5 Different Single Crochet Stitches: A Guide for Crafters

Single crochet stitches are the foundation of many crochet projects and mastering them is key for any crochet enthusiast. This versatile stitch can be worked in different ways to create a variety of textures and patterns, expanding the possibilities for your crochet projects. In this article, we will explore five variations of the single crochet stitch that can bring new dimensions to your work.

1. Standard Single Crochet (sc)

The standard single crochet stitch is one of the most basic and essential crochet stitches. It serves as the foundation for a vast array of crochet patterns and projects, notably amigurumi but also many more.

The standard abbreviation for the single crochet stitch is simply “sc”.

Single crochet is a relatively short, compact stitch, being about as tall as it is wide (i.e. square). A single crochet stitch is about half the height of a double crochet stitch. This makes it an excellent choice for projects requiring a relatively dense and gap-free fabric, such as bags, baskets, mats and, of course, amigurumi.

Like all crochet stitches, single crochet can be worked back and forth in rows, or in the round. When worked in the round, this can result in a slight slant to your work as standard single crochet stitches do not quite line up exactly with the stitch from the preceding row.

Step-by-Step Guide to Single Crochet

Follow these steps to form a single crochet stitch:

1. Insert the hook into the designated stitch or point in your work.
2. Yarn over by wrapping the yarn around your hook.
3. Draw up a loop by pulling the yarn through your work. You should now have two loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over once again, and pull the yarn through both loops on your hook. You now have one loop remaining, and you have successfully created a standard single crochet stitch.

Tips

• To ensure even tension, hold the yarn gently and consistently within the fingers of your non-dominant hand.
• Use a crochet hook suitable for the weight of your yarn; a recommended hook size is usually found on the yarn label.
• Consistency comes with practice and is critical to achieving a professional-looking project. The more you practice this stitch, the more neat and even your stitches will become.

US and UK Crochet Terms

It is worth noting the US and UK crochet terms vary slightly. “Single crochet” is a US crochet term. In UK crochet terms, this stitch is known as a “double crochet” (dc).

When following a pattern, always check whether it is written in US or UK crochet terms. If you are unsure, noticing that a pattern uses “single crochet” or “sc” stitches is a sure way to know that it is written in US crochet terms as there is no such thing as a “single crochet” stitch in UK crochet terms.

2. Single Crochet Back Loop Only (scBLO)

The first variation of single crochet that we will look at is single crochet back loop only, which is abbreviated as scBLO. This is formed in the same way as a standard single crochet stitch (see above) but instead of inserting your hook under both top loops of the designated stitch, you should insert it under the back loop only.

By working only in the back loop, the single crochet back loop only stitch produces neat ridges across your work. However, as with other stitches, the appearance varies depending on whether the stitch is worked flat (i.e. back-and-forth in rows) or in-the-round (i.e. always working on the “right side” of the work). 

Single crochet back loop only is a popular stitch for tapestry crochet projects using single crochet stitches. This is because the use of the back loop only creates a particularly neat and well-defined colorwork pattern.

3. Extended Single Crochet (exsc)

As its name suggests, the extended single crochet stitch (exsc) is a slightly elongated version of the standard single crochet stitch. This extra length is created by making one chain before the final yarn over and pull through. As well as providing extra height to the stitch, this technique also creates a fabric where the stitches lines up more accurately on top of each other, and with more drape.

To form an extended single crochet stitch, follow these steps:

1. Insert the hook into the designated stitch or point in your work.
2. Yarn over by wrapping the yarn around your hook.
3. Draw up a loop by pulling the yarn through your work. You should now have two loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through one loop on your hook (i.e. make one chain stitch). You will still have two loops on your hook.
5. Yarn over once again, and pull the yarn through both loops on your hook. You now have one loop remaining, and you have successfully created an extended single crochet stitch.

4. Central Single Crochet or Waistcoat Stitch (csc)

The central single crochet (csc) or “waistcoat” stitch is a great technique for creating a fabric that looks a lot like knitting. The central single crochet stitch creates a relatively dense and cozy fabric, which is perfect for a variety of projects such as hats, scarves, and blankets.

To form a central single crochet stitch, the same steps for forming a standard single crochet stitch are performed but the only difference is where you insert the hook into the previous stitch.

In standard single crochet, the hook is inserted under the two top loops of the earlier single crochet stitch.

In contrast, to form a central single crochet stitch, you insert the hook into the center of the V-shape formed by the stitch in the previous row. This is slightly lower in the stitch so central single crochet stitches tend to be slightly shorter than standard single crochet stitches.

It can sometimes be a little tricky inserting your hook into the “V” of the previous stitch. If you find that to be the case, going up a hook size or two should make it much easier.

5. Foundation Single Crochet (fsc)

The final single crochet variation that we will discuss in this post is the foundation single crochet (fsc) stitch. This is a brilliant technique for starting off any project that is worked in rows. Rather than the usual method of crocheting a long starting chain, and then working your first row of stitches into that chain by working back along it, using a foundation single crochet essentially involves forming a foundation chain and the first row of stitches at the same time.

Some of the benefits of using the foundation single crochet instead of a starting chain can include:

• A more even start to your project – it can be easier to achieve uniform foundation single crochet stitches compared to chain stitches.
• No issues with the starting chain potentially being tighter than your other stitches, leading to curving.
• A slightly more elastic edge than with a starting chain.
• Due to their larger size, it can be easier to count foundation single stitches compared to chain stitches. This can be particularly handy for projects with a large number of stitches per row.

Follow these steps to create a row of foundation single crochet stitches:

1. Make two chain stitches (this does not count as a stitch).
2. Insert your hook into the second chain from your hook.
3. Wrap the yarn over your hook and pull up loop (two loops on hook).
4. Wrap the yarn over your hook again and pull it through the first loop on your hook (chain stitch made). You will still have two loops on your hook.
5. Wrap the yarn over your hook again and pull it through both loops on hook. You have now made a fsc stitch and will have one loop on your hook.
6. Insert your hook into the last chain stitch made (at step 4), which is at the bottom of the fsc you have just made.

Repeat steps 3-6 until you have the required number of foundation single crochet stitches, ending your last repeat at step 5.

Alternatively, have a watch of this video tutorial to see how it’s done:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I perform the Linen stitch in crochet?

The Linen stitch (also known as the “moss stitch”) in crochet is a simple stitch pattern that creates a beautiful fabric with a lovely drape. It is formed from alternating single crochet and chain stitches.

To perform the linen or moss stitch, follow these steps:

1. Chain an even number of stitches.
2. Single crochet in the second chain from the hook.
3. Chain one, skip the next chain stitch, single crochet in the next chain stitch.
4. Repeat step 3 until the end of the row.
5. Chain one, turn your work.
6. Single crochet in the first chain-one space, chain one, skip the next single crochet stitch, single crochet in the next chain-one space.
7. Repeat step 6 until you reach your desired length.

Which crochet stitches are best for beginners?

Beginners should start with the following basic stitches as they form the foundation of a wide variety of different crochet projects:

• Chain stitch (ch)
• Slip stitch (sl st)
• Single crochet (sc)
• Half double crochet (hdc)
• Double crochet (dc)

These stitches are easy to learn and essential components of many advanced techniques and patterns.

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