Single Crochet Stitch (sc): Step-by-Step
A clear single crochet tutorial covering insertion, yarn overs, turning chains, stitch counting, and how to avoid shrinking rows.
Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over again, then pull through both loops on the hook.
Practice page: single crochet
Keep the short row instructions on one side and the visual target on the other.
- Use this as a quick check before the full lesson.
- Keep it nearby while you practice the stitch or technique.
Finished single crochet swatch
Key facts
Materials for practice
- Crochet hook
- Smooth practice yarn
How to do it
01Step 1Work a foundation chain, then locate the chain indicated by your pattern for the first stitch.
02Step 2Insert the hook through the target stitch or chain.
03Step 3Yarn over and draw the yarn back through the stitch. Two loops are now on the hook.
04Step 4Yarn over again.
05Step 5Pull the yarn through both loops on the hook. One single crochet is complete.
06Step 6Continue across the row, then turn as directed and count your stitches before beginning the next row.
Video walkthrough from Bella Coco
Use this as a second explanation after the written steps. Pause, replay, and compare the motion with the close-up images above.
Make it easier
- Place a stitch marker in the first and last stitch while learning.
- Count the V shapes across the top edge rather than the vertical posts on the front.
- If the fabric feels stiff, try a larger hook or relax your yarn hand.
What usually goes wrong
- Skipping the first or last stitch of a row
- Working into only one loop when the pattern expects both loops
- Pulling the second yarn over too tightly
Questions about single crochet stitch: step-by-step
How many turning chains do I use for single crochet?+
Many patterns use one turning chain. Whether that chain counts as a stitch depends on the pattern, so follow the stated convention.
Why are my single crochet rows getting narrower?+
The most common cause is accidentally skipping the first or last stitch. Marking both edge stitches makes the loss easy to spot.
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