Single Crochet Stitch Tutorial

By: Dianne from The Hook Pusher

The Hook Pusher’s Not Your Nonna’s Market Bag Pattern using single crochet

Hello and welcome to the start of our how to crochet stitch tutorials series!! We’re starting this series with one of the basic crochet stitches but one that can make a number of gorgeous crochet pieces, the single crochet stitch. It is also a crochet stitch that is a building block to several other crochet stitches, some that will be taught later in this series. To bring you this step by step tutorial is Dianne from the Hook Pusher and we have an extra piece with this tutorial as Dianne is showing you this from a left handed crocheter.

At the end of this crochet stitch tutorial, you’ll find a number of patterns that can be made using the single crochet stitch or SC for short as well as more resources and tips for crocheters with arthritis.

You can find all of the Crochet Stitch Tutorials here (these will be updated as they are published) and a list of all that you would need or want to buy for crocheting here in a series of round-up posts.

Dianne and Erin of the Hook Pusher have some amazing patterns that they have published. You can also find some of her patterns below that use the SC. Her patterns that have other stitches will be found throughout this crochet stitch tutorial series.

How to Crochet the Single Crochet Stitch Tutorial

Originally posted 28 June 2019, updated 17 January 2022.

Step by Step Tutorial:

Single crochet (SC) is one of the easiest stitches to learn with fewer steps involved. Before you learn this stitch, make sure you know how to make a slip knot, how to hold your crochet hook and yarn, and how to make chains.

Michele here - I’m connecting one of my favorite designers here to show you how to create a slip knot and make chains so you can get started right away on the SC. Jerica from YarnHookNeedles has a great tutorials on YouTube which is where you can find this one to the right.

However, FUN note - if you are in Ontario, Canada, The Hook Pusher has classes for you! You can schedule them and see what they offer here which includes kits and more! However, during shutdowns classes are on hold. If you go to their website, you’ll be able to sign up for their email list and contact them about possible future classes. :)

Back to Dianne’s Tutorial. :) Please refer to the video provided below to see how these steps flow together! Of note Dianne is left handed so this will be the how to crochet the single crochet tutorial for left handers. I have also include the how to crochet the single crochet stitch tutorial for right handers below this tutorial. :)

Step 1.

Starting at the front of you work, insert your hook under the “V” shape made by the two strands of yarn at the top of your previous row’s stitch and through the hole under there. The tip of your hook should now be sticking out the back of your work. 

*If you don’t have a row of stitches yet and are starting with chains only, insert your hook into the second chain from your hook.*

Step 2.

Guide your hook toward your yarn and grab it with your hook, pulling it back through the hole it was in. Now your hook will be outside of the front of your work, holding the new strand of yarn on it. Show yourself two loops on your hook.

Step 3.

Guide your hook toward your yarn a second time, grabbing it with your hook, and pull the strand through both of those loops on your hook. This should leave you with one loop on your hook, and you’re ready to repeat the process in the next stitch (or chain).

If you like this, you may like:

• Ultimate List of Yarn Dyers on Instagram

• Step-by-Step Blocking Handmade Tutorial

• Bluprint Review and Tutorial

For right-handers, here is the how to crochet the single crochet stitch tutorial for right handers so we can all use these crochet patterns to create our own crochet artwork. :)

Note - This post contains affiliate links, which means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you, should you click through and make a purchase. However, I do not make recommendations for products or websites that I have not or will not use. Etsy and Craftsy are both places that I have purchased patterns and other crochet items and will continue to. Etsy is also an amazing way to support all of these makers that you find highlighted here and in other posts throughout the VAMICreations website.

The Hook Pusher’s Fish Cloth pattern using SC

Here are a number of patterns that use the above stitch so you can practice and make some of your first crochet pieces!!! I’ll be adding more to the list as I find them. :)

From the Hook Pusher:

The Hook Pusher's Etsy Store is where you can find all of her patterns to include the ones below and several new ones as they are published.

