How to Crochet the Single Crochet Stitch for Beginners

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Make a slip knot and chain 30

Start by forming a small U-shape with your yarn, crossing it over to make an X, then holding the loose end and pulling it through the loop to create a slip knot. Place this loosely on your hook — the knot itself should be tight, but the loop around your hook should move freely. Chain stitch 30 times to create your foundation chain: wrap the yarn around the hook and pull through, repeating until you reach 30 chains.

Step 2 — Work the first row of single crochet

Skip the first chain from your hook, then insert your hook into the next chain. Wrap your yarn around the hook and pull through once, then wrap around again and pull through both loops on your hook. That's one single crochet stitch. Continue across the row, inserting your hook into each remaining chain and repeating the same wrap-and-pull-through motion, until you reach the end.

Step 3 — Chain one, turn, and work through both loops

At the end of the row, work your last stitch, then chain one and turn your work. For the second row and beyond, pull your stitches open slightly so you can see the holes where your hook should go — insert your hook through both loops at the top of each stitch, wrap around, pull through, wrap around, and pull through again. Working through both loops (rather than just one) creates a denser, heavier fabric that holds up well to repeated washing and everyday use.

Step 4 — Repeat across rows and finish

Continue working single crochet across each row, remembering to chain one and turn at the end of every row, for as many rows as you'd like your project to be. When you're ready to finish, complete your last stitch, then cut your yarn, wrap it around the hook one final time, and pull the tail all the way through the loop. Pull it tight to secure, then weave in any loose ends.

Once you're comfortable with the basic single crochet stitch, you can explore some fun variations that change its texture — try working through just one loop instead of both with the back loop only single crochet stitch or front loop single stitch crochet, or build on the back-loop technique with the easiest rib stitch.

Frequently asked questions

What is single crochet, and why is it a good first stitch to learn?
Single crochet is the most basic crochet stitch and the foundation for most other stitches, including variations like front loop only and back loop only single crochet. It's a great first stitch to learn because it only involves one simple repeated motion, and it builds the hand coordination needed for every other crochet stitch.

What can I make with single crochet in cotton yarn?
100% cotton yarn worked in single crochet is ideal for washcloths, scrubbies, picnic blankets, towels, and floor mats, since the stitch is dense and the fiber is durable enough to hold up to repeated washing and heavy use.

How do I keep my single crochet stitches even and consistent?
Hold your yarn with consistent tension — resting it over your pointer finger and gripping lightly with your pinky — so the hook can grab it in the same spot every time. Pulling your stitches open occasionally to see the holes you need to insert into also helps you stay consistent while you're learning.

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