If you have been working on making your slipknots and chains, it is time to move on to your first crochet stitch, the single crochet! This crochet tutorial will show you how step by step.
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The single crochet is a very common stitch that you will find yourself using all the time in your crochet projects. It is an easy stitch to do but like everything, takes some practice.
You will see the single crochet referred to as an “SC” in most patterns that are using US terms. You should also be aware that some patterns use UK terms and in that case, it will be referred to as a “DC”. The pattern should state at the beginning whether it uses US or UK terms.
Written instructions with pictures for the single crochet stitch are below. If you prefer a demonstration, please view the video included here which goes over everything you need to know.
It’s time to get started so grab some yarn and a hook and get comfy!
Materials
I suggest a worsted weight, acrylic yarn for this tutorial. This type of yarn is generally easy to work with and holds up well when taking apart and redoing your stitches.
Loops and Threads Impeccable yarn would work perfectly for learning the single crochet. It is a nice, soft acrylic yarn that is easy to work with. It also comes in a huge selection of amazing colours.
I use Impeccable yarn very often for many different projects. You can find it at your local Michaels and even use this coupon for 30% off one regular priced item.
Of course feel free to use any size yarn you are comfortable with. For example, you may find heavier weight yarns easier to work with.
I do suggest you choose a lighter coloured yarn however. Dark yarn, such as black, can make it more difficult to see the stitches you are making.
You will also need size H (5.00mm) or I (5.5mm) hook. Alternatively, the label of the yarn you are usingwill specify which size hook is recommended for your particular yarn.
Right Side and Wrong Side
When you crochet, you will always work from your right to left. This means you will be turning your work around at the end of each row to start from the right hand end again.
Your first row will begin the “right side” of your work. When you turn your work around for Row 2, that will be referred to as the “wrong side”. If you lose track of which side is the right side, it can be distinguished by finding the tail from your foundation chain. It will be on the bottom left corner of your work if you are looking at the right side.
The concepts of turning your work and having a right side and wrong side will become more apparent as you start working your rows.
Turning Chains
When working in rows, you will be building stitches on top of stitches. In order to bring your yarn up to the level needed to create the first stitch of your row, you will need a turning chain.
Each type of crochet stitch requires a different amount of turning chains. As we are focusing on single crochets today, just know that they require one turning chain.
So what is a turning chain exactly? Essentially, all it is a chain stitch made at the end of each row or at the beginning of your next row.
For example, if you are making a dishcloth and want it to be 25 single crochets across, you will need to chain 25 plus 1 turning chain. This will make a total of 26 chains. You will then work your first single crochet into the second chain from the hook.
After you have made all 25 of your single crochets into your chains, you will chain 1 and then turn your work. That chain 1 will be your turning chain for the next row.
Alternatively, you can finish your 25 stitches, turn your work, and then make your turning chain. Either method is fine but it is preferrable to keep the same turning chain method throughout your project for consistency.
Again, this will become clearer and eventually second nature, as you learn your stitches.
First Single Crochet Row
Time to get stitching! We are going to make a small square to learn your single crochets.
Our square is going to be 20 stitches wide, so to begin, chain 20. Then make your turning chain for a total of 21 chains.
You can work into your chains several ways. However, for the purposes of this tutorial, we are going to be working into the top strand of your chains (Image 1).
Ensure that the loop on your hook is snugged up against your hook but loose enough to be able to move it back and forth. Now insert your hook into the second chain from your hook (Image 2), ignoring that turning chain.
Next, take the yarn attached to the skein and wrap it around your hook (Image 3). This is called a yarn over.
Now pull it through the first loop on your hook (Image 4). This is called pulling up a loop. You should have two loops on your hook now.
Next, yarn over again (Image 5) and pull it through both loops on your hook.
You have finished your first single crochet (Image 6).
Continue making single crochets in the remaining chains. You will have a total of 20 stitches in your first row. To count them, look for the “v’s” at the top of the stitches and count each one.
To avoid any confusion, I just want to make a note here that there are not 20 stitches in the row pictured below.
Second Single Crochet Row
Let’s move on to Row 2! Turn your work around so you are looking at the wrong side and your hook is back on your right.
Make one chain (Image 7). As noted above, another option for your turning chain is to make it before turning your work.
This next part is slightly different than it was for your first row. Ignore the turning chain and insert your hook into the first SC from the row below. Place your hook under the two strands that make up the “v” of the SC (Image 8).
Next yarn over and pull up a loop (Image 9). You will have two loops on your hook.
Yarn over one more time and pull through both of the loops on your hook. You are done the first SC of your second row (Image 10)! Continue making SC’s in every stitch along the row.
Sometimes the last stitch in the row (Image 11) can be a little difficult to find. If you are having some trouble finding the last stitch in your rows, you can use a stitch marker to make it more obvious to find.
Be sure to count your stitches after completing every row to make sure you still have 20 stitches. This is a very good habit to get into and can save you a lot of trouble in future projects!
Now you have completed two complete rows of single crochets (Image 12). Keep making rows of single crochets in the same manner until you feel more comfortable with them and you have a little square. Of course, you can keep making rows until you have a scarf if you wish!
Congratulations! You can now make the single crochet stitch.
For your next stitch, I suggest learning the half-double crochet stitch or the double crochet stitch.
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Until next time, happy stitching!
