Single Crochet
The spike stitches (spike-sc) are worked with the same steps as a regular stitch, however the crochet hook is inserted into stitches rows below.
The loop you pull up is then pulled to the height of the row you are working on.
How many rows below will always be specified in the pattern you follow.
Below you can see an example from the Brick Stitch.
Reverse Single Crochet / Crab Stitch
Reverse sc or the crab stitch is another variation of the regular stitch.
It follows the same steps as a regular stitch, however it is worked backwards from left to right.
The border it creates makes it difficult to work into on another round, because of that it is mostly used as a decorative crochet edging.
Extended Single Crochet Stitch (esc)
The extended sc is a higher version of the regular stitch. It is more like the height of a half double crochet stitch.
To crochet the “esc” follow these steps:
- Pull up a loop from the next stitch or indicated space. You have 2 loops on your crochet hook.
- Yarn over.
- Pull through first loop on the crochet hook. You have 2 loops on your crochet hook.
- Yarn over.
- Pull through both loop on the crochet hook. You have 1 loop on your crochet hook.
- To make another esc, repeat steps 1-5.
Extra Extended Single Crochet
The extra extended sc is a great way to create texture when you crochet a basic stitch.
- Pull up a loop from the next stitch or indicated space. You have 2 loops on your crochet hook.
- Yarn over.
- Pull through first loop on the crochet hook. You have 2 loops on your crochet hook.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 once.
- Yarn over.
- Pull through both loop on the crochet hook. You have 1 loop on your crochet hook.
- To make another extra extended sc, repeat steps 1-6.
Stitch Patterns Using the Single Crochet Stitch
Because the single stitch crochet is one of the basic crochet stitches, you will find it featured in many crochet stitch patterns.
Beginner Stitch Patterns:
Easy to Intermediate Stitch Patterns:
Commonly Asked Questions About The Single Crochet Stitch
Is there a right side and wrong side on single crochet stitches?
It depends on your project if there is a right side and wrong side on single crochet stitches. If you crochet back and forth in rows, any both sides can be the the right side or wrong side. If you crochet single crochet in rounds, the side facing you will be viewed as the right side.
Do you chain one at the end of a single crochet row?
It depends if you crochet your turning chains before or after you turn your work. You will crochet a chain at the end of a single crochet row if you chain before you turn. You will crochet a chain at the beginning of the next row if you turn before you make your turning chain.
How to crochet single crochet into a chain?
To single crochet into a chain (ch) insert the crochet hook into the bar that is closest to you. Yarn over to pull up a loop, then yarn over and work through the 2 loops on the crochet hook.
What does single crochet look like?
Single crochet looks like low, relatively tight stitches. The photo shows one finished row of sc stitches.
What does 2sc mean in crochet?
2sc means two single crochet (sc). If you see 2sc in a crochet pattern, it means you should make 2 sc stitches into the indicated stitch or space.
Why does my single crochet stitches curl?
When single crochet stitches curl the most common reason is that you tension is to tight and you have too many stitches close together. When you have too many stitches close together it causes them to curl.
To avoid curling stitches, try using a bigger crochet hook.
Can you crochet a blanket with single stitch?
Yes, you can crochet a single crochet blanket with only single crochet (sc) stitches back and forth in rows. To calculate how many stitches you need to get the width you want try using the blanket size calculator or simply chain stitches to the width you prefer. Then work sc stitches in rows until it it the desired size.
Next Steps for Learning Crochet as a Beginner
After making a slip knot crochet, how to make a chain in crochet, and the single crochet stitch, the next steps of the beginners guide to crochet is:
Beginner Crochet Patterns To Try
After learning how to single crochet from the beginner crochet tutorials, many start by crocheting scarfs or blankets.
These free patterns are also great for beginners and feature this crochet stitch: