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Single crochet (UK double crochet)
The shortest, densest stitch and the one amigurumi is built on. How to make it, turn a row, and a table for reading UK and US patterns.
By The StudioPublished Jun 7, 20264 min read
Single crochet is the stitch that makes the firm, closed fabric of toys, baskets and bag bases. It is also where the two naming systems collide: what US patterns call a single crochet, UK patterns call a double crochet. This shop writes in US terms. The table at the end will keep you straight when you meet a pattern in the other system.
Making the stitch
- 1Insert the hook into the stitch or chain, from front to back, under both top loops.
- 2Yarn over and pull the yarn back through the stitch. You now have two loops on the hook.
- 3Yarn over again and pull through both loops. One loop remains, and the stitch is done.
That is the whole stitch: in, pull up a loop, pull through two. The rhythm becomes automatic within a row or two. Keep the hook tilted slightly down while pulling through so the loops do not slip off, and keep the loop that stays on the hook relaxed; if you pull it tight, the next stitch will be hard to make and the fabric will be stiff.
Working in rows
To make a swatch, chain 16. Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in every chain to the end: 15 stitches. Then chain 1, turn the work so the other side faces you, and single crochet in each stitch across, starting with the very first stitch. The chain 1 is the turning chain; in single crochet it does not count as a stitch, so the row still has 15.
Each single crochet has a V on top made of two loops. The standard is to insert the hook under both. Working under only the back loop (BLO) or only the front loop (FLO) creates a ridge and a stretchier fabric, and patterns say when they want it.
What single crochet is for
- Amigurumi and toys, worked tightly in the round so stuffing does not show
- Baskets, bag bases and anything that needs to stand up
- Borders and edgings, where a short stitch keeps the edge flat
- Colorwork, since the small stitch shows a chart clearly
- Dishcloths and potholders, which need a dense fabric
It is slow for large flat pieces because each row is short. Blankets and garments usually move up to half double or double crochet for speed and drape; those come next in half double and double crochet.
US and UK terms
The two systems name the same stitches differently, and the difference is always one step. The quickest tell is the abbreviation sc: it only exists in US terms. If a pattern uses sc anywhere, it is US. If it uses dc but never sc, it is probably UK, and the dc is what this article just taught you.
| US term | US abbreviation | UK term | UK abbreviation |
|---|---|---|---|
| chain | ch | chain | ch |
| slip stitch | sl st | slip stitch | ss |
| single crochet | sc | double crochet | dc |
| half double crochet | hdc | half treble | htr |
| double crochet | dc | treble | tr |
| treble crochet | tr | double treble | dtr |
| double treble | dtr | triple treble | trtr |
| yarn over | yo | yarn round hook | yrh |
| gauge |
Keep reading
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Left-handed crochet
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