How to do a Perfect Single Crochet Stitch as a Beginner

Learn how to create smooth, even single crochet stitches to give your projects a polished and professional look. We’ll walk you through each step, helping you perfect this essential stitch for all your future projects!

Have you noticed your crochet project looks uneven or bumpy, even when you follow the instructions? The problem might be with your single crochet stitch!

The single crochet stitch is one of the easiest and most important stitches in crochet. Like the chain stitch, it’s the foundation of your project and makes a tight, strong fabric. But if you’re a beginner, it can be tricky to get it just right. This can lead to uneven stitches, gaps, or even a wavy project.

When you master the single crochet stitch, your work will have a smooth and even texture. Messy stitches and gaps will be a thing of the past. With a little practice, you can fix these common problems and make your crochet look amazing.

In this tutorial, we’ll show you the steps to perfect your single crochet stitch. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to take on any project. Let’s get started and master this essential stitch together!

Crochet Abbreviations for Today’s Project

• SC: Single Crochet
• SK: Slip Knot
• CH: Chain Stitch
• YO: Yarn Over
• TW: Turning Work
• Sl St: Slip Stitch
• SC FLO: Single Crochet Front Loop Only
• SC BLO: Single Crochet Back Loop Only
• SC INC: Single Crochet Increase
• SC DEC: Single Crochet Decrease

Basics About Single Crochet

Abbreviation:

We generally follow the US terms for our crochet projects and it is widely used. The stitch we are showing today is known as Single Crochet in US terms and abbreviated as SC. In UK terms it is known as Double Crochet and abbreviated by DC.

Chart/ Diagram Symbol:

In crochet charts or diagrams, the Single Crochet is represented by “X” or “+” 

Height/ Size:

The height or size of a single crochet is longer than a chain stitch but shorter than a double or treble crochet.

Step-by-Step Guide to Single Crochet

The single crochet stitch is simple yet versatile, with several variations that serve different purposes. From building a sturdy foundation to adding texture, shaping, or creating seamless rounds, these methods allow you to customize your projects for unique designs and effects. Each variation enhances your crochet work in its own way, making this basic stitch a key to endless creative possibilities.

 1. Single Crochet in Chain Stitches

This is often the starting point for any crochet project. You work single crochet stitches into a foundation chain to create the first row. It’s simple and sets the stage for the rest of the project, making it perfect for scarves, blankets, or other flat designs.

Step 1: Make Chain Stitches

Before you start with single crochet, you’ll need to make a foundation chain. If you’re not sure how to make chain stitches, no worries! We’ve got a detailed article all about chain stitches that can help you get it right. Just follow the link to learn how to create chain stitches step by step. Once you’ve got your chain, you’re ready to move on to the next step!

Step 2: Inserting the Hook

Hold your crochet hook in your dominant hand and the chain stitches in your non-dominant hand. Make sure the hook stays in the last chain you made.

Now, skip the next stitch after the hook and insert the hook into the second stitch from the hook. This is where you’ll start your single crochet! Keep your hands steady, and be careful not to skip too many stitches—it’s easy to miss one if you’re not paying attention.

 Step 3: Yarn Over and Pull Through

Yarn over the hook once and gently pull through one loop. You should now have 2 loops on the hook.

Tips: Do not pull through 2 loops, that will create a slip stitch instead.

Step 4: Complete the Single Crochet

Keep the hook as it is and yarn over again. Pull through the 2 loops on the hook and the first single crochet is complete.

Step 5: Make the Next Single Crochet

Insert hook into the next chain, yarn over, pull through once; yarn over and pull through for the second time to complete a single crochet.

Step 6: Work Across the Row

Work on every next stitch to complete a row of SC. Insert hook into the next chain stitch, yarn over, pull through once; yarn over and pull through for the second time to complete a single crochet. Continue until you reach the end of the current row.

2. Single Crochet in Next Row

After finishing the foundation row, you turn your work and add single crochet stitches into the stitches from the previous row. This builds the fabric row by row, creating height and forming the main body of projects like dishcloths, sweaters, or tote bags.

Step 1: Moving to the Next Row

Once you’ve finished a row of single crochet, make 1 chain stitch on the hook. This chain stitch helps you turn your work around and start the next row.

