How to Crochet a Chain and Single Crochet Stitch

The chain stitch and single stitch are basic foundation stitches for crochet. Once you master these, you are well on your way to making simple crocheted scarves, blankets, and more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• crochet hook (any size)
• yarn

1. 

   Make a slip knot by holding the yarn between your thumb and index finger to make a loop. Pull the yarn coming from the skein through the loop to make a loose knot with an adjustable loop.

2. 

   Put the crochet hook through the loop of your slip knot and pull the yarn to adjust the loop snugly, but not tightly around your hook. Catch the yarn from the skein and pull it through the loop, making another loop. Keep catching the yarn with the hook and pulling it through to make a series of chain stitches. Make as many chains as your project requires.

3. 

   Build on your chain by making rows of single crochet stitches. Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook. Pull the yarn through. Now there will be two loops on the crochet hook. Catch the yarn with the hook and pull it through both loops. Your first single crochet stitch is complete. Continue making single crochet stitches in each chain until the end of the row.

4. To make additional rows of single crochet, chain one after the last single crochet on the row, turn, and begin making more single crochets in the top of the previous row.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to keep your tension even while you crochet. If you are new to crochet, practice the chain and single stitch over and over until all your stitches are uniform and even in size. This will make your future completed projects look much more professional. Some people like to wind the yarn through their fingers to adjust the tightness of stitches.