Not Your Nonna's Market Bag is an awesome bag that you can use for so many different items.

Big Basket SC Pattern is a great way to use your knowlege of the single crochet stitch but now without a crochet hook, all with your fingers.

Big Bowl is a new pattern using the same techniques for SC as the big basket - using your fingers to SC.

The Hook Pusher’s SC Donut Pattern. These can be made in all sizes depending upon the yarn and crochet hook you use.

Fish Cloth is a SC crochet pattern that you can use for a hot pad in the kitchen, a scrubbie in the bathroom or a small decoration, all depending upon what yarn you use to create it.

Best Donut Ever is an awesome pattern that you can make in multiple sizes and all types of colors! You can make small ones for photography props or large ones that the kids and pets are sure to love!

From other crochet designers:

Christa Co Design - The Rossi Scarf is a SC crochet pattern that you can use to create yourself or a loved one, a gorgeous spotted scarf.

Yarnhookneedles has a number of free patterns on her blog but you can purchase them on her Etsy shop ad free and inexpensive. Most of her SC patterns are found below on her website and a couple of her Etsy Shop.

The Hook Pusher’s Big Basket Single Crochet Pattern

YarnHookNeedles - The Easiest Crochet Cowl Pattern only uses Single Crochet Stitches and when you use chunky yarn, it works up incredibly fast.

YarnHookNeedles - Sophia Sweater is using the SC and a chain stitch together to create a gorgeous sweater perfect for fall and winter.

YarnHookNeedles - The Roxie Top is a beautiful sweater you can make using just the SC Stitch and some lace! Yep, you read that right, lace!! It is a beautiful sweater you can work up and have ready by the fall :)

YarnHookNeedles - Easy Crochet Beanie is a great, free pattern that you can use to create a beanie for yourself using only SC.

Handy Little Me - Circular Rug will show you how to create a circular rug using only Single Crochet Stitches.

EClaireMakery has a number of crochet patterns at her Etsy shop with the ones specifically using Single Crochet patterns below.

By-Katerina’s gorgeous Snowdrop Cardigan in kids size.

EClaireMakery - Jumbo Candy Corn Crochet Recipe is just that, a jumbo candy corn!! You could also use the same pattern to create candy corns of all colors or even use it to create a mountain using all gray or brown yarn. Maybe even a sharp tooth in all white or black for Halloween!

EClaireMakery - Jumbo Mushroom Crochet Recipe is a fun Mushroom design that you can create with all single crochet stitches.

EClaireMakery - Snowflake Sugar Cookie Purse Crochet Purse Pattern is a beautiful snowflake purse that is perfect for little girls Christmas presents or birthday presents and more! You can change the colors as you want to make an unlimited amount of purse designs.

Save Nine Patterns - Country Flag Blanket has some beautiful crochet patterns that you can create all with single crochet! These blankets are all types of country flags and you have a graph that you can use with a lot of the different stitches in these crochet tutorials to create different size and feel blankets.

By-Katerina - Snowdrop Cardigan in kids size is done using Single Crochet but you will also need to know how to increase and decrease. These will be taught in a later tutorial but for those who want to try them, I wanted to show you some of the gorgeous pieces of clothing you can create using crochet. :)

The adult version of the Snowdrop Cardigan can be found here and I know I have already put this on my list of clothing to create, now to figure out the color. :)

Easy Crochet Pullover Weekend Snuggle Pattern by For the Frills Store

FiberandFern - Brie has a beautiful cardigan the Seraphina that can be made using single crochet stitch. It is one of my favorite and I have used it often since I first made it.

If you are looking for some great toys to create for kids there are several great Etsy Shops that have a number of fun SC patterns for you. Crocheting in Canada has some fun toys to include animals, a mailbox play set, Super Mario Bros and more.

Stringy Ding Ding has created some patterns to include animals, fish (she has her own book!), food, pots and pans, Christmas, scrap yarn projects and more.

