Learning how to single crochet is one of the most important steps in your crochet journey—and it’s often where everything begins.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about where to insert your hook, why your stitches feel tight, or why your edges aren’t quite straight… you’re not alone.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the single crochet stitch step by step, along with simple tips to help you feel more confident as you practice.
And if you’d prefer to see it slowly and up close, you can follow along with the full video tutorial below.
Watch the Full Tutorial
What You’ll Need
- Worsted weight yarn (a light colour works best for beginners)
- Crochet hook (5–5.5 mm is a great starting point)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle (optional, for finishing)
Before You Start
This tutorial builds on two basic skills: how to make a slip knot and how to crochet a chain. If you’re not comfortable with those yet, you can learn them here:
How to Single Crochet (Step-by-Step)
- Start with a foundation chain. Create a chain with your desired number of stitches.
👉 Tip: Keep your chain slightly loose—this makes it easier to work into.
- Insert your hook into the 2nd chain from the hook.
💡 The loop on your hook does not count as a stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. Wrap the yarn over your hook and pull it through the chain. You should now have two loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn over again and pull through both loops.
🎉 You’ve just made your first single crochet!
- Continue across the row. Repeat the same steps in each chain across:
- Insert hook
- Yarn over, pull up a loop
- Yarn over, pull through both loops
6. At the end of the row:
- Chain 1
- Turn your work
7. For the next row, insert your hook into the top of each stitch (the “V” shape).
👉 Go under both loops for a smooth, even finish.
Yarn over, pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through both loops
Common Beginner Mistakes (and Simple Fixes)
- Too tight?
- Loosen your tension
- Try a slightly larger hook
- Edges uneven?
- Don’t skip the last stitch
- Check that you’re working into the first stitch of each row
- Stitches look twisted or off?
- Make sure you’re inserting your hook under both loops
- Seeing holes?
- Slow down and follow each stitch carefully
- Avoid skipping stitches
- Made a mistake?
- Just pull back your yarn and try again.
Undoing stitches is part of the process—and every crocheter does it.
How to Get Straight Edges
If your work starts to slant or shrink, it’s usually because a stitch has been missed.
Here’s what helps:
- Count your stitches at the end of each row
- Look for the first and last stitch carefully
- Keep your tension consistent
With practice, your edges will naturally become straighter and more even.
Ready to Practice? Try These Beginner-Friendly Projects
The best way to get comfortable with a stitch is to use it in a real project. Single crochet creates a sturdy, neat fabric that works beautifully for projects that build confidence while giving you something useful, cosy, or just plain fun at the end.
- Practice on a small seasonal make → Single Crochet Christmas Earrings
- See how single crochet creates beautiful texture → Moss Stitch Blanket
- Try shaping and stitch placement in a wearable project → Mosaic Hat
- Bring your stitches to life with Amigurumi Projects
Keep Learning
Ready for the next step?
👉 How to Half Double Crochet
👉 [Single Crochet Increase & Decrease] (upcoming or link later)
👉 Beginner Crochet Playlist
FAQ
What is single crochet?
Single crochet is one of the most basic crochet stitches. It creates a tight, sturdy fabric and is commonly used in beginner projects.
Why are my single crochet stitches so tight?
Your tension may be too tight. Try loosening your grip or using a larger hook.
Why are my edges uneven?
This usually happens when stitches are missed at the beginning or end of rows. Counting your stitches can help fix this.
Do you chain 1 when turning in single crochet?
Yes, you typically chain 1 at the end of each row before turning your work.