Have you ever admired the intricate patterns of a crocheted blanket or been amazed by the delicate weave of a crocheted scarf? The single crochet stitch is at the heart of these handmade items.
Simple yet versatile, single crochet is the foundation of many crocheted projects. It’s an essential skill for any beginner to learn.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Single Crochet?
- How To Single Crochet For Beginners
- Simple Patterns To Try With Single Crochet
- Tips For Perfecting Your Single Crochet Techniques
What Is Single Crochet?
Single crochet is a basic stitch that involves looping yarn over a hook and pulling it through to create a tight, dense fabric that doesn’t have holes. It’s often used as the base for more complex stitches and can be worked in rows or rounds.
Single crochet is known for its simple yet sturdy design. It’s the foundation of many crochet patterns, from quick dishcloths to intricate amigurumi toys.
A single crochet stitch is typically shown as SC when working on a pattern. The symbols “X” or “+” represent this stitch on crochet charts.
However, the abbreviations and symbols for crocheting might differ depending on your location. The ones above are what you’d find in the United States.
Materials For Crochet
To crochet, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Yarn of your choice (in any color or weight)
- Crochet hook the right size for your yarn (check the yarn’s label)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle for weaving in the ends
These items will help you create beautiful, handmade creations using the single crochet stitch.
Selecting The Right Yarn For Your Project
One of the most important decisions to make when crocheting is selecting the right yarn. There are so many choices when it comes to material and color, and it can be a bit confusing. Here are some things to keep in mind when you make your selection.
Weight Of The Yarn
Yarn weights run from one to seven, one being the thinnest and seven the thickest. Many beginners opt for worsted-weight yarn, which is number four.
Whatever thickness you choose for your project, be sure to use the corresponding crochet hook.
Yarn Fiber
Although yarn comes in a wide variety of materials, most beginners will start crocheting with cotton, or acrylic yarn.
GANXXET Recycled T-Shirt Fabric Yarn is a great option! This soft, chunky yarn is perfect for handicrafts.
Our 2mm Braided Cord and Cotton Air Braided Cord are also ideal for crochet projects. 2mm Braided Cord is durable and works well for things like hammocks, plant hangers, and handbags, while Cotton Air Braided Cord is bulky but lightweight and adds a beautiful texture to your projects.
Yet another popular type of yarn for beginners is acrylic, as it’s a bit less expensive and is easy to find.
Yarn Texture
Yarns can also be smoother or fuzzier, single-ply or corded. Some even have intentional irregularities — called novelty yarns. As fun as they seem, it’s best to steer clear of novelty yarns until you’re a little more seasoned at crochet.
Yarn Color
You’ll also have to choose a yarn color for your project. A cool blue or a sunny yellow? There’s no wrong answer!
When it comes to choosing your yarn, GANXXET has it all, offering a wide range of options in every fiber, texture, color, and weight, meaning there’s always something perfect for any project.
How To Hold The Hook
Before you crochet, you must learn how to hold the hook. Two common methods are the knife grip and the pencil grip.
- Knife or overhand grip: Hold the crochet hook like a butter knife. The hook shaft will be underneath your palm while you’re holding it.
- Pencil or underhand grip: Hold the crochet hook like a pencil. You’ll notice the hook shaft rests above your hand in this position.
Typically, crocheters have a personal preference for these holds. One of them will naturally feel more comfortable. So try them both and see which one feels better.
However, please note that neither grip may feel right at first. You’re learning a new skill and will move your fingers in a way they might not be used to. Keep practicing – your grip will become easier as you develop muscle memory.
How To Single Crochet For Beginners
Once you’ve gathered your supplies and figured out how to hold your hook and yarn, it’s time to start single crocheting.
Casting On
Before you can work stitches, you’ve got to create your foundation chain. To do this, tie a Slip-Knot:
- Make a loop with your yarn, with a 4-inch tail on the short side.
