Basic Crochet Stitches for Beginners:
Slip Knot, Chain & Single Crochet
Do you want to learn the first basic crochet stitches?
If you're new to crochet, you may find yourself spending much of your time browsing through YouTube, searching for crochet tutorials to learn new stitches.
Sometimes, YouTube can feel like a wilderness you're navigating without a compass!
There are literally thousands of YouTube videos out there! But how do you choose the best ones without actually watching them? ... sometimes only to find out they're not quite what you expected!
To save you time, I've put together a handy guide you can use to filter out some of the best crochet YouTube video tutorials that'll teach you a specific stitch.
I'll also answer some of the most common questions related to these stitches. Let's get started.
The Single Crochet is a little stitch with big opportunities!
Start Crochet
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the Start Crochet links. Please see my disclosure for more details.
Are you just learning how to crochet? Have a look at these awesome crochet kits that are perfect for beginners! They make great gifts too 🙂
Belwo are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the Single Crochet stitch. But before we get to the Single Crochet Stitch, let's cover the more basic stitches you need to know before you attempt to Single Crochet:
What Is A Slip Knot In Crochet?
The slip knot is the very first skill you must learn to start crocheting. It's very easy to make and the cool thing about slip knots is that they are adjustable.
This means that this is the very first knot you make to insert your crochet hook.
AND you'll be able to adjust the size of the knot by pulling on the tail end of the yarn (the short end) and tightening or loosening the knot to the size of your hook.
Have a look at this tutorial that explains this very clearly:
What Is A Chain In Crochet?
The chain is the second most important stitch you need to learn in crochet.
It is the foundation stitch on which you will build your whole crochet project (unless it is worked in the round - in which case you could start with a magic circle). The length of the foundation chain is what will determine the size of your project.
Remember to keep you stitches loose at the beginning, till you get a hang of it and then you can start adjusting your tension (how tight you stretch your yarn).
The chain stitch is also a very easy stitch. Here's a tutorial that will show you exactly how to do it.
How do I create a foundation chain for single crochet?
To create a foundation chain for single crochet, make a slip knot and place it on your crochet hook. I'm assuming you're right-handed... otherwise hold with the opposite hand:
- Hold the hook in your right hand and the yarn in your left hand.
- Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front.
- Hold the working yarn with your left hand and use your right hand to pull the yarn through the loop on your hook.
- Repeat this process until you have the desired number of chains for your project.
Note: Remember to keep your tension even and not too tight or too loose. Practice will help you be able to get the correct tension for your foundation chain.
What Is A Single Crochet Stitch?
The sc stitch is one of the most basic stitches and one of the most important stitches to learn as a beginner because you can crochet just about any project using the single crochet stitch ... and that includes amigurumis (stuffed animals and toys) too!
A single crochet stitch has the abbreviation (sc) in crochet patterns.
The name "single crochet" is the American term, but the same stitch in UK terms is called the "double crochet" stitch (dc).
Be sure to check your patterns before starting with your crochet! Check whether the terms used are US or UK, because the same stitch is referred to with different names. You can download the cheat sheet below for reference.
US vs. UK Crochet Terms & Symbols
Free Printable
Your info is 100% secure and will never be shared.
How Do I Make A Single Crochet Stitch For Beginners?
To make a single crochet stitch, you first make a foundation chain and then make a a yarn over (yo) and pull up a loop, Yarn over again and pull through the 2 loops that are on your hook.
Here is the process in a numbered list:
- Insert the hook into the next stitch or chain.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (you should have two loops on your hook).
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.
- That's one single crochet stitch.
- Repeat this process for each stitch or chain across the row until you reach the end.
The videos below show you the exact steps to make a single crochet stitch.
Once you know how to do this stitch, all other stitches will be easy to learn because they are all variations of this core stitch.
What Is The Easiest Crochet Stitch For Beginners?
My answer would have to be the single crochet stitch. It is the simplest stitch to learn and has the least amount of steps of all crochet stitches.
You have to keep in mind though, that you need to know how to do a slip knot and chain before you can begin with the single crochet stitch.
