How to Single Crochet for Beginners

Single crochet is the first real stitch most people learn, and the one you'll use more than any other. Once you've got it, you can make dishcloths, scarves and even amigurumi.

What You'll Learn

Explained in three simple motions, with a picture for each.
Includes the most common beginner mistakes and how to fix them.
Practice on a small swatch, then you're ready for your first project.

What you’ll need

Smooth, medium weight (worsted, #4) yarn in a light color
A 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook
Scissors

Not sure which yarn to grab? Here’s my guide to the best yarn for beginners.

Before you start: make a foundation chain

Single crochet is worked into something, so first you need a base. Make a slip knot and a chain of 15 chains.

For your very first row, you’ll work into the chains themselves, starting in the second chain from your hook. (The first chain next to your hook is skipped. It gives the row a little height at the edge.)

The pictures below show the stitch worked into a row of stitches, since that’s how you’ll use it most of the time. The motions are exactly the same when you work into a chain.

Step-by-step: how to single crochet

Step 1: Insert the hook

Put your hook into the next stitch, from front to back. When you’re working into a row of stitches, go under both top loops (the little “V” on top of the stitch). You’ll have one loop on your hook.

The crochet hook inserted under both top loops of the next stitch, with one loop on the hook

Step 2: Yarn over and pull up a loop

Yarn over (wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front) and pull it back through the stitch. You now have two loops on your hook.

A loop pulled up through the stitch, leaving two loops on the crochet hook

Step 3: Yarn over and pull through both loops

Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook. That’s one single crochet! One loop stays on your hook, ready for the next stitch.

A finished single crochet stitch on the row, with one loop left on the hook

Repeat steps 1 to 3 in each chain (or stitch) across. On a 15-chain foundation, you’ll finish the first row with 14 single crochet.

A rhythm that helps: in, pull up, through two.

Working the next rows

At the end of the row:

Chain 1 and turn your work, so the back is now facing you.
Work a single crochet into the very first stitch. In single crochet, the chain 1 does not count as a stitch, so don’t skip that first stitch.
Work one single crochet in each stitch across.
Make sure you work into the last stitch. It sits right at the edge and is easy to miss.

Count your stitches at the end of every row. You should still have 14. If you’d like more help keeping your sides tidy, have a look at my tips for neater edges.

How to tell a single crochet

A row of single crochet makes a firm, dense fabric with little “V” shapes along the top of each row. It’s the shortest of the basic stitches, which makes it perfect for:

Dishcloths and coasters that need to be sturdy
Amigurumi, where tight stitches keep the stuffing from showing
Borders around blankets
Bags and baskets that need to hold their shape

Common beginner mistakes (and fixes)

My rows are getting wider. You may be working twice into the first stitch, or into the turning chain. Remember: chain 1, turn, then single crochet into the first stitch only once.

My rows are getting narrower. The last stitch is getting missed. Gently stretch the end of the row to find it.

My stitches are too tight to work into. Relax your grip on the yarn, and slide each loop up onto the thicker part of the hook before you pull it snug. My guide to holding your hook and yarn can help with this.

There are holes or lumps in my fabric. Check that your hook goes under both top loops of each stitch, not just one. Working into only one loop makes a different, ridged fabric.

My edges look wavy. That’s tension, and it settles down with practice. Try to make every stitch with the same gentle pull.

What to learn next

Once single crochet feels comfortable, you’re ready for the taller stitches. Half double crochet adds just one extra yarn over, and after that comes double crochet.

And if you’re hoping to make cute stuffed toys, single crochet is the stitch you’ll use most. The mini koala is a lovely first project. It’s all single crochet. 🧶

Frequently asked questions

What is single crochet called in UK terms?

In UK terms, single crochet (sc) is called double crochet (dc). The stitch is identical; only the name changes. See our crochet abbreviations page for all the US and UK terms.

What yarn is best for learning to crochet?

A smooth, light-colored worsted-weight (#4) yarn and a 5 mm (H-8) hook. Light colors make the stitches easier to see.