Step 2: Turning the Work

Without taking the hook out of the last stitch, turn your work clockwise. Now you’ll be looking at the backside of the row you just finished, ready to start the next row of single crochets.

Step 3: Inserting the Hook

We will work on the stitches of the previous row. Insert the hook into the stitch right next to the hook.

Step 4: Yarn Over and Pull Through

Yarn over and pull through gently. You should have 2 loops on the hook now.

Step 5: Completing a Single Crochet

Yarn over and pull through gently again. You should have 1 loop on the hook, which means 1 single crochet has been made.

Step 6: Completing the Second Row

Complete the second row of single crochet like we did before.

3. Single Crochet in Joined Round

This technique involves working in a circle and connecting each round with a slip stitch. It’s perfect for symmetrical designs like hats, coasters, or mandalas, where maintaining an even, polished shape is key.

 Step 1: Making a Chain Loop

Our article “How to do Crochet Chain Stitch” teaches you how to make a chain loop or ring. Chain 4 and make a loop.

Step 2: Starting the 1st Round

Keeping the hook in the stitch, work 1 chain stitch.

Step 3: Starting the 1st Single Crochet

We will work into the base loop. Insert the hook into the loop; yarn over once and pull through

Step 4: Completing the 1st Single Crochet

Yarn over once and pull through again to complete the 1st single crochet.

Step 5: Completing the Single Crochet Round

Work 7 more single crochet stitches into the base loop. This means that this round will have 8 single crochet stitches.

Step 6: Joining the Round

Insert the hook into the first top chain of the round. Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook to do a slip stitch. This is how we do a joined round with single crochet stitches.

Step 7: Increasing the Size

Chain 1 on the hook (we will count this as 1 single crochet) and work a single crochet into the stitch adjacent to the hook. We will count 2 single crochet here.

Next, work 2 more SC into the next stitch. Continue to work 2 SC into every next stitch around.

 Step 8: Securing the Second Row of the Joined Round

This round will have a total of 16 SC. End this round with a slip stitch through the top stitch of the first chain of the round.

4. Single Crochet in Spiral Round

Instead of joining each round, this method flows in a continuous spiral. It’s seamless and smooth, making it the go-to for amigurumi toys or projects where visible joins might distract from the design.

 Step 1: Making a Chain

Start with a chain 3 or 4 but do not make a chain loop like we did for the joined round.

Step 2: Starting the Spiral

Keeping the hook in the last stitch, insert the hook into the first stitch of the base chain.

 Step 3: Yarn Over and Pull Through

Yarn over and pull through one loop.

Step 4: Completing the 1st Single Crochet

Yarn over and pull through again to complete the single crochet.

Step 5: First Round of Crochet Spiral

Work 7 more Single Crochet into the same chain stitch.

 Step 6: Starting the 2nd Round

Instead of working a slip stitch into the first chain of the current round; we will work a single crochet into that stitch.

Step 7: Starting the Spiral

Work another (2nd) single crochet into the same stitch.

Step 8: Mark the Stitch

You can use a crochet marker or a safety pin or a piece of small thread to mark the starting of the 2nd round.

 Step 9: Continue to Single Crochet Stitches

Work 2 SC into each stitch of the previous round. Once you have the first stitch of each round marked, you can keep a count of your spiral’s chain stitches. Continue to work SC into the previous chain stitches to make the spiral bigger.

5. Single Crochet Increase (SC INC)

Adding stitches into the same spot lets your fabric grow wider, ideal for shaping curves or creating larger sections. Think of forming a round base for a basket or shaping adorable crochet animals.

Step 1: Make a Chain Base

To do a single crochet increase, you must first create a single crochet base. Chain 8 and then work a second row of single crochet to make the base. Chain 1 and turn the work.

Step 2: Starting Next Row

Work a single crochet into the stitch adjacent to the hook.

 Step 3: Doing an Increase

Work 2 single crochet into the next stitch to do an increase. An increase in crochet means working 2 stitches into one stitch.

Step 4: A Row of Single Crochet Increase

This is how a row of single crochet increase would look like on a chain 8 base.

6. Single Crochet Decrease (SC DEC)

This technique narrows the fabric by combining two stitches into one. It’s perfect for tapering shapes, whether you’re closing the top of a hat, forming toy limbs, or adding dimension to sleeves.

