Single, half double and double crochet: the three stitches you need
Nearly every beginner pattern is built from three stitches. Learn each one, how tall it is, and which turning chain to use.
By Maya Linden
|3 min read
Single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet are the same basic movement repeated a different number of times. Learn them in that order, because each one adds a single step to the one before.
Practise on a swatch of about 15 stitches. Start with a chain of 16, which gives you 15 stitches of single crochet plus one chain to turn.
Abbreviations used here
| US term | Abbreviation | UK equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| chain | ch | chain (ch) |
| single crochet | sc | double crochet (dc) |
| half double crochet | hdc | half treble (htr) |
| double crochet | dc | treble (tr) |
| yarn over | yo | yarn round hook (yrh) |
All YarnHook patterns use US terms. If you're following a UK pattern, use the table above to translate.
Single crochet (sc)
The shortest of the three. It makes a dense, firm fabric, which is ideal for amigurumi, baskets and borders.
- Insert your hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You have 2 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through both loops.
Turning chain: ch 1. It does not count as a stitch, so work your first sc into the very first stitch of the row.
Half double crochet (hdc)
Taller than single crochet, quick to work, and slightly stretchy. It's a favourite for hats and blankets.
- Yarn over.
- Insert your hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You have 3 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
Turning chain: ch 2. Most modern patterns don't count it as a stitch.
Double crochet (dc)
About twice the height of single crochet. It grows quickly and drapes well, and it's the stitch used in granny squares.
- Yarn over.
- Insert your hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops left).
- Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops.
Turning chain: ch 3. Traditionally this counts as the first dc, so skip the first stitch and work your next dc into the second one.
Stitch heights at a glance
| Stitch | Loops after pulling up | Height | Turning chain |
|---|---|---|---|
| sc | 2 | 1 unit | ch 1 (doesn't count) |
| hdc | 3 | 1½ units | ch 2 (usually doesn't count) |
| dc | 3 (after a yo) | 2 units | ch 3 (usually counts) |
Keep your edges straight
Wavy or shrinking edges are the most common beginner problem. Nearly always it's one of two things:
- Losing stitches: you skipped the last stitch of the row. Put a stitch marker in it before you turn.
- Gaining stitches: you worked into the turning chain by mistake, or worked twice into the first stitch.
Count every row until counting feels boring. Once it does, you've learned the stitch.
Questions about this pattern
Which crochet stitch should a beginner learn first?
Start with the chain, then single crochet. Single crochet is the shortest stitch and the easiest to count, so it's the best way to learn where to insert your hook.
Does the turning chain count as a stitch?
For single crochet, no. For double crochet, the chain 3 traditionally counts as the first stitch. Always check your pattern's notes, because modern designers sometimes treat it differently.
Maya Linden
Pattern designer and crochet teacher
Maya has been crocheting for fifteen years and teaching beginner classes for eight. Every YarnHook pattern is stitched and tested by her before it's published.
