How to Make a Single Crochet Stitch

Are you new to crocheting and want to learn how to make a single crochet stitch? Look no further!

Crocheting is a timeless craft that allows you to create beautiful and functional items using just yarn and a crochet hook. One of the most fundamental techniques in crocheting is the single crochet stitch. This basic stitch is often the foundation for many crochet patterns and projects. Whether you’re a beginner just getting started or an experienced crocheter looking to refine your skills, learning to make a single crochet stitch is essential. It’s simple, versatile, and serves as a building block for numerous designs.

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a single crochet stitch, step by step, so you can incorporate it into your crochet creations.

What Are the Benefits of Learning the Single Crochet Stitch?

Before diving into the tutorial, let’s explore why learning how to make a single crochet stitch benefits your crocheting journey.

• Versatility: The single crochet stitch can be used in various patterns and projects, making it a valuable skill in your repertoire.
• Strong and Sturdy Fabric: This stitch creates a tight, dense fabric ideal for functional items like blankets, hats, or gloves.
• Easy to Learn: As one of the most basic stitches in crocheting, the single crochet stitch is easy to master, even for beginners.
• Time-efficient: Once you get the hang of it, this stitch can be completed quickly and efficiently, making it perfect for larger projects.
• Ability to Build Upon: Once you have mastered the single crochet stitch, you can use it as a foundation for more complex stitches and patterns.

What Will You Need?

To create a herringbone single crochet stitch, you will need two essential tools: yarn and a crochet hook. Here are some additional materials that may come in handy:

• Yarn: Choose any type of yarn you prefer for your project. Remember that bulkier yarns tend to be easier to work with as a beginner.
• Crochet Hook: The size of your hook will depend on the weight of your yarn and the tension you want for your project. For beginners, it’s best to start with a medium-sized hook (size H or I).
• Scissors: These are used to cut the yarn when changing colors or finishing your project.
• Yarn Needle: A large, blunt needle used to weave in the yarn ends and finish off your project.
• Stitch Markers: Optional but helpful for keeping track of your stitches and rows.

8 Easy Steps on How to Make a Single Crochet Stitch

Step 1: Create a Slipknot 

To begin your crochet project, you must start with a slipknot. A slipknot is the foundation for almost every crochet technique, creating the first adjustable loop on your hook. Follow these steps to create a slipknot:

• Hold the end of your yarn in your non-dominant hand and create a small loop by crossing the yarn over itself. Ensure the tail end of the yarn is on top of the working yarn (the yarn connected to the ball or skein). 
• Using your fingers, pull the working yarn through the center of the loop to create another smaller loop, leaving a tail of about 4-6 inches. 
• Place this smaller loop onto the crochet hook and gently pull both ends of the yarn to tighten the slipknot around the hook. Do not over-tighten; the loop should move freely on the hook without much resistance. 

Once complete, you’re ready to create the foundation chain, which forms the base for your herringbone single crochet stitch. Take your time as you practice this step—achieving the right tension in your slipknot is key to ensuring your stitches are even and consistent.

Step 2: Create a Foundation Chain 

Next, we will create the foundation chain, which consists of chains that serve as the base for your stitches. Here’s how to make a foundation chain:

• Hold your crochet hook in your dominant hand and use your non-dominant hand to hold onto the slipknot loop on your hook. 
• Wrap the working yarn over the hook using your dominant hand and pull it through the slipknot loop (called ‘yarn over’). You should have two loops on your hook now.
• Repeat this step until you have reached your project’s desired number of chains. For beginners, it’s best to start with about 15-20 chains.

Step 3: Yarn Over and Pull Through 

Now that we have created our foundation chain, it’s time to start making single crochet stitches. Follow these steps:

• Yarn over again, as you did in step 2.
• Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook (not counting the loop already on your hook). You should now have three loops on your hook.
• Using your dominant hand, yarn over again and pull through all three loops on the hook.

You have just completed your first single crochet stitch! Repeat this step for each remaining foundation chain until you reach the end.

Step 4: Count Your Stitches 

Once you’ve reached the end of your foundation chain and completed all your single crochet stitches, it’s essential to count your stitches to ensure accuracy. Turn your work so that you can clearly see the tops of the stitches you’ve made. Each “V” shape along the top of your row represents one stitch. Starting from the first “V,” count each stitch to the end of the row.

Keeping track of your stitch count will help you maintain even rows throughout your project and prevent accidental increases or decreases. If the number of stitches does not match the number of chains you started with, review your work to see if you accidentally skipped or added a stitch. Don’t worry if you made a mistake—simply undo the affected stitches and try again. Accurate stitch counting is an essential skill in crochet and ensures your project turns out as planned!

Step 5: Create the Second Row 

Once you reach the end of your first row, turn your work clockwise to start working on the next row. This step is essential as it ensures that all your stitches face the same direction.

• Chain one (this counts as the first single crochet stitch) and turn your work counterclockwise.
• Yarn over and insert your hook into the top two loops of the first single crochet stitch from the previous row.
• Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook to create a single crochet stitch. 

Repeat this step for each stitch across until you reach the end of the row. Remember to chain one at the beginning of each new row—this counts as your first single crochet stitch.

Step 6: Work in Rows 

Working in rows forms the foundation of many crochet projects, from scarves to blankets and beyond. After completing the first two rows, you’ll continue building your work row by row. For each row, ensure you begin with a chain one (if you are working in single crochet stitches) or the specified number of chains for the type of stitch you’re using. This initial chain creates height for the row and ensures your edges are straight and even.

Take care to insert your hook into the correct loops for consistent stitches—usually, the top two loops of the stitch from the previous row unless otherwise indicated by your pattern. This helps maintain uniformity throughout your project. It’s helpful to count your stitches as you complete each row to ensure accuracy. If your stitch count deviates, it could lead to an uneven or misshapen finished piece.

Step 7: Finishing Your Project 

Once you have completed the desired number of rows, it’s time to finish your project. To end your work:

• Cut your working yarn, leaving a tail of about 4-6 inches for weaving in later.
• Using your hook, pull the cut end through the loop on your hook to create a knot.
• Use a tapestry needle to weave any remaining loose ends into the back of your work. This helps secure them in place and creates a neat, finished look.

Voila! You’ve completed your first single crochet project!

Step 8: Experiment with Different Yarns and Hook Sizes 

Now that you have mastered the basics of single crochet, it’s time to expand your skills by experimenting with various yarns and hook sizes. Different yarn weights, ranging from delicate lace to chunky bulky yarns, can dramatically alter your project’s final appearance and texture. Similarly, using a larger or smaller hook than recommended for your yarn can create unique effects—larger hooks will give your crochet a loose, airy feel, while smaller hooks result in tighter, more structured stitches. 

By following these steps and practicing, you’ll soon become comfortable with single crochet and easily create a variety of projects.

Conclusion

Learning how to make a single crochet stitch is the first step in a rewarding and creative crochet journey.

This foundational stitch forms the basis of countless patterns and designs, offering endless possibilities to craft beautiful and functional items. Following the steps outlined, practicing regularly, and experimenting with different techniques will build your confidence and skills over time.

Whether you create simple coasters, cozy scarves, or intricate blankets, mastering the single crochet stitch opens the door to endless creativity and self-expression. Happy crocheting!