- Reach through the loop and grab the long end of the yarn, pulling it toward you through the original loop about 2 inches.
- Place this new loop onto your crochet hook and pull on the short end of the yarn to tighten it a bit.
Next, you’ll follow these steps to make chain stitches from this Slip-Knot.
- Hold the crochet hook in your dominant hand.
- Yarn over: wrap it around your hook from back to front.
- Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook. This creates one chain stitch.
After completing the first chain stitch, you’ll have two loops on your hook. One is your original loop, and the other is the chain stitch you just made.
Repeat these steps until you have the desired number of stitches for your project. If you’re just practicing, try making 10-12 stitches. You can always increase it later once you get the hang of it.
Working The First Row
Now that your foundation chain is ready, it’s time to start your first row of single crochet stitches. Here’s how:
- Insert your hook into the second loop on your hook (the first chain stitch you made).
- Yarn over and pull the loop on your hook, creating two loops.
- Yarn over again and pull through both of these loops. You’re left with one loop on your hook, completing a single crochet stitch.
You’ll repeat these steps until you reach the end of the row. The last stitch is easy to miss, so pay close attention when you get to that point.
Turning
After reaching the end of the row, you’ll need to turn your work before adding the next one. This may sound confusing at first, but it’s a simple process.
First, chain one stitch. Then, turn your work clockwise. You’ll see the backside of the row you just made.
Then, make a single crochet stitch into the first stitch on the hook. Repeat until you get to the end of the row once again.
Adding More Rows
Now, it’s time to keep practicing and add more rows. For each one, remember to add a chain stitch and turn. Then, single crochet stitch until you reach the end.
Fastening Off
When you finish the last stitch of your project, measure out a six-inch tail and cut the yarn. Be sure to pull your crochet hook straight up, bringing the cut yarn through the stitch. Pull the six-inch end piece tight and use a tapestry needle to weave in the end.
Now you can take a moment to admire your work. You did it!
Other Single Crochet Skills
Now that you’ve learned how to single crochet in rows, it’s time to talk about rounds, increases, decreases, and other crochet skills that will come in handy.
Single Crochet In A Round
There are two ways you can work in a round: Joined rounds and spiral rounds. Let’s take a look.
Source: Hooksaurus
Joined Rounds
Joined rounds are preferred if you’re looking for a clean, even edge in your work. When working a single crochet into a joined round, join the last stitch of the round to the first stitch with a slip stitch, making a perfect circle.
Next, make one chain stitch (which doesn’t count if you’re counting your stitches) and single crochet around again, beginning in the same stitch as the slip-stitch.
With this method, it’s easy to count stitches as the start of the round is marked by the join. However, keep in mind that joining rounds will result in a noticeable seam that moves to the right if you’re right-handed and to the left if you’re left-handed.
Spiral Rounds
You can also work a round using a spiral or continuous stitch. With spiral rounds, make the first stitch of each round in the first stitch of the prior round. Running stitch markers can be helpful to indicate the beginning of a round in order to make sure your stitches are consistent.
What’s nice about working in a spiral is that you won’t have a visible seam. However, the first stitch of every round will move slightly to the right if you’re right-handed and to the left if you’re left-handed, leaving a bump at both the beginning and end of your work.
This may not matter if the section you’re crocheting will ultimately join another part of your project.
Single Crochet In Back And Front Loops
Source: Forever Bliss Crochet
When doing a single crochet stitch, the two loops you insert your yarn under are referred to as the front loop (the one closest to you) and the back loop (the one furthest from you).
If you want to change up your stitch a little, you can only work in the front loop, back loop, or a combination of the two.
Single Crochet In Back Loop Only
Single crocheting in the back loop only (abbreviated sc BLO) creates a ribbed texture that can be quite nice if you’re making a scarf, hat, sweater, or even a blanket. This also makes your project more elastic because the stitch is worked under only one loop.
Single Crochet In Front Loop Only
Single crocheting in the front loop only (abbreviated sc FLO) is another option that will result in a ridge along the front of the work. It creates a taller fabric with more visible texture.
