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Sweety Dreamz
US: scUK: dcBeginner

Single Crochet: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Single crochet makes a firm, dense fabric that does not stretch much. It is the stitch behind almost all amigurumi, sturdy bags and neat edgings. In UK terms it is called double crochet, which is why checking the terms of a pattern matters.

Turning chain
1 chain (does not count as a stitch)
Height
About as tall as it is wide

Step by step

  1. 11 loop on hook

    1. Insert the hook

    Insert the hook into the next stitch, under both top loops.

  2. 22 loops on hook

    2. Yarn over and pull up a loop

    Yarn over and draw the yarn back through the stitch. You now have 2 loops on the hook.

  3. 32 loops on hook

    3. Yarn over

    Wrap the yarn over the hook again.

  4. 41 loop on hook

    4. Pull through both loops

    Draw the yarn through both loops on the hook. One single crochet is done.

Illustrations show the hook and the loops on it at the end of each step. Instructions use US terms (sc); in UK patterns this stitch is written as dc.

Video tutorial

The video for this stitch is being filmed

Follow the illustrated steps above in the meantime. Add the YouTube ID in the stitch data to publish it here.

Tips

  • For amigurumi, use a hook one or two sizes smaller than the yarn label so the stuffing will not show.
  • Count your stitches at the end of every row: the turning chain is not a stitch.
  • Working in the back loop only gives horizontal ridges; front loop only makes a softer, smoother fabric.

Common mistakes

My piece gets wider every row.
You are working into the turning chain as if it were a stitch. Skip it and start in the first real stitch.
My piece gets narrower.
You are missing the last stitch of the row. Mark it with a stitch marker.

Questions

What is single crochet in UK terms?

Double crochet (dc). The UK "dc" and the US "sc" are the same stitch.

What is an invisible decrease?

Insert the hook into the front loop of the next two stitches, yarn over, pull through both front loops, then finish like a single crochet. It is almost invisible in amigurumi.

Practise the Single Crochet

Patterns where this stitch plays a starring role.

Keep Learning

All stitches

Next up: Half Double Crochet