The Single Crochet or sc stitch is one of the most basic, beginner foundation stitches for you to learn. It also happens to be one of the easiest to master for most crocheters so let us show you how to do it.
Many crochet patterns include single crochet stitches, often at the very beginning. So it is important that the sc stitch is among the very first stitches to learn. Especially because this stitch forms the basis of many other more complicated crochet stitches.
The single crochet stitch is the perfect learning stitch because many other crochet stitches are based on the same basic principle. It is also pretty easy to master with some practice.
Once you know how to do this stitch, you can easily move onto to a double or half double crochet stitch.
What is a sc Crochet Stitch?
The Single Crochet (abbreviation ‘sc’) is one of the basic foundation stitches for most crochet patterns. It is a relatively small and close or tight stitch that produces a dense, firm crochet piece which is not open weave or lacy.
The basic steps to making a sc stitch: first make a chain. Then, insert the hook in the 2nd chain, yarn over, pull the loop through the chain, yarn over again and pull that yarn through the two loops on your crochet hook.
Free Crochet Abbreviations Chart
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Now, let’s take a closer look at all of those steps.
See our list of essential crochet supplies you actually need! And nothing you don’t!
Making a Single Crochet Stitch (Step by Step)
Begin by making a chain. The chain is technically not a part of this stitch but we need one in order to show you how to make a single crochet.
If you are not sure how to do a chain, see our guide for how to do a chain stitch with the full step by step instructions.
1. Insert the crochet hook
Chain one more stitch. This is known as the turning chain, which is used for increasing the height to the second row. (The turning chain does not count as a stitch).
Now, insert the hook into second chain stitch from the hook.
2. Grab the Working Yarn with the Hook (Yarn Over)
Move the crochet hook under the working yarn from front to back and grab it with the barb of the hook. This is called a ‘yarn over’.
3. Pull yarn through the chain
Pull the hook (with the yarn on the barb) backwards through the chain. As you can see in the photo below, this should leave you with 2 loops on the hook.
4. Yarn Over a Second Time
Now take the crochet hook and grab the working yarn underneath, from front to back as you did previously.
5. Pull the Yarn Through the Loops
This time, you will pull the yarn backwards through both loops on your crochet hook, leaving you with only a single loop. That completes the first single crochet stitch.
See our YouTube video for making a single crochet:
Continue Working Single Crochet Stitches
To make the next sc, insert your hook into the next chain stitch and repeat steps 2 – 5 above.
Continue working your sc stitches into each chain until you get to the end of the row.
Working the Second Row of Stitches
Once you are at the end of the first row, you will chain one more (turning stitch) and then turn the work over.
To start the second row, insert the crochet hook into the first single stitch and repeat steps 2 – 5 above.
At the end of the row, be careful not to work into the extra turning chain.
Those are the basic steps for how to do a single crochet stitch. If you keep making rows of stitches, back and forth, you will end up with a long, narrow piece that could be used as a scarf.
It will probably feel a little awkward when you first start making these stitches but as you practice, you will quickly get used to it.
What Can You Make with Single Crochet?
Now that you learned the most basic sc stitch, there are lots of different fun things that you can crochet to practice your new skill.
Good beginner patterns using the single crochet stitch include:
- Scarf
- Granny square
- Potholder
- Trivet
- Hat
- Beanie
- Blanket
- Headband
Be sure to see our guide to single stitch crochet patterns for some great ideas!
Is Single Crochet a Basic Stitch?
The single stitch is the first basic stitch that others are based on. It is also the first one (other than a basic slip stitch) that you will learn. Once you master the single, it is pretty easy to learn the other stitches.
Be sure to Pin This tutorial for how to make a Single Stitch in Crochet! Save it for later when you are ready to make your project!
Related Stitch Tutorials:
- How to Make a Crochet Magic Circle
- 6 Beginner Crochet Stitches
- Shell Stitch Step by Step
- Easy Waffle Stitch
- How to Make a Puff Stitch
- How to Work the Triple Crochet Stitch (tc or tr)
- Making a Double Crochet (dc)
- Learn the Half Double Crochet Stitch (hdc)
- Front Post Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial
