How to Do a Single Crochet

That first step—learning how to do a single crochet, managing the tension, yarn, and hook—it can feel like a whole new world.

You’ve probably wondered, “Why is this so hard? Why does it feel like I’m the only one who can’t get it right?”

Every crocheter has been there—staring at tangled yarn or a loop that just won’t cooperate.

But once you nail the single crochet, everything changes. It’s the key that unlocks countless patterns, cosy scarves, cute toys, homemade gifts... the possibilities are endless.

Let’s walk through the single crochet instructions, step by step.

Ready to stitch your first single crochet?

What is Single Crochet?

Single crochet might sound like something fancy or complicated, but really, it's the bread and butter of crochet. In simple terms, it’s one of the basic stitches that most crocheters learn first. It’s the foundation for many projects, from cozy blankets to adorable amigurumi (crocheted toys) and everything in between. It’s sturdy, versatile, and—once you get the hang of it—almost meditative.

You might be thinking: “It’s just one stitch, why’s it such a big deal?” Well, the single crochet is the building block. It’s the one you’ll use in almost every project. Mastering it means you can take on bigger challenges without feeling overwhelmed. It’s like learning how to walk before running—get this one right, and the rest of your crochet journey becomes a whole lot easier.

The beauty of single crochet is in its simplicity. It doesn’t require complicated hand movements or too much thinking. But here’s the kicker—getting the tension right? That’s where a lot of people stumble. Don’t worry though, it’s all part of the process. Once you get your rhythm, it’s like the stitch becomes second nature. But first, let’s break it down, step by step, so you can feel confident from the get-go.

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Start your crochet journey with A Beginner’s Guide to Crochet: Starting Your Journey to a More Relaxed You and discover the calming power of crafting!

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Materials You’ll Need

Before diving into the actual stitch, let's talk about what you need to get started. Because—let’s be honest—there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to learn something new when you don’t have the right tools.

Yarn

The yarn you choose is important. You want something that’s easy to work with, especially when you’re just starting.

Light to medium-weight yarn, like worsted weight (think #4), is your best bet.

Organic cotton or wool is perfect for beginner-friendly projects. It's soft but sturdy, and you’ll find it gives you just the right amount of grip to work with, without making things too tricky.

Avoid anything too slippery or too fine, like a super thin cotton or silk. These can make your stitches too tight or hard to manipulate, which will only frustrate you in the long run. The key is finding yarn that feels good in your hands and doesn’t slip off your hook too easily.

Recommended Yarn for Practicing Single Crochet

I highly recommend the Lion Brand Yarn Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling Knitting Yarn in white.

Here's why:

1. Beginner-Friendly Texture
   This yarn is smooth, soft, and easy to work with, making it perfect for practicing single crochet stitches. It glides effortlessly over your hook without splitting, so you can focus on your technique instead of fighting with tricky yarn.

2. Anti-Pilling for Long-Lasting Projects
   Ever notice how some yarns fuzz up or look worn after a few washes? Not this one. The anti-pilling technology ensures that your finished pieces stay fresh and neat, even with regular use. Perfect for anything from cozy scarves to everyday washcloths.

3. Versatile Weight
   This yarn is a medium (4) weight, which is ideal for beginners. It’s not too thin or too thick, making it easy to see your stitches and handle the yarn as you learn.

4. Classic White Colour
   White yarn is fantastic for learning because it makes your stitches stand out, allowing you to see every loop and detail clearly. Plus, it pairs well with any other colours if you want to experiment.

Crochet Hook

As for the crochet hook, the general rule is that your hook should match your yarn weight. For worsted weight yarn, a G-6 (4mm) hook is a great place to start. It’s not too big, not too small, and it feels comfortable in most hands.

Now, you might think all hooks are the same, but they aren’t. Crochet hooks come in different materials—metal, wood, plastic, and even bamboo. If you’re just beginning, a lightweight metal or plastic hook is probably your best choice. This These types let your yarn glide through the stitches with less friction, making the process smoother.

