How to Single Crochet
Learn how to single crochet with this easy step-by-step tutorial for beginners, including a full video tutorial. A single crochet (abbreviated as “sc”) is the most basic stitch in crochet, and you’ll find it in every amigurumi stuffed animal pattern. Every other stitch is based on this stitch.
This tutorial uses U.S. terms. In UK terms, the single crochet is called a double crochet (dc).
Symbols Single Crochet
In crochet charts, a single crochet is shown as a + or an x.
Step by Step Tutorial
1. Insert your hook under both loops of the next stitch.
2. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch to draw up a loop. Now you have two loops on your crochet hook. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through both loops.
3. Now you have made a single crochet.
Single Crochet in a Foundation Chain
When using a foundation chain, you make your first single crochet in the second chain from your hook. Then make a sc in each chain across.
Single Crochet in the Round (Amigurumi)
In amigurumi you usually crochet in a spiral: you work round after round without joining or turning. Put a stitch marker or a piece of leftover yarn in the first stitch of each round, so you always know where the round begins. Most amigurumi patterns start with “6 sc in a magic ring” and then use the increase stitch to make the circle wider. Learn how in my increase stitch tutorial.
Abbrevation: US vs UK Terms
| US term | Abbreviation | UK term |
|---|---|---|
| Single crochet | sc | Double crochet (dc) |
| Half double crochet | hdc | Half treble (htr) |
| Double crochet | dc | Treble (tr) |
Always check which terms your pattern uses. All of my patterns are written in U.S. terms.
Common Mistakes
- Miscounting stitches. Count your stitches after each round. The number in brackets at the end of each round in my patterns is your stitch count.
- Skipping the last stitch of a row. When you crochet in rows, the last stitch is easy to miss. This makes the edges narrower and uneven.
- Crocheting too tight. If it’s hard to get your hook into the stitches, use a slightly bigger hook or relax your grip.
Next Steps
Now you know this basic stitch, learn the increase stitch next, the decrease stitch and the magic ring, or start with an easy amigurumi pattern.
Want to start with an easy beginner friendly Amigurumi? Try these crochet patterns to create a cute stuffed animal, they all have a full video tutorial included. You can also find my video’s on my DIY Fluffies YouTube channel.
