Crochet: Single Crochet

Single Crochet
(abbreviation: sc)
Single crochet is the shortest in height of the 4 basic crochet stitches (single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet and triple crochet).

To begin practicing the single crochet, make a length of foundation chain (if you do not know how to make a foundation chain, see chain stitch).

Insert the hook through the loop of the 2nd chain stitch from front to back (see illustration).

Loop the working yarn over the hook and draw the hook through the chain stitch only (see illustration). You now have 2 loops on the hook (you have just made one loop in addition to the original loop on the hook).

Loop the working yarn over the hook again and draw the hook through both of the loops (both the loop you just made and the original loop. See illustration).

You have just made one single crochet and have one loop remaining on the hook (see picture).

Continue making single crochets into each of the remaining chain stitches in the foundation row in the same manner as above (i.e. work next into the 3rd stitch, then the 4th stitch, 5th stitch, etc.). Make sure the foundation chain is kept flat and does not rotate or get twisted while you are working. When you come to the last chain stitch in the foundation chain, work a last single crochet into this stitch and then chain one stitch into the newly created loop. This is called the turning chain and is made in order to add the necessary height to begin the next row. It acts like a step-up for the next row. See the turning chain table to determine the number of chains needed for each of the basic crochet stitches. Single crochet requires 1 chain stitch at the end of each row before you can start the new row of work. The turning chain stitch is counted as the first single crochet stitch of the new row.

After making the turning chain, turn the work around horizontally so the length of the work extends out to the left. Notice that the turning chain stitch is located on top of the last single crochet stitch you made in the previous row. Skip the first hole (first stitch) and single crochet into the next stitch by working under the top two loops of the stitch (See picture. The stitch and it's corresponding hole is highlighted in pink. Notice that the hole where you insert the hook is located slightly to the left of the stitch). If you do not skip the first hole, you will have two stitches coming from the first stitch. Work a single crochet into each of the remaining stitches across the row working through the top two loops of each stitch. Work the last single crochet under the top two loops of the last stitch of the previous row. Make another turning chain and rotate the work.

Continue in the manner above to create a length of fabric. Once you have the length of fabric you desire, fasten the yarn at the end of the work by making a chain stitch and then cutting the working yarn leaving a 4" tail on the end. Pull this end up tightly through the loop on the hook. You now have a knot that secures your work.

After you have practiced and are comfortable with the single crochet, you are ready to try half double crochet, double crochet or triple crochet!

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