How to Single Crochet (sc): The Most Important Beginner Crochet Stitch
The single crochet, written as sc in crochet patterns, is one of the most useful beginner stitches.
It creates a neat, firm fabric, which makes it perfect for baby blankets, borders, and small woodland appliqués like foxes, bunnies, bears, and deer.
If you already know how to make a chain stitch, single crochet is the next stitch to learn.
What You Need
- Yarn
- Crochet hook
- Scissors
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
You will also need a short crochet chain to practice on.
Step 1: Start With a Chain
Make a small chain first.
Then turn the chain over so you can see the little bumps along the back.
Skip the first bump and work into the second bump from the hook.
This helps create a cleaner edge.
Step 2: Insert Your Hook
Push your hook through the second bump of the chain.
Hold the loop on your hook gently so it does not slip away.
You should now have your hook inserted into the chain, ready to pull up yarn.
Step 3: Yarn Over and Pull Up a Loop
Wrap the yarn over your hook.
Pull the yarn through the first chain bump.
You should now have two loops on your hook.
Step 4: Yarn Over and Pull Through Both Loops
Yarn over again.
Pull the yarn through both loops on your hook.
You have now made your first single crochet stitch.
Step 5: Keep Making Single Crochet Stitches
Find the next bump on the back of the chain.
Insert your hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
Then yarn over again and pull through both loops.
Repeat this across the chain.
Step 6: Chain One and Turn
When you reach the end of the row, make one chain stitch.
This gives your next row the right height.
Then turn your work around.
Step 7: Work Into the Top of the Stitch
For the next row, you will not work into the back bumps anymore.
Look for the little V-shapes at the top of each single crochet stitch.
Insert your hook under both strands of the V.
Then repeat the same single crochet motion:
Yarn over, pull up a loop.
Yarn over, pull through both loops.
What Does “sc” Mean in a Pattern?
In crochet patterns, sc means single crochet.
For example: sc 10 means: make 10 single crochet stitches.
You will see sc often in Little Stitch Fox patterns, especially in appliqués and blanket details.
Beginner Tip
Keep your stitches relaxed.
If your single crochet stitches are too tight, it will be harder to insert your hook into the next row.
Soft, even stitches are easier to work with and look much neater.
Final Thoughts
Single crochet is simple, strong, and very useful.
Once you learn it, you can start making cleaner rows, cozy blanket details, and sweet little crochet shapes for your woodland projects.
Practice slowly at first. The rhythm is always the same:
Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.