How to Single Crochet: The Complete Beginner's Guide
The single crochet is the first real stitch every crocheter learns — short, sturdy, and the foundation of almost every amigurumi. Master it and you can make almost anything.
If crochet has a "first word", it's the single crochet. Abbreviated sc in US patterns, it's the shortest, densest basic stitch — and the one you'll use more than any other, especially for toys. Because single crochet makes a tight, firm fabric with almost no gaps, it's perfect for stuffed amigurumi, bags, baskets and washcloths. The good news: it's just one simple motion repeated, and once your hands learn the rhythm, it becomes wonderfully meditative.
What you need first
Before your first single crochet, you'll want two quick basics under your belt.
You'll need to know how to hold your hook comfortably, how to make a slip knot, and how to work a chain — single crochet is usually worked into a starting chain (called the foundation chain). Grab a smooth, light-coloured beginner yarn so the stitches are easy to see, and a matching hook.
How to single crochet, step by step
Make a foundation chain of about 12, then work your first row:
1. Insert the hook. Skip the first chain from the hook and insert your hook into the second chain (under the top two loops). 2. Yarn over. Wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front. 3. Pull up a loop. Draw that yarn back through the chain — you now have two loops on your hook. 4. Yarn over again. Wrap the yarn over the hook once more. 5. Pull through both loops. Draw the yarn through both loops on the hook. That's one single crochet complete — and you're back to one loop, ready for the next stitch. Repeat into each chain to the end, then count your stitches to make sure none went missing.
Turning for the next row
At the end of the row, chain 1 (this is the "turning chain"), turn your work, and single crochet into the first stitch and each stitch across. The single-crochet turning chain does not count as a stitch, so work into that very first stitch — a common spot beginners accidentally skip, which makes the edges shrink.
"Single crochet is where it clicks. The first row feels clumsy, the third feels natural, and by the end of your first little square you're officially a crocheter."— Ava, MrsCrochetWorld
Patterns that are basically all single crochet
The fastest way to lock in the single crochet is to make something cute with it. These beginner makes use sc almost exclusively.
An easy first amigurumi
Beginner · single crochetAmigurumi is worked almost entirely in single crochet. Our low-sew stegosaurus is a perfect, gentle first creature.
Free & no-sew to practise
Free downloadTry our free no-sew hedgehog — single crochet worked in a spiral, with nothing to sew. A lovely zero-risk way to practise.
50 patterns to grow with
Best valueOnce you're hooked, our 50 no-sew amigurumi book gives you a lifetime of single-crochet projects.
Single crochet, leveled up
Once the basic stitch feels natural, these small variations unlock everything else.
In the round
Worked in a continuous spiral instead of rows — the basis of all amigurumi. See crochet in the round.
Increase (2 sc in 1)
Two single crochets in one stitch makes the shape grow — how circles and toy bodies are formed.
Decrease (sc2tog)
Join two stitches into one to shrink the shape and close a toy. Learn increases & decreases.
Back loops only (BLO)
Working into just the back loop creates a ridged, stretchy texture — great for brims and joins.
Magic ring start
Most amigurumi begin with single crochets worked into a magic ring for a tidy centre.
Single crochet tips for neat, even stitches
- Keep your tension relaxed but consistent — single crochet is dense, so death-gripping the yarn makes it hard to insert the hook. Even tension comes with practice.
- Always work under both top loops unless the pattern says BLO or FLO.
- Don't skip the first stitch after the turning chain — it's the #1 cause of accidentally shrinking rows.
- Count every row while you're learning so a missed stitch never sneaks in.
- Go down a hook size for amigurumi so the fabric is tight and stuffing won't peek through. If you see gaps, see why amigurumi has holes.
Put your single crochet to work 🧶
Grab a free, beginner-friendly pattern and make your first cute creature today — instant download, clear photos, US terms.
Get a free pattern Shop beginner patternsFrequently asked questions
How do you single crochet for beginners?
Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop so you have two loops on the hook, then yarn over again and pull through both loops. That completes one single crochet.
What does sc mean in a crochet pattern?
"sc" is the US abbreviation for single crochet, the short, dense basic stitch. Note that in UK terms the same stitch is called a double crochet (dc), so always check which terminology a pattern uses.
Does the turning chain count as a stitch in single crochet?
No. The chain-1 turning chain in single crochet does not count as a stitch, so you should work your first single crochet into the very first stitch of the row.
Why is my single crochet row getting smaller?
You're most likely skipping the first stitch after turning, or accidentally missing the last stitch. Count your stitches each row and make sure you work into the first and last stitch.
Why does my single crochet have gaps or holes?
Usually your tension is too loose or your hook is too big for the yarn. Go down a hook size and keep your stitches snug — especially important for amigurumi so the stuffing stays hidden.
Is single crochet good for beginners?
Yes — it's the ideal first stitch. It uses one simple repeated motion, creates a sturdy fabric, and is the foundation of amigurumi and many beginner projects.
What can I make with just single crochet?
A surprising amount: amigurumi toys, washcloths, coasters, baskets, bags, scarves and more. Single crochet alone is enough to start a whole crochet journey.
How is single crochet different from double crochet?
Single crochet is shorter and denser; double crochet is taller and looser because you yarn over before inserting the hook and close the stitch in two steps. Double crochet works up faster and drapes more.
