How to Single Crochet: 7 Easy Steps for Beginners

Learning how to single crochet is one of the smartest things you can do as a new crocheter. The single crochet (SC) stitch is the foundation for hundreds of projects — from amigurumi toys to thick winter blankets.

If you have never held a crochet hook before, this guide will walk you through every single step. And if you already know the basics but your stitches look uneven or tight, the troubleshooting section near the end will help you fix common problems fast.

How to Single Crochet: What You Need to Get Started

Before you learn how to single crochet, grab a few basic supplies. You do not need anything expensive — just the essentials that make learning easier.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (medium #4) cotton or acrylic yarn — it is easy to work with and shows your stitches clearly. If you are not sure which yarn to pick, check our guide on the best yarn for beginner crochet.
• Crochet hook: Size 5.0mm (H-8) or 5.5mm (I-9) works well for worsted weight yarn. Read our post on best crochet hooks for beginners if you need help choosing.
• Scissors and a yarn needle for weaving in ends later.

For a full breakdown of hook sizes, the Craft Yarn Council hook size chart is the industry-standard reference.

How to Single Crochet Step 1: Make a Slip Knot

Every crochet project starts with a slip knot. Here is the fastest way to make one:

1. Cross the yarn over itself to form a loop.
2. Push the working yarn (the strand connected to the ball) through the loop from behind.
3. Pull it snug — not too tight — and place the loop on your crochet hook.

If you need a more detailed walkthrough, our how to crochet for beginners guide covers this step with extra photos.

Step 2: Chain Your Foundation Stitches

Your foundation chain is the starting row that everything builds on. For practice, chain 20 stitches.

1. Hold the hook in your right hand (or left — whichever feels natural) and the yarn in your other hand.
2. Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front (this is called a yarn over or YO).
3. Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook.
4. Repeat until you have 20 chains. Do not count the slip knot.

Keep your chains loose and even. Tight chains make it really hard to work into them on the next row.

Step 3: Insert Your Hook Into the Second Chain

Now you are ready to start your first how to single crochet stitch.

1. Look at your foundation chain. Skip the first chain (the one closest to the hook).
2. Insert your hook into the top loop of the second chain from the hook.
3. You should have two loops on your hook now — the loop you started with, plus the one from the chain stitch.

Some crocheters work into both loops of the chain. That is fine too — just pick one method and stay consistent throughout your practice piece.

Step 4: Yarn Over and Pull Through

This is the core motion of how to single crochet. Repeat it for every stitch and you will build muscle memory fast.

1. Yarn over (wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front).
2. Pull the yarn through the chain stitch. You should now have two loops on your hook.

That pull-through motion is the heart of how to single crochet. Once it feels smooth, you are halfway there.

Step 5: Yarn Over Again and Pull Through Both Loops

This is the step that completes the stitch.

1. Yarn over one more time.
2. Pull the yarn through both loops on your hook.
3. You should be back to one loop on your hook — that means one single crochet stitch is done.

Repeat steps 3 through 5 across the entire foundation chain. When you reach the end, you will have completed your first row of how to single crochet stitches.

Step 6: Chain 1 and Turn

At the end of every row, you need to chain one and turn your work before starting the next row.

1. Chain 1 (yarn over, pull through the loop on your hook).
2. Turn your work so the back side faces you — now you are looking at the row you just made.
3. Insert your hook into the first stitch of the new row (not the chain you just made, but the actual stitch).

The chain 1 at the start of each row is called a turning chain. For single crochet, it is always just one chain. If you want to understand how this compares to other stitches, our single crochet vs double crochet comparison explains the differences clearly.

Step 7: Repeat Rows Until Your Piece Is the Right Size

Keep working single crochet stitches across each row, chaining 1 and turning at the end of every row.

• Count your stitches at the end of each row — you should have the same number as your foundation chain.
• If you are gaining or losing stitches, you are probably missing the last stitch of the row or accidentally adding stitches at the edges.
• Aim for a smooth, rectangular piece of fabric.

Once you are comfortable, try making a small coaster (about 15 stitches wide and 15 rows tall) to practice keeping your edges straight.

How to Single Crochet: Common Mistakes and Fixes

Most beginners run into the same few problems when they are first learning how to single crochet. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them.

Stitches Are Too Tight

If your hook feels like it is fighting the yarn on every stitch, you are probably pulling too tight. Loosen your grip on the yarn hand — the yarn should glide smoothly through your fingers. For more detail on this, read our guide on how to fix crochet tension. The Spruce Crafts yarn tension guide is another excellent resource.

Curling Edges

If your single crochet piece is curling at the sides, your tension might be too tight or you could be accidentally adding stitches. Check out our full guide on why crochet curls and how to prevent it.

Uneven Row Edges

Uneven edges usually come from missing the first or last stitch of a row. Place a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of each row while you are learning — it makes counting much easier. Our post on uneven crochet edges covers more solutions.

How to Single Crochet: What Can You Make With It

Once you know how to single crochet, a ton of projects open up. The stitch is dense and sturdy, which makes it perfect for:

• Amigurumi — stuffed animals and toys use almost entirely single crochet in the round
• Cowls and scarves — single crochet creates a thick, warm fabric
• Coasters and dishcloths — cotton yarn plus single crochet is a great combo
• Blankets — works up fast in rows and gives a clean, minimalist look

Looking for your next project? Browse our easiest crochet projects for beginners to find something that matches your skill level.

Single Crochet Abbreviation and Pattern Reading

In crochet patterns, single crochet is written as SC. You will see it in patterns like this:

“Ch 20. Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (19 SC) Ch 1, turn. Row 2: SC in each st across. (19 SC) Ch 1, turn. Repeat Row 2.”

If pattern abbreviations confuse you, our crochet abbreviations for beginners guide explains all the common terms you will encounter. The Yarnspirations guide to reading crochet patterns is also worth bookmarking.

How to Single Crochet: Next Steps

Now that you know how to single crochet, the next stitch to learn is the half double crochet — it is a small step up that adds height and a slightly different texture. After that, move on to the double crochet stitch to open up even more pattern possibilities.

Remember: consistent practice beats long sessions. Even 10 minutes a day will build the muscle memory you need. Save this guide, bookmark it, and come back whenever you need a refresher on how to single crochet.