The Difference Between a Single Crochet Stitch and a Chain Stitch
While a single crochet stitch and a chain stitch are both used during the act of crocheting, a chain stitch is a more general type of stitching that can also be applied to hand sewing and other types of stitching. Crocheting is the act of producing fabric using a crochet hook and pieces of thread or yarn.
Other People Are Reading
-
Chain Stitch
-
The chain stitch is a simple stitch used in crochet. As a result, it is often used to form a solid foundation to build off of with respect to your entire crochet project. The chain stitch is also utilized when tying off ends of a region you have fully crocheted. To perform a chain stitch, create a slipknot, placing it directly on your crochet hook. From here, perform a "yarn over" with the yarn that is hanging off the stitch, pushing it over and through the slipknot -- a yarn over is an additional stitch that is created by bringing the yarn over the hook of your crochet hook. Repeat this motion until you have made a suitable amount of chain stitches.
Single Crochet Stitch
-
The single crochet stitch is a more complex stitch, used to form the bulk of your crochet project. After an adequate base of chain stitches are in place, yarn over, placing the end of the crochet hook into the second stitch on the chain. From here, yarn over, moving the crochet hook through two chain stitches and pulling to form one single crochet stitch. Repeat this motion until you want to tie off or finish your project.
-
Size
-
Since the single crochet incorporates a chain stitch base, the result is a stitch that is twice the height of an ordinary knit stitch. In addition to it being a taller stitch, it is also taller than a basic chain stitch. This is due to the extra looping that is essential to the creation of the stitch. In addition, a double crochet stitch is four times the size of a traditional knit stitch.
Tightness
-
Since the chain stitch forms the base from which you will work, it is important that the stitches are smooth, even and tight, sealing off any potential chances of unraveling. The single crochet stitch does not need to be as firm of a stitch. As a result, the priority with a single crochet stitch is keeping them even and making sure each stitch properly wells up. If you are a beginner, the first thing you will need to practice is keeping your chain stitches tight and firm.
-
References
- Photo Credit Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images