What Is The Difference Between A Slip Stitch And Single Crochet Stitch?
First, you need to know that a slip knot is NOT the same as a slip stitch.
The slip knot (as shown above) is the very first knot you make to attach the yarn to your hook so you can continue with your project.
The Slip Stitch is a stitch you use to move along your project without adding height.
Have a look at this video for a clear explanation:
The Woobles crochet kits are perfect for beginners. They include all the supplies you need to make a cute little plushie. Step-by-step written & video instructions are included.
Another great source to learn from is the Creativbug website. They have fantastic tutorials especially designed for beginners and you'll be able to crochet the most amazing things in no time at all.
Follow START CROCHET on PINTEREST for more inspiring ideas!
Crochet Terminology
& Stitch Abbreviations
Free Printable
Your info is 100% secure and will never be shared.
One thing you need to know is that when you are working a pattern, you will most probably NEVER work into the first chain from the hook (unless the pattern you are following specifically tells you to do so).
You will most likely work into the second chain from the hook because that last chain you made before you turn your work will count as the first chain of your second row.
I know, I know, it sounds like too much to digest right now, but trust me, you will get it soon enough.
Just start by practicing one stitch at a time by following the tutorials I've prepared for you.
The Best YouTube Video Tutorials On How To Master The Single Crochet Stitch
To master the single crochet stitch, keep your frustration level down to a minimum, and to save you a ton of time searching and navigating through YouTube to find video tutorials that are clear enough, concise enough and go straight to the point without too much chatter, I've put together a list of the top tutorials that teach you how to make a single crochet stitch.
Please make sure you've followed the videos above for the slip knot and foundation chain before you go ahead with the single crochet stitch.
If you have suggestions of great channels to add to the directory, then suggest them in the comments below.
Happy watching!
#1
5/5
Hopeful Honey shows beautifully how to make a single crochet stitch. This great tutorial will show you the ABCs of crocheting. It is filmed very clearly and you'll be able to follow her exact steps with no problem at all.
Time/Duration: 1:03
Terms: UK & US
Right Handed
Background Music: Yes (with text, no voiceover)
#2
5/5
GoodKnitKisses: How To Single Crochet For Beginners
You can't go wrong with Kristen Mangus' tutorial of how to crochet a single crochet stich. Her video is clear and concise, slow moving with great explanation.
This video is ideal for those new to crochet. In addition to showing how to single crochet, Mangus covers everything from the how to hold the hook to how to fix mistakes.
Take it slow, pause and repeat the video several times while you practice your stitches.
Time/Duration: 16:19
Terms: US
Right Handed
Background Music: No
#3
5/5
Happy Berry's video tutorial goes quite in-depth in explaining the details of each loop of the chain and single crochet stitches. She talks about crocheters' different preferences since people tend to crochet in different ways, which is quite interesting to know.
In this video, Happy Berry also shows how to twist the crochet hook while you're yarning over and pulling your loops through. I feel that this is a very important piece of information for beginners, because I see many beginners not twisting their hook and therefore failing to pull the working yarn though the desired loop. So make sure to watch and understand this demonstration in this video.
Happy Berry has a very polite demeanour which many of her subscribers really appreciate 🙂
Time/Duration: 7:26
Terms: UK
Right Handed
Background Music: No
#4
5/5
Naztazia: How To Crochet For Beginners (Right Handed)
Donna Wolfe from Naztazia is an excellent crochet teacher! In this video, she goes into essential details for beginner crocheters.
Donna covers:
- how to pick the best yarn for your first time,
- the best size crochet hook to use as a beginner,
- two ways of holding the crochet hook,
- how to hold the yarn.
- AND you will learn how to make a quick, easy, and simple dish cloth.
- Next, you will learn the very first stitch in crochet called a slip knot.
- How to make a chain, which is an important foundation stitch.
- Finally, you will learn how to finish your work and sew and weave in the ends.
- As a bonus, she also shows you how to fix your work if you make a mistake!