MaryBrownCraft has nearly 100 patterns to include food, medical play kit, animals - land and sea, seasonal items, and so much more!

KaperCrochet - Has created a wonderful Earth Globe and a World Mug Cozy. I love using these for showing little ones (and myself) where we have traveled and where we are. The Cozy is perfect for creating a smaller flat map to show this. :)

Yourmomdesigns - Has one child toy pattern that you can create using the single crochet stitch the nesting cones.

For the Frills Store - Has a beautiful Easy Crochet Pullover Weekend Snuggle pattern that uses SC and is a wonderful way to not only practice this newly learned stitch but also a great way to create a wearable piece for yourself or a loved one. :)

Meg’s Mug Rugs Pattern using SC

TLYarnCrafts has an amazing shawl called the Flat Iron Shawl that you can create using just the SC stitch!!! One thing that will be a little tricky is the use of fingerling yarn but take it slow and you’ll have an amazing shawl that you’ll want to wear everywhere! :) While there, check out her other amazing patterns and also find them in other crochet stitch tutorials.

TwistedArrowDesigns - The Carla Triangle Scarf is a great complement to any wardrobe and can be created using a variety of colors. You can find it on Ravelry along with a number of her other designs. some of which are free using the SC stitch only.

Made and Do Crew has an awesome crochet bunny pattern that you can make using all single crochet and making a rectangle then creating an adorable bunny out of it.

Lion Brand has some sweet Single Crochet Patterns to include:

This one for a wedding favor sachet which you can use to create your own or a friends wedding favors.

If you have arthritis or issues with your hands here are some extra tutorials and tips specifically designed with you in mind. :)

One of ItsVera’s yarn rings.

The Arthritis Foundation has an article with specific tips for knitting, crocheting, and cross stitching with arthritic hands. They have specific tips for each craft on things you can do to help make manage your arthritis while still allowing you to enjoy the craft you love.

Every Day Health has an article all about how to knit/crochet with Arthritis with 10 tips for how to keep crocheting/knitting. They even encourage you to crochet and craft with Arthritis because it can actually help you with managing it.

All Free Crochet has a full Crochet and Arthritis Tip Guide for those that have arthritis or issues with their hands complete with information about how to help your hands each time you crochet or craft and tips on how to adjust for your craft based on whether you have a good day or a bad day.

You can also find ergonomic crochet hooks (recommended for those with hand pain to ease it and allow you to crochet longer or at all) among the amazing crochet hook shops of Etsy in an earlier round up of crochet hooks.

Crocheting with one of ItsVera’s yarn rings.

YouTube has several videos where people have discussed tips that have helped them with crocheting or knitting with Arthritis or other health issues that cause your hands and body to be stiff.

Jen B discusses how she crochets in this 3 minute video and shows you how to best hold the yarn and more.

Vera of It’s Vera has over 30 knitting and crochet rings in her Etsy Shop that help with pain and relief for crocheting/knitting/Tunisian crocheting with Arthritis.

LullasJewelry also has awesome crochet rings in her Etsy Shop that are adjustable and help hold the yarn for pain and relief while crocheting/knitting/Tunisian crocheting with Arthritis.

DawnGillDesigns has a number of crochet rings she calls hooker rings in her Etsy Shop and each has a different design you can choose from to include paw, snowflake, flower, star, dot and heart.

Motion Works Blog has an article on tips for crocheting and using your hands despite having arthritis and also gives several stretches that you can do to help your hands while crocheting or crafting.

Laughing Hens has an article specifically about stretches (complete with pictures!) that are great for both crocheters and knitters. I think I’ll start doing these too to help my hands when I’m working on a variety of projects!

Thank you for joining us for this how to crochet the single crochet stitch tutorial! What crochet stitches are you wanting to learn how to crochet? I’d also love to hear from you about what types of resources you want more information on as well as Makers you would like to nominate for a Maker Feature! Please email me or leave a comment on this article! Looking forward to hearing from you and have a great day!