Single Crochet (US) / Double Crochet (UK): How to Do It Step by Step
Single Crochet (sc in US patterns, dc in UK patterns) is a beginner-level crochet stitch that makes short, dense, firm, little drape. Stitchers use it for amigurumi, bags, dishcloths. To start, insert the hook, pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through both loops. It is usually learned alongside half double crochet.
Single Crochet is a beginner-level crochet stitch that makes short, dense, firm, little drape. Patterns abbreviate it as sc in US terms and dc in UK terms. Makers use it for amigurumi, bags, dishcloths, edgings.
The table below sums up single crochet in one place: craft, abbreviation, difficulty and the projects it suits best.
| Craft | Crochet |
|---|---|
| US abbreviation | sc |
| UK abbreviation | dc |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Look and feel | Short, dense, firm, little drape |
| Best for | Amigurumi, Bags, Dishcloths, Edgings |
| Relative yarn use | 1x |
How do you work single crochet?
- Insert the hook into the stitch (under both loops unless told otherwise).
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. There are 2 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through both loops.
- For the first row, work into the second chain from the hook.
Single Crochet is one of the stitches covered in crochet for beginners. When you are ready to plan a project in it, the amigurumi size calculator will predict how big a worked-in-the-round toy finishes.
What are the most common single crochet mistakes?
- Skipping or doubling the last stitch of a row, changing the count
- Confusing US sc with UK dc when reading patterns
- Working into the turning chain by mistake
Practice on a swatch
Work a small sample before starting a project. It shows how the stitch looks in your chosen yarn or thread, and it is far easier to unpick a swatch than a finished piece.
Where does single crochet lead next? Puff Stitch is the natural step up: puff stitch uses the same insertion point but pulls up several tall loops at once for a plush, raised bump.
Which stitches are related to single crochet?
The 5 stitches below are the closest relatives of single crochet, with the abbreviation and difficulty of each.
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Difficulty | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Double Crochet | hdc | Beginner | Medium height; soft and fairly dense |
| Extended Single Crochet | esc | Beginner | Slightly taller and softer than sc; better drape |
| Magic Ring | MR | Intermediate | Starts a round with no center hole |
| Puff Stitch | puff st | Intermediate | Soft raised puffs; plush and thick |
| Waffle Stitch | n/a | Intermediate | Deep grid of raised squares; thick, warm, uses a lot of yarn |
What other beginner crochet stitches should you learn?
- Chain: foundation chains, turning chains
- Slip Stitch (Crochet): joining rounds, moving across stitches
- Half Double Crochet: hats, blankets
- Double Crochet: granny squares, blankets
- V-Stitch: shawls, summer tops
- Moss Stitch: blankets, scarves
- Extended Single Crochet: blankets, garments
Tools for crochet
Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set, 10 sizes
Under $50Soft-grip hooks in the sizes most patterns use, gentle on the hands for long sessions.
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Clover Quick Locking Stitch Marker Set
Under $25Mark the first stitch of a round or row so counts stay right.
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Tulip Etimo Rose Crochet Hook Set
Under $250A premium ergonomic hook set with smooth heads that glide through dense stitches.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is single crochet?
Single Crochet is a crochet stitch that makes short, dense, firm, little drape. Makers reach for it for amigurumi, bags, dishcloths, edgings. It is rated beginner here, so it is a good stitch to learn early and practice on a small swatch before a real project.
How do you do single crochet step by step?
1. Insert the hook into the stitch (under both loops unless told otherwise). 2. Yarn over and pull up a loop. There are 2 loops on the hook. 3. Yarn over and pull through both loops. 4. For the first row, work into the second chain from the hook. Work slowly for the first few repeats, keep your tension even, and check the result against the steps before continuing across a whole row or motif.
What is the abbreviation for single crochet?
US patterns abbreviate single crochet as sc. UK patterns write it as dc, so always check whether a pattern uses US or UK terms before you start, because the same abbreviation can mean a different stitch. Pattern keys list every abbreviation used, usually near the materials list.
What projects use single crochet?
Single Crochet suits amigurumi, bags, dishcloths, edgings. To size a project before you start, the amigurumi size calculator will predict how big a worked-in-the-round toy finishes, and crochet for beginners walks through a full project from the beginning.
What are common mistakes with single crochet?
The most common problems are: skipping or doubling the last stitch of a row, changing the count; confusing us sc with uk dc when reading patterns; working into the turning chain by mistake. Most are easy to spot if you pause after a few repeats and compare your work with the steps. Good light helps a great deal, especially with dark yarn or thread.
What should you learn after single crochet?
Puff Stitch is the usual next step, because puff stitch uses the same insertion point but pulls up several tall loops at once for a plush, raised bump. It is rated intermediate here, against beginner for single crochet. Its own step-by-step page is at puff stitch.
What stitches are similar to single crochet?
Stitches closely related to single crochet include Half Double Crochet, Extended Single Crochet, Magic Ring, Puff Stitch, Waffle Stitch. Learning them together makes patterns easier to read, because many designs switch between related stitches to change texture, height or line. Each has its own step-by-step page in the stitch dictionary.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
