Single Crochet (US) / Double Crochet (UK): How to Do It Step by Step

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stitches closely related to single crochet include Half Double Crochet, Extended Single Crochet, Magic Ring. 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.