How to Crochet a Single Crochet Swatch

Crocheting is not just a craft; it’s a therapeutic journey that allows you to create beautiful and functional pieces with just a hook and some yarn. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just starting, mastering the basic stitches is essential for building your skills and confidence.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple yet versatile single crochet stitch and show you how to crochet a single crochet swatch step by step.

What’s a Single Crochet Stitch?

The single crochet stitch (abbreviated as “sc“) is one of the most fundamental stitches in crocheting. It creates a dense and sturdy fabric that’s perfect for a wide range of projects, from dishcloths and coasters to blankets and garments.

The single crochet stitch is worked by inserting the hook into the designated stitch, yarn over, pulling up a loop, and then yarn over again and pulling through both loops on the hook.

Other Ways to Refer to a Single Crochet

There are several different ways to refer to the single crochet stitch.

Abbreviation

It’s common to come across a single crochet stitch written as (sc) or as a symbol in a crochet stitch chart.

To make crochet patterns more concise, abbreviations like (sc) are sometimes used. Please review our abbreviations page to become acquainted with all the most frequent ones before beginning the pattern tutorial below, since we will also use other abbreviations.

Symbol

Another option for showing how to create a crochet pattern is to use symbol diagrams or stitch charts. You can use a stitch chart design as a stand-alone pattern or to supplement a written crochet pattern.

The two most common ways to represent a single crochet symbol in stitch diagram charts are the “X” and the “+” (plus sign). This stitch is nearly half the height of a half-double crochet stitch, and compared to the slip stitch, it stands taller.

After you master the single crochet stitch, I have many other stitch tutorials that you will find useful. You should also give our double and half double crochet tutorials a go!

What is a Single Crochet Stitch?

The single crochet stitch (abbreviated as “sc”) is one of the most fundamental stitches in crocheting. It creates a dense and sturdy fabric that is perfect for a wide range of projects, from scarves, dishcloths and coasters to blankets and garments.

The single crochet stitch is worked by inserting the hook into the designated stitch, yarn over, pulling up a loop, and then yarn over again and pulling through both loops on the hook.

Materials Needed:

– Worsted weight yarn (any color of your choice)

– Crochet hook (size H/8 or 5.0mm recommended)

– Scissors

– Yarn needle (optional for weaving in ends)

Step-by-Step Guide to Crocheting a Single Crochet Swatch

Step 1: Make a Slip Knot

Start by making a slip knot and placing it on your crochet hook. To make a slip knot, loop the yarn around your fingers, insert the hook through the loop, and pull the yarn to tighten the knot around the hook.

Step 2: Foundation Chain

Next, create a foundation chain of the desired length for your swatch. To make a foundation chain, yarn over and pull through the loop to create the first chain stitch. Repeat this process until you’ve reached the desired number of chains. For this swatch, let’s make a foundation chain of 20 chains.

Step 3: Begin Single Crochet

Once you’ve completed your foundation chain, it’s time to begin crocheting the single crochet stitches. Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook (not counting the loop on the hook), yarn over it, and pull up a loop.

Step 4: Complete Single Crochet Stitch

Yarn over again, pulling through both loops, making one loop on the hook.

Congratulations! You’ve just completed your first single crochet stitch. Continue working sc stitches in each chain across the row until you reach the end.

Step 5: Turning Chain

When you reach the end of the row, chain 1 and turn your work. This turning chain serves as the first stitch of the next row and creates a smooth edge along the side of your swatch.

Step 6: Repeat Single Crochet Rows

Repeat the process of working single crochet stitches in each stitch across the row, chaining 1, and turning your work at the end of each row.

Continue crocheting rows until your swatch reaches the desired length.

Step 7: Fasten Off

Once you’ve completed your single crochet swatch, fasten off your yarn by cutting it with scissors, leaving a tail of a few inches. Pull the tail through the loop on the hook and tighten it to secure.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

To tidy up your swatch, weave in any remaining ends with a yarn needle. Simply thread the yarn tail onto the needle and weave it back and forth through the stitches on the back of your swatch, then trim any excess yarn.

Conclusion:

Crocheting a single crochet swatch is a simple yet rewarding project that allows you to practice and perfect your crocheting skills.

Whether you’re a beginner just starting or an experienced crocheter looking for a quick and satisfying project, mastering the single crochet stitch is a valuable skill that will serve you well in your crocheting journey. 

So grab your hook and yarn, and let’s get crocheting!