Let’s crochet friends! In this post, we will learn how to single crochet for beginners. The single crochet (sc) is one of the most essential stitches in crochet, and the one you will use over and over again!
This how to single crochet for beginners guide breaks it down step by step, with helpful tips and project ideas that put your new skill to work.
Before you begin:
If you are new crocheter start with my learn to crochet post for more helpful beginner tips. All you need is a crochet hook and yarn of your choice – check out this what do I need to start crocheting as a beginner? before you go shopping.
To crochet the single crochet stitch, you will need to know
How to single crochet for beginners Step By Step
Ok let’s start our how to single crochet for beginners tutorial now.
1. Start with a chain
Make a slip knot and create a foundation chain. The number of chains depends on your project for practice, here we have 10 chains
2. Insert your hook
Skip the first chain from the hook, then insert your hook into the second chain.
TIP: Make sure you are not inserting into the first chain. The first chain is skipped to allow for the height adjustment and is called the turning chain.
3. Pull up a loop
Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will now have two loops on your crochet hook.
4. Complete the stitch
Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook. That’s one single crochet done!
You have now made your first single crochet stitch!
5. Repeat
Keep repeating these steps to create a single crochet into each chain across your row. You need to repeat this into each and every chain of your starting row and this is how to single crochet for beginners.
turning chain for single crochet
6. Turn your work
Once you have finished your finished your first row, it is time to now turn your work and start your second row. You basically flip your work so that the crochet hook with the loop is now held in your right hand.
An important concept to understand while learning how to single crochet for beginners is the turning chain. Each time you turn your work to start a new row, you will fist need to make one chain. This chain is called the turning chain and helps to keep the single crochet maintain its height.
COMMON MISTAKE: If you omit this turning chain, your first stitch of the row will be squished and the row of stitches will have uneven heights.
After your turning chain is made, simply insert your hook into the tops of the stitches of the row below, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops to create a single crochet stitch. This is now the first stitch of row 2.
Repeat making single crochets into each stitch of row 1 to complete row 2. And continue to work in this manner, turning at the end of each row to build your yarn swatch.
Once you are satisfied with the length, it is time to end your project. Using a pair of scissors, trim off the yarn leaving about 2 inches of tail.
Pull this yarn tail through the last loop on the crochet hook and yank firmly to knot off your work and prevent it from unraveling!
And voila! You have now learnt how to crochet a single crochet and created your very first swatch! I hope you found this picture tutorial on how to single crochet for beginners helpful, I also have a video walking you through the steps below 🙂
Crochet with me: how to single crochet for beginners Video
Watch my how to single crochet for beginners video and crochet along with at real time speed! I hope you find this video helpful friends!
Easy single crochet projects
1. Simple Single Crochet Dishcloth
Once you finish this how to single crochet for beginners tutorial, try making this simple single crochet dishcloth pattern next. It is a small project that will teach you how to create a square piece of fabric without losing stitches.
2. Beginner Single Crochet Scarf
After you have mastered that, learn how to crochet a scarf for beginners using single crochet. This is such a satisfying wearable project!
3. single crochet chunky blanket
Finally, grow your skills with this single crochet chunky blanket for beginners where you will make an adorable blanket!
Single Crochet FAQS
Is single crochet easy for beginners?
Yes! The single crochet has no complexity and is easy to master
What can you make with a single crochet stitch?
Here are three easy projects to make using the single crochet stitch- this simple single crochet dishcloth pattern, a beginner single crochet scarf and a single crochet chunky blanket
Is single crochet the same in the US and UK?
The single crochet or sc is a US only term. It is a whole different stitch in the UK!
How do I count single crochet stitches?
Check out this post which talks about how to count crochet stitches
Once you’ve mastered the single crochet, you’ve built a strong foundation for your crochet journey! When you’re ready to expand your skills, be sure to check out the other essential basic crochet stitches to take your projects even further.
I am so excited for you to learn all of these—happy crocheting!
