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Crochet › Basic stitches

Single crochet

The shortest standard stitch: small, square, dense little knots in neat rows; worked in rows the fabric looks the same on both sides. Insert the hook into the stitch, pull up a loop (2 loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through both loops.

What you work it with

Crochet · Tools: A hook for the yarn, or one size smaller for firm toys and baskets; any yarn.

Symbol chart

One or two repeats of the stitch pattern, in standard crochet symbols.
1234Chain (ch)Single crochet (sc)Read from the bottom: each row starts at its number, with its turning chain.

Steps

  1. Chain the number of stitches plus
  2. Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain to the end.
  3. Turn, ch
  4. Sc in each stitch, starting in the first stitch, under both top loops.
  5. Repeat steps 3–4.

The full card

What it looks like
The shortest standard stitch: small, square, dense little knots in neat rows; worked in rows the fabric looks the same on both sides.
How it behaves
Firm and dense, with little stretch and little drape; holds its shape, so it is good for baskets and toys.
How it works
Insert the hook into the stitch, pull up a loop (2 loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through both loops.
Tools
A hook for the yarn, or one size smaller for firm toys and baskets; any yarn.
Parameters
Turning chain: 1 ch, not counted as a stitch. Each row is about as tall as a stitch is wide [inference].
Steps
1) Chain the number of stitches plus 1. 2) Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain to the end. 3) Turn, ch 1. 4) Sc in each stitch, starting in the first stitch, under both top loops. 5) Repeat steps 3–4.
Charting
A cross (×) is one sc. Read from the bottom: row 1 starts at the right, each row begins with its 1-ch turning chain.
Limits and common problems
Missing the last stitch (or working into the turning chain) makes the piece shrink or grow; count every row. Very tight sc is hard to work into: loosen up or go up a hook size.
Combines with
Chain and foundation rows (incl. foundation single crochet), Half double crochet, Tapestry crochet, Invisible decrease in rounds, Crab stitch edge (reverse single crochet)
Pieces and assembly
Amigurumi, baskets, bags, edges on knitting. Seams: sl st or sc two pieces together.

Written in our own words from machine manuals, knitting references and swatching. Knit a test swatch before a whole piece.

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