Step 1: Make a Single Crochet Base

To do a single crochet decrease, you must first create a single crochet base. Chain 8 and then work a second row of single crochet to make the base.

 Step 2: Starting the Next Row

Chain 1 and turn the work.

 Step 3: Starting the Crochet Decrease

Work a single crochet into the same space adjacent to the hook. Then insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull through. You should have 2 loops on your hook. again insert your hook into the next stitch and yarn over pull through. You should have 3 loops on your hook in total.

 Step 4: Completing an SC Decrease

Now yarn over and pull through all the 3 loops on your crochet hook. That’s how you complete a single crochet decrease.

Step 5: A Row of Single Crochet Decrease

This is how a row of single crochet decrease would look like on a chain 8 base.

7. Single Crochet in Front Loop Only

Working only in the front loop of a stitch creates subtle texture or flexible ridges. It’s often used to add detail or create patterns in blankets, hats, or garments.

 Step 1: Make a Single Crochet Base

To understand what front loop only means in crochet, you must first make a base stitch. Start by working 8 chain stitches and then work a second row of SC.

Step 2: Knowing which is the Front Loop

Notice that each chain stitch on top has 2 loops. The loop on your side (closest to you) is the front loop.

 Step 3: Working into the Front Loop

Insert the hook through the front loop (from the front side). Yarn over and pull through the front loop.

Step 4: Completing the Single Crochet

Yarn over and pull through again to complete the single crochet stitch.

Step 5: Making a Row of SC in FLO

Continue to work in the front loop only for this row.

8. Single Crochet in Back Loop Only

Here, you crochet in the back loop, giving a different ribbed texture. This method is perfect for stretchy edges, like cuffs on hats or mittens.

Step 1: Make a Crochet Base

Make a crochet base like we did for the SC FLO. You can also practice the SC FLO pattern. Chain 1 and turn the pattern like we learned in SC in the Next Row.

 Step 2: Knowing which is the Back Loop

Notice that each chain stitch on top has 2 loops. The loop further from you is the back loop.

 Step 3: Working into the Back Loop

Insert the hook through the back loop (from the front side).Yarn over and pull through the front loop.

 Step 4: Completing the Single Crochet

Yarn over and pull through again to complete the single crochet stitch.

Step 5: Making a row of SC in BLO

Continue to work in the back loop only for this row. And we have covered all the basic stitches for Single Crochet!

Tips for Beginners

Beginner crocheters face some of the issues in their starting phase. It’s normal for all beginners to make mistakes. We will share some tips and suggestions so it is easier for a beginner to learn the single crochet stitch. 

1. Not Knowing How to Manage the Hook and Yarn
2. Not using the right size hook for yarn
3. Incorrect tensions
4. Miscounting

Tips to Avoid These Problems:

1. How to Manege the Hook and Yarn:

Hold the hook with your dominant hand and the yarn with your non-dominant hand.

2. Selecting the Right Hook and Yarn:

It is important to use the right hook for yarn type. For example:

• Yarn weight 4 ply + Hook size 2.5 mm – 3.5 mm
• Yarn weight 2 ply + Hook size 2.25 mm – 3 mm
• Yarn weight 5 ply + Hook size 3.5 mm – 4.5 mm

3. Learn to control your yarn tension:

Tension is one of the most common mistakes at the beginner level. As a beginner, you are likely to struggle with tensions. Tension means tightness or looseness of your crochet stitches. If you practice more and more, your stitches will not be too tight or loose. Practice until you find a comfortable and consistent grip.

Tight tension is the main cause of twisting. If your stitches are not too tight, you can avoid twisting.

4. Avoiding Miscounting:

Start your count with the first chain stitch you make and end with the chain before the hook. But don’t count the slip knot. The slip knot is the foundation stitch.

Another way to avoid counting problems is to use a stitch marker.

And of course, you can always double-check the stitches.

Here are some crochet projects you can try to practice and perfect your single crochet skill.

• How to Make Crochet Chain Stitch
• How to Crochet Christmas Wreath 
• How to Crochet Christmas Baubles
• How to Crochet Pumpkins 

We hope that you enjoyed the Single Crochet tutorial! Keep in touch for more craft projects, beginner guides, and downloadable patterns/ DIY projects!