How to Crochet a Chain Stitch and Single Crochet

Learn how to start a crochet chain with this tutorial. Before you can single crochet, you need something to work on, and the chain is the foundation in all of crochet. This is great for beginners to learn. You'll really be on your way with your crochet skills after you've mastered these basic stitches. Think of all the afghan patterns, baby blanket patterns, and other things you can work up once you learn the single chain crochet stitch.

Make a loop.
Pass the hook through the loop, and pick up the yarn. (This is called yarn over, and abbreviated yo).
Pull the yarn through the loop.
Pick up the yarn again. (yo)
Pull through the loop on the hook.
Repeat step 4 and 5, until you have the required number of chain stitches called for in your pattern.
Photo 6 shows 7 chain stitches completed.
Insert the hook into the 2nd chain from the hook. Pick up the yarn. (yo)
Pull the yarn through the hook. (2 loops on the hook)
Pick up the yarn (yo).
Pull through the two loops on the hook. (One single crochet completed.)
Pass the hook through the next chain stitch.
Pick up the yarn, (yo), and pull through the chain stitch.
Pick up the yarn, (yo).
Pull through the 2 loops on the hook.
At the end of the row, chain 1.
Turn the work around to begin the next row.
Insert the hook through the next stitch.
Pick up the yarn. (yo)
Pull it through the stitch.
Pick up the yarn (yo)
Pull it through both loops on the hook. (2nd single crochet completed.) Repeat steps 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 for each single crochet stitch.
NOTE: When beginning a row, insert the hook into the 2nd stitch of the row. See the arrow in image 23. The chain 1 at the beginning of the row takes the place of the first single crochet.

Read about Harrington's bio and her experience with crochet.

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How to Crochet a Chain Stitch and Single Crochet

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thayertrudy 557747 7

Oct 15, 2013

Hi, how do I count the rows of crochet? I'm making squares and guess I never really learned what consists of a "row"' Is it crochet back and forth to make a "row" or is each with the pattern or is it each and every row? Please help. Thank you in advance. This site looks exciting, I'm thrilled to be connected.

datvantrieu 274393 9

Sep 14, 2012

can anybody explain to me "Sc in 2nd ch from hook, working 1 st in each ch, " or Ch 1, sc in first sc, working 1 st in each st pattern please, thanks

Crafter 15435

Aug 09, 2012

If I did it right, in split single crochet you are going all the way down the row on each side using only one loop. You end up with a "pocket" kind of pattern.

rpmpjm 1411677

Apr 17, 2012

Using a pattern that calls fora split single crochet........in all my years I have never heard of this..........can anyone give me a clue?

michellezlove 8613 256

Dec 29, 2011

thanks so much!! i have seen millions of videos and tutorials and i have to say that this one is the best!! i now know how to make things thanks to you!!:)

Joyce A

Jul 31, 2011

What is the "post" of a sc? The pattern calls for a sc around the post of the first sc in the previous round.

unterelsbach

Jun 08, 2011

I can't seem to stop my completed chain from twisting. Am I doing something wrong as I make the chain? Thanks, Carol

lcdathome 0731335

May 16, 2011

Hi Bettinalu243 5388108, Have you seen our sister site www.AllFreeKnitting.com. You can sign up for their newsletter too. -Editors of AllFreeCrochet

Bettinalu243 53881 08

May 15, 2011

Can you send me some Knitting patterns too. I love all the crochet information that you are sending.

JessiCAN

Apr 19, 2011

@Marlise: Hi, I'll try to answer your question the best that I can in writing. Front and back loops refers to the top part of a crochet stitch. You normally slip your hook under both of these loops to begin a crochet stitch. The front loop is the loop closest to you, and the back loop is the on furthest from you. I hope this helps! -- AllFreeCrochet Editors

Marlise

Apr 19, 2011

What are the front and back loops of a single crochet stitch? Thanks, Marlise

Lincoln

Jan 24, 2010

sometimes my yarn gets so tight it is very hard to work with. do you have any ideas to help me loosen up the yarn or am i still to tensestiff as a beginner? Thank you in advance, Lincoln