Time/Duration: 11:41
Terms: US
Right Handed
Background Music: No
#5
5/5
Bella Coco: How To Crochet For Absolute Beginners (Left Handed)
This is a tutorial for left-handed crocheters. The infamous Sarah-Jayne from Bella Coco provides very useful tips for left-handed crocheters and beginner crocheters in general. You will love her step-by-step tutorial that includes tips and tricks to get you to master your single crochet stitch in not time.
Time/Duration: 11:52
Terms: UK (and US)
Left Handed
Background Music: No
Is There A Single Crochet Stitch In UK?
No, there is no single crochet stitch in UK crochet terms.
If you see a pattern referring to a single crochet stitch, you can be pretty sure it's an American pattern (using US Terms).
In UK Terms, this US Single Crochet Stitch would be referred to as a Double Crochet Stitch.
As a rule of thumb, you should go up one stitch to convert US to UK terms.
Meaning, if the US term is single crochet, that would be a double crochet in UK terms. And if the US term refers to a double crochet stitch, that would translate to a treble crochet stitch in UK terms, and so on.
I know it's confusing, but if you use the cheat sheet above, you'll be able to figure this out in no time at all.
And of course, with a little bit of practice, it'll get a lot easier 🙂
How do I turn my work and begin the next row of single crochet stitches?
To begin the next row of single crochet stitches, turn your work and back to front, and then chain one (also known as a turning chain).
- Hold your work in your left hand and your crochet hook in your right hand.
- Insert your hook into the first stitch of the previous row.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (you should have two loops on your hook).
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.
- Repeat this process for each stitch across the row until you reach the end.
Note: Remember to work one chain before turning your work for the next row of single crochet stitches, as this creates the height needed to make your project look even.
How do I increase in single crochet? (sc inc)
To increase in single crochet, you can work two single crochet stitches in the same stitch or space.
- Hold your work in your left hand and your crochet hook in your right hand.
- Insert your hook into the first stitch of the previous row.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (you should have two loops on your hook).
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.
- Repeat this process for the same stitch again to create your single crochet increase.
How do I decrease in single crochet? (sc2tog)
To decrease in single crochet, you can work a single crochet two stitches together (sc2tog).
- Insert your hook into the first stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (you should have two loops on your hook).
- Insert your hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up another loop (you should have three loops on your hook).
- Yarn over again and pull through all three loops on the hook.
Note: Pay attention to your stitch count when increasing and decreasing to make sure you're following the pattern correctly.
Now that you learned how to single crochet (sc), you can try crocheting in the round. There are 2 techniques for crocheting round circles:
- Crochet in the round by joining at the end of each round with a slip stitch (sl st) and chain 1 (ch 1) - leaves a visible seam
- Crochet in the round using the continuous method where you do not join each round using a slip stitch (sl st) and you do not chain 1 (ch 1) after each round. You simply continue with your increases as stated in the pattern above. This method does not leave a visible seam and gives a pretty spiral effect to your round crochet projects.
Crochet Items You Can Crochet Using Single Crochet Stitch (Easy Beginner Patterns To Try)
There are many easy beginner single crochet patterns that you can try to improve your skills and create beautiful projects.
Remember to start with simple projects and work your way up as you gain confidence and skill. With practice, you'll be able to tackle more complex patterns and create beautiful crocheted projects you'll be proud to give as gifts.
Here are some ideas:
How do I change colors in my single crochet project?
Changing colors in a single crochet project is a great way to add interest and variety to your work. You can use 2 colors and create something striped or checkered, or use more colors as you please. Here's what you need to do when changing colors:
- Work until you reach the point where you want to change colors. This may be at the end of a row or in the middle of a row, depending on your project.
- Finish the last single crochet stitch of the current color by leaving two loops on the hook (do not yarn over and pull through the 2 loops on your hook to finish the last sc stitch).
- Drop the current color and pick up the new color. Make a slip knot with the new color and place it on the hook. (You could also simply pull through the new color without making a slip knot first).
- Yarn over with the new color and draw through both loops on the hook. This completes the last single crochet stitch in the previous color and starts the first single crochet stitch in the new color.
- Continue working with the new color, following the pattern instructions as usual.
