Single Crochet
a short, dense stitch used for tight fabric, amigurumi, and as a base for many stitch patterns
Single crochet is the shortest of the basic crochet stitches and produces a tight, dense fabric with no gaps between stitches. It's the first stitch most patterns teach after the chain, and it's the backbone of amigurumi, where a firm fabric that hides stuffing matters more than drape.
US "single crochet (sc)" is the same stitch as UK "double crochet (dc)." This is the single most common mixup in crochet: a UK pattern calling for "dc" is not asking for what a US crocheter calls double crochet. Check a pattern's origin or abbreviation key before you start.
How to work it
- Insert your hook into the next stitch (under both loops, unless the pattern says otherwise).
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have 2 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops. One single crochet is complete, 1 loop remains on your hook.
- Repeat into the next stitch across the row.
- At the end of the row, chain 1 to turn (this turning chain does not count as a stitch), then turn your work and single crochet into the first stitch.
When to use it
Reach for single crochet when you want dense, sturdy fabric: dishcloths, bag bottoms, amigurumi, and any spot where you don't want yarn overs peeking through. It's also the shortest stitch, so a project worked entirely in single crochet takes longer per inch than one worked in double crochet or taller stitches.