To get started I recommend this crochet hook set from Yarniss you can find it here on Amazon.
The design of these hooks features soft, rubberized grips that fit snugly in your hand, reducing strain and fatigue.

• Perfect for All Skill Levels
  With 14 hook sizes ranging from 2mm to 10mm, this set is versatile enough for every project. From fine threadwork to chunky yarn creations, you’ll always have the right size handy.

• Smooth Hook Heads
  The aluminum tips glide effortlessly through yarn without snagging or splitting, making it easier to keep your tension consistent—an essential skill for mastering single crochet stitches.

Optional Tools

While you can definitely crochet without extras, a few tools can make your life easier:

• Stitch markers: These are lifesavers when you’re keeping track of where your rows start and end.

• Yarn needle: Perfect for weaving in ends once you're done.

• Scissors: A sharp pair will make cutting the yarn neat and easy.

Start simple and add tools as you go. The key is to keep it relaxed and not overwhelm yourself with too much at once.

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For more beginner-friendly tips, check out 10 Must-Have Tools Every New Crocheter Swears By and say goodbye to supply regret!

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Single Crochet: US to UK Stitch Conversion and Abbreviations

Crochet terminology can be a little confusing when you're switching between US and UK patterns because the same stitches often have different names.

What Americans call a "single crochet" is referred to as a "double crochet" in the UK.

To keep things simple, here’s a quick guide to the conversion, along with abbreviations:

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US vs. UK Stitch Conversion for Single Crochet

• US Term: Single Crochet (sc)

• UK Term: Double Crochet (dc)

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How to Do a Single Crochet (Step-by-Step)

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to do a single crochet stitch.

Step 1: Make a Foundation Chain

Before you can start the stitch, you’ll need to create a foundation chain. This chain will serve as the base of your project.

To make a chain, hold the yarn in your non-dominant hand and make a slip knot on your hook. Then, yarn over (wrap the yarn around the hook) and pull it through the slip knot. That’s one chain stitch.

Repeat this process to make a chain as long as your project requires.

Create a slipknot and position it on your crochet hook's shaft.

Hold the hook with your right hand while holding the yarn in your left hand as shown in the image.

Slip Knot Step 2

Insert the hook into the loop between your thumb and index finger as shown on the previous page. With the hook in the loop, pull the yarn through to form a slip knot.

Create a Slip Knot

Tighten the knot by pulling both the tail and the working yarn gently until you achieve a secure slip knot ready for your crochet projec

Create A Foundation Chain

For this exercise create a foundation chain of 20 stitches.

• Move your hook underneath the yarn so that it hooks onto it.

• You should now see the yarn looped over the hook.

• Use your hook to pull the yarn through the loop that’s already on your hook.

• You’ve just created your first chain stitch! Repeat 20 times.

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Tip: Keep your tension even—not too tight, not too loose. If your chains are too tight, you’ll struggle to get your hook into them, which is a real pain. Too loose, and your stitches won’t be uniform.

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Now that you’ve got your foundation chain, it’s time to start crocheting.

The single crochet stitch is one of the easiest crochet stitches to learn. It is also one of the stitches which is used most often, either on its own or in combination with another stitch.

Take your time learning and practicing the single crochet stitch because when you get the hang of this one all the other crochet stitches are much easier to learn.

Step 2: Create a Single Crochet Stitch

Do your first Single Crochet Stitch

• Skip the first chain (this is the chain closest to your hook).

• Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook. Make sure your hook goes under both loops of the chain

Step 3: Wrap the yarn around your hook

Next, you’ll yarn over—wrap the yarn around the hook from back to front. You’ll do this every time you make a stitch.
Once you’ve got the yarn over, pull it through the stitch. You should now have two loops on your hook.

Yarn Over

• With your hook in the chain, grab the working yarn by moving the hook underneath it and pull it through the chain stich.

