In crochet, once the foundation chain is complete, the rest of the project can be started. The rest of the project begins with a stitch—any stitch at all. Pick up a crochet hook and a skein of worsted weight yarn to learn or practice the making of this stitch.
Definition of Single Crochet (sc)
The single crochet is the most fundamental crochet stitch. Of all the basic crochet stitches, the single crochet is the shortest stitch which adds height. It is utilized in a great deal of basic crochet patterns. Single crochet stitches are densely packed, making them advantageous for patterns that require close stitching.
Making a Single Crochet (sc)
For illustration purposes, a steel size K hook and heavy cotton double-worsted weight yarn were used. The single crochet (sc) stitch can be completed with any size hook and any type of yarn, and is only limited by the item being made. Single crochet stitches are all done the same way, but can look very different from one another by changing the hook size, yarn thickness, or type of yarn. Some novelty yarns can look amazingly complex using only the sc stitch.
Figure 1 shows a foundation chain. At the end of this chain, the work should be turned. To make a sc, insert the hook into the 2nd stitch from the needle, yarn over (YO) (Figure 2) and pull the working yarn with the hook. (A “yarn over” (YO) is executed when the working yarn is pulled over the hook towards the crocheter.) Pull the YO loop under both bars of the loop on the foundation row. Make sure the yarn travels under two loops. There should be two loops left on the hook at this point. (Figure 3)
Next, YO again (Figure 4.) Pull the YO through both loops. The single crochet is complete.
More Help
For more help, visit StichWitch’s video. The only thing to keep in mind when viewing this video is that it is preferable to insert the crochet hook under TWO loops (two bars) when building from the foundation row. This video illustrates the YO being pulled under only one bar when crocheting the first row, and while this will work, it will leave bigger holes and it will not be as stable. Other than that (and “that” is really only preference), the “StitchWitch” does an excellent job.
Try making the single crochet using novelty yarn. When the yarn does most of the work, even the most basic crochet stitch can look beautifully elegant.
When ready, move on to The Double Crochet Stitch, The Half Double Crochet Stitch and The Triple Crochet Stitch.
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