- When you want to switch back to the original color, simply repeat the process, finishing the last single crochet stitch in the current color and starting the first single crochet stitch in the original color.
- Weave in the loose ends of the yarn to secure them and prevent unraveling (as I explain below).
Remember to focus on your tension. Make sure it's consistent when changing colors to avoid puckering or pulling. The more you practice, the more you'll be able to change colors smoothly and create beautiful, multicolored projects. You'll see how much fun this is!
How do I finish my single crochet project and weave in the ends?
To finish off your single crochet project, you will need to weave in the ends of your yarn to secure them in place and make sure your project doesn't unravel by time. Most people don't really like this last step before finishing their projects, but it really is a very important one and gives your work a clean finished look.
- Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 4 inches (10 cm).
- Thread the tail onto a darning/yarn needle.
- Weave the needle in and out of the stitches on the back side of your work closes to where you ended, making sure to go under at least three or four stitches. I like to go back and forth as well us up and down a couple of times to make sure everything is secure.
- Pull the yarn through and cut off any excess.
- Repeat this process with any remaining loose ends of yarn in your project.
When you finish weaving in your ends, your project is complete and ready to use or display. Congratulations on completing your single crochet project!
Can I use single crochet to make larger projects like blankets and sweaters?
Yes, you can definitely use single crochet to make larger projects like blankets and sweaters. Just keep in mind that single crochet is quite a slow stitch, so it may take you longer to finish a large project compared to other stitches like the double crochet or half double crochet stitches.
To make larger projects with single crochet, you can either work in rows or rounds, depending on the pattern. For example, you can make a blanket by working rows of single crochet, or you can make a sweater by working in the round to create a seamless, tube-like shape.
When making larger projects with single crochet, make sure to keep track of your stitches and count them regularly to make sure your project stays the same size and shape. Stitch markers are great for this. You'll also need to pay attention to your tension 🙂
Make sure your stitches are consistent throughout your project.
Even though single crochet may take longer to complete larger projects compared to other stitches, it's a versatile and durable stitch that can be used for a wide variety of projects, both big and small. I like to use if for baby blankets in conjunction with another stitch like the chain because you won't have big holes in your blanket which might be the case with the granny stitch or the double crochet stitch.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when learning how to crochet single crochet?
I know that when you're just starting out, you might find that learning to crochet single crochet can be challenging, but trust me, with practice, you can get a hang of this basic stitch pretty quickly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Crocheting too tightly: Tight stitches can be difficult to work with and your project may end up stiff and inflexible. Make sure to keep your tension loose and relaxed, so that your yarn can flow smoothly through your fingers.
- Not counting stitches: It's important to count your stitches as you go to ensure that your project stays the same size and shape. Skipping or adding stitches can throw off the pattern and make your project look wonky. You can use stitch markers to mark the first and last stitch of your row or round. Here's a guide to help you make sure you're keeping your edges straight.
- Not using the correct hook size: Using the wrong size hook can affect the tension and size of your stitches. Have a look at the yarn label to make sure you are using the hook size for the yarn and is the same or similar to what is recommended in the pattern.
- Ignoring the pattern instructions: Some people gloss over the notes written before a pattern, but it's important to follow the pattern instructions carefully to make sure that you're creating the stitch correctly. Skipping or modifying steps can make your project look wrong or uneven.
- Not weaving in ends: I know weaving in ends is not the most enjoyable part of crocheting. This is especially the case when you use several colors like we do in Granny Squares. But if you skip this step, your project will look messy and will unravel over time. Make sure to weave in all ends as you work to secure the yarn and create a neat, professional finish. You can also work over your ends when you change color so you don't have to weave in so many at the end of your project.
I just want you to know that learning to crochet takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if you make mistakes when you're first starting out. With a bit of patience and persistence, you can improve your skills and create beautiful, handmade projects.
So now that you've figured out how to do your slip knot, chain and single crochet stitch, you're ready to learn how to crochet the double crochet stitch.
And now you can start crocheting some lovely gifts to give to your loved ones!
And to top it off, why not print out some "Crocheted With Love" gift tags to attach to your gift? You can print them out for free! You'll find them at the top of this post.
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