How to Single Crochet in 6 Easy Steps (Beginner Tutorial)

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If you’ve already learned how to crochet a chain stitch, your next big milestone is learning how to single crochet (SC). This is the main stitch for amigurumi, neat borders, and dense fabrics that don’t show stuffing through.

In this beginner tutorial, you’ll learn:

• What single crochet is (in US terms)
• How to hold your yarn and hook
• 6 clear steps to work your first single crochet stitch
• How to single crochet in rows and in the round
• Common mistakes and how to fix them

At the end, you’ll be ready to start your first real amigurumi project using single crochet.

What Is a Single Crochet Stitch?

A single crochet (SC) is a short, dense stitch that creates a firm fabric. It’s:

• The standard stitch for amigurumi toys
• Great for washcloths, coasters, bags and baskets
• Perfect whenever you want a solid, non-hole-y texture

In US terms:

• sc = single crochet
• A pattern might say:
  Row 1: sc in each ch across

If you’re used to UK terms, US single crochet (sc) is the same height as UK double crochet (dc), but in this article we’re using US terms only.

Materials You Need

To practice how to single crochet, you can use the same kind of setup as your chain stitch:

• Yarn
  • Medium weight yarn (Category 4 / worsted)
  • Smooth, light color so you can see each stitch clearly
• Hook
  • Hook size listed on your yarn label (often 4.0–5.0 mm for worsted)
• Extras (optional)
  • Stitch marker (very helpful in the round)
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle

Before You Start: Foundation Chain

To work single crochet in rows, you need a foundation chain.

If you’re not comfortable yet, go back to your chain tutorial:

Learn or review the basics here: how to crochet a chain stitch

For practice, ch 11.
You’ll use this to crochet your first row of single crochet.

How to Single Crochet in 6 Easy Steps

These steps explain how to single crochet into a simple foundation chain.

Step 1 – Make a foundation chain

• Make a slip knot on your hook.
• Ch 11.
  The loop currently on your hook doesn’t count as a stitch; the next V below it is your last chain.

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Step 2 – Identify the second chain from the hook

To start Row 1, you’ll skip the first chain (closest to the hook) and work into the second chain from the hook.

• Count back 2 Vs from your hook.
• This second one is where your first single crochet will go.

This skipped chain acts like a tiny “step” that helps your row sit straight.

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Step 3 – Insert the hook into the chain

• Insert your hook under the top loop of that chain (many beginners start this way).
• Later, you can experiment with going under both loops or into the back bump of the chain for a neater edge.

You should now see:

• 1 loop already on your hook
• The chain under your hook

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Step 4 – Yarn over and pull up a loop

• Yarn over (yo): bring the hook under and over the yarn so it lies on top.
• Pull the yarn through the chain only.

You now have 2 loops on your hook.

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Step 5 – Yarn over again

• Yarn over one more time.
• Keep your tension relaxed so the loops can slide easily.

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Step 6 – Pull through both loops (single crochet made!)

• Pull the yarn through both loops on your hook.

You’ve just made 1 single crochet (sc) 🎉

To keep going across the row:

1. Insert hook into the next chain.
2. Yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
3. Yarn over, pull through both loops.

Repeat Steps 3–6 across your foundation chain.

You’ll end with 10 single crochet stitches in Row 1.

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Watch the movement in real time

Now that you’ve read how to single crochet step by step, you can watch the movement and copy it:

👉 YouTube Short – How to Single Crochet (SC):

How to Single Crochet in Rows

Once Row 1 is done, you can keep working rows to create a little practice square.

1. Turn your work

• At the end of the row, ch 1.
• Turn your work so you can crochet back the other way.

This ch 1 usually doesn’t count as a stitch in single crochet patterns.

2. Row 2 and beyond

• Insert your hook into the first stitch of the row (not into the ch-1).
• Work 1 sc in each stitch across.
• You should finish with the same number of stitches in every row (10 in our practice).

Tip: always count your stitches at the end of each row when you’re learning how to single crochet, so you don’t accidentally gain or lose stitches.

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How to Single Crochet in the Round (for Amigurumi)

Most amigurumi are made in the round, not in rows, so this part is super important.

1. Start with a ring

You can use:

• A magic ring, or
• ch 2, then work into the second chain from the hook

For practice:

• Magic ring, 6 sc into the ring, then pull tight
  – or –
• Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook

This forms your first round of single crochet.

2. Work in continuous rounds

• Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the round.
• For Round 2, work 2 sc in each stitch around (12 sts total).
• Move the marker up at the start of each new round.

This is the exact method you’ll use for amigurumi heads, bodies, and limbs.

👉 When you’re ready for a full project, follow this first amigurumi step-by-step guide and you’ll see how single crochet in the round builds the whole toy.

Common Mistakes When Learning How to Single Crochet

1. Accidentally adding extra stitches

Symptom: your swatch gets wider and wavy.

Why it happens:
You might be working into the turning chain at the end of each row or into a side loop that is not a real stitch.

Fix:

• Count your stitches at the end of every row.
• Make sure you insert the hook only into the top V of each real stitch.

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2. Losing stitches at the edge

Symptom: your swatch slowly narrows like a triangle.

Fix:

• Check that you’re working into the last stitch of every row (the edge one can be sneaky).
• Use a stitch marker in the first and last stitch until you get used to recognizing them.

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3. Stitches too tight

If it’s hard to insert your hook, your tension is too tight.

• Relax your hands and shoulders.
• Gently pull your loop up a little higher before you finish each stitch.
• Try a slightly larger hook if needed.

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4. Uneven height

If some single crochets look tall and others short:

• Try to pull the loop on your hook to the same height as the hook each time.
• Work slowly and watch the hook movement in your Short until it feels natural.

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Easy Practice Projects Using Only Single Crochet

Here are a few simple ideas to practice how to single crochet without pressure:

• Tiny SC square
  • Ch 11, work 10 sc in each row for 10–12 rows.
  • You’ve made a little coaster or sample patch.
• Simple bookmark
  • Ch 8, work rows of sc until it’s long enough.
  • Add a small tassel at one end.
• Mini amigurumi test piece
  • Magic ring, 6 sc.
  • Increase to 12, then 18, then 24.
  • Stuff lightly and close—this gives you a feel for amigurumi shaping.

Later, you can move on to full patterns that use only single crochet in the round.

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FAQ – How to Single Crochet (SC)

Final Thoughts

Mastering how to single crochet is the real doorway into amigurumi, bags, and lots of cozy projects. Don’t worry if your first rows look a bit bumpy, every crocheter starts there.

• Keep practicing a few rows every day
• Use your Short video to remind your hands of the movement
• Then jump into a small toy using single crochet in the round

When you’re comfortable with SC, you’ll be ready for your next technique lesson: half double crochet (HDC) and then double crochet (DC).