• You should now have two loops on your hook.

Step 4: Pull Through Both Loops

Now, take the yarn that’s on your hook and pull it through both loops. This completes the single crochet stitch, and now you’ve got one loop left on your hook.

Pull Through Both Loops

1. Use the hook to pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.

• You’ve just completed one single crochet stitch!

Step 5. Repeat Across the Row

That’s it! You just did completed a single crochet stitch.

Easy, right?

To keep going, just repeat this process across the row. Move to the next chain in your foundation and repeat the steps:

• Insert your hook

• Yarn over

• Pull through the chain

• Yarn over

• Pull through both loops.

• Continue this process until you’ve worked into every chain in your foundation row.

Keep doing this until you reach the end of the row. Then, turn your work around, chain one, and repeat.

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More on the topic: Fool-Proof Crochet Tension Techniques to Try

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Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

It’s normal to run into a few bumps while learning how to crochet. After a while you will start to get a rhythm and your stitches will start to look more uniform.

Here are some common mistakes—and how to fix them.

Too Tight or Too Loose

If your stitches are too tight, it might be hard to insert your hook, or the fabric might feel stiff. On the flip side, if they’re too loose, the stitches will look uneven. If that’s happening, try adjusting your tension. Keep the yarn flowing comfortably through your fingers, but not so tight that it’s a struggle to pull the yarn through.

Missed Stitches

Sometimes, you might miss a stitch. If you look back at your work and it seems like you’re one stitch short, don’t panic. Just go back to the last place where you remember making a stitch and pick up from there. If you realize you’ve missed a stitch in the middle of the row, simply pull out the stitches and redo them. It’s frustrating, but it’s part of learning.

Crocheting into the Wrong Loop

If you crochet into the wrong part of the stitch (say, only one loop instead of both), your work will look a bit off. Don’t stress—this happens to everyone. If you’re unsure, take a look at your stitches after a few rows. You should be able to spot the loops that need to be worked into. A little practice and you'll find your groove.

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Check out this article to about crochet lessons for beginners: Learn to Crochet: 5 Skillshare Classes to Master the Basics

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How to Practice and Build Confidence with Single Crochet

So, how do you practice?

The best way is simple: start small and work on consistency. Pick a project that uses just single crochet—something like a dishcloth, coaster, or small square. These projects are perfect for beginners, and they don’t require a ton of time or complex stitches.

Don’t stress over getting it perfect right away. It’s totally okay to make mistakes—that’s how you learn. Keep practicing, and before you know it, single crochet will feel like second nature.

Crochet can be incredibly calming. It’s not about speed or perfection; it’s about enjoying the process. So, take your time, breathe, and let the stitches flow.

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More on the topic: 5 Crochet Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

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Popular Projects for Single Crochet

Once you feel comfortable with single crochet, you’ll want to start using it in projects. Here are a few ideas, just click on the link to get the pattern.

• Potholder: These are quick, practical, and perfect for practicing tension.

• Scarf: A simple scarf is an easy, rewarding project that you can complete with just single crochet.

• Phone Cover: A phone case cover is another easy project for practicing the basic stitches.

Once you’ve mastered the single crochet, you’ll be able to tackle all sorts of projects.

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Ready for more patterns? Check them out here

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You’ve Got This!

You’ve read the steps, tried out the stitches, and now you're wondering if it’s even worth it.

Is it going to be this frustrating forever?

Will you ever get it just right?

You’ve got that little voice in your head telling you that maybe crochet just isn’t for you.

Every single crocheter has been there.

It might take time, but with each loop, you’ll find that crochet is so much more than a craft—it’s a moment of peace.

The best part?

You’ve already taken the hardest step: starting. So, keep going.

Pick up that hook and make something amazing.

Happy crocheting!

What’s Next?

• Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later.

• Leave a comment: We love to hear your feedback. Tell me in the comments below!

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