Single Crochet Increases and Decreases
Increase and decrease stitches are used to change the shape of your project or create extra volume.
Increases
An increase stitch in crochet adds extra stitches to your project. All you have to do is make two single crochet stitches in the same hole.
Decreases
A decrease stitch is the opposite: It’s when you combine two stitches into one, or decrease the number of stitches in a round. This will change the shape of your project.
For instance, if you are making a crochet doll’s head, you’ll have to use both increase and decrease stitches to make the round 3D shape.
Increases and decreases can also be “invisible,” covering up the inevitable hole the increase or decrease makes.
To make an increase stitch invisible, instead of using two regular single crochets into the same stitch, make your first stitch a single crochet front loop only, and the second a normal single crochet.
As for the invisible decrease, only work with the front loops when you pull the loop through two stitches and single crochet them together.
Simple Patterns To Try With Single Crochet
Here are five easy things to crochet as a beginner:
Dishcloth
Washing your dishes is more fun when you use a dishcloth you made yourself. Pick yarn colors that coordinate with your kitchen decor, and follow this video tutorial to make one:
Source: The Crafty Yarn Barn
Scarf
Stay warm this winter with a cozy, handmade scarf. This one uses the single crochet stitch.
Blankets
Whether you’re welcoming a new baby or just need a new throw for your couch, single crochet is perfect for making blankets. Check out this tutorial to learn how:
Source: The Reclaimed Heirloom
Headbands
Pull your hair back in style with this cute crocheted headband.
Coasters
Protect your furniture with these cute single crochet coasters. Follow this tutorial to make your own:
Beanies
Keep toastie through the winter months with this crochet beanie! It also makes a great gift for a friend.
Source: Cherilyn Q
Potholder
Making dinner is more stylish with your crochet potholder. Crochet in the round to make it thick enough to safely remove the roast from the oven.
Source: This Pixie Creates
Hair Scrunchie
Here’s a quick and easy project to do: the scrunchie. Perfect for a low chignon or high pony!
Source: Vicky Handmade
Gloves
Keep your hands warm with these trendy granny square fingerless gloves.
Source: Lullaby Lodge
Coffee Cozy
Give your morning routine a little extra pizzazz with this sweet coffee cozy. It will be fashionably easy to sip from a hot cup of joe or a cool iced coffee at your favorite coffee shop.
Source: Pretty Darn Adorable Crochet Tutorials
There are countless other things you can make using your new crochet stitches, from baskets to bags. Every new project is a fresh opportunity to practice!
Tips For Perfecting Your Single Crochet Techniques
Here are some tips to help you improve your techniques and take your crochet projects to the next level.
- Use quality yarn. The type and quality of yarn can significantly affect the outcome of your project. The Cotton Yarn from GANXXET is an excellent choice for beginners.
- Use the right hook. If your hook is too big for your yarn, you’ll wind up with loose stitches and gaps in your creation. One that’s too small will leave you with tight stitches that are hard to work with.
- Practice makes perfect. Your crochet may not be beautiful at first, and that’s OK. Don’t give up. Keep trying, and you’ll get better over time.
- Count your stitches. By counting your stitches, you can make sure you have the same number in each row — don’t forget the turning stitch doesn’t count.
- Use stitch markers. If you have trouble keeping track of the number of stitches you’ve made, stitch markers can help.
- Watch tutorials. Watching tutorials on platforms like YouTube can be extremely helpful if you're a visual learner.
- Pay attention to your tension. Keep your tension consistent throughout your project to make sure all stitches are the same size. This gives your finished piece a polished, professional look.
Crochet Like A Pro With GANXXET
As you continue to hone your crochet skills, remember that GANXXET is here to support you every stitch of the way. Whether you’re working on your very first single crochet stitch or you’ve been crocheting for years, you’ll love how our high-quality yarns make your projects truly shine!
