The first step in learning to single crochet is to find the beginning chain. The chain sideways will look like the letter v repeated over and over again. Count back to the second chain from the hook, and this is where you will insert your hook for the first time.

We do this on the first stitch because the height on the ends needs to be the same height as the rest of the stitches.

Looking at your chain, there are three loops. The top loop, the bottom loop, and when you turn the chain sideways you will see the back bump. There are certain patterns in which you’d need to crochet into different loops, however for beginners, I will teach you the way I learned to instruct and the method that I use most often.

Insert your hook into the center of the v.

Go under the top loop and the back bump, leaving two loops on your hook.

If you are having trouble inserting your hook into any of the chain, your chain could be too tight. I recommend ripping it out and redoing this step.

Yarn over. The is placing the yarn over the top of the hook so that it will hook in the throat of your crochet hook.

Pull the yarn through the chain, which leaves two loops on your hook.

At this point, I usually move my thumb and middle finger to grab the chain beneath where I am working so that it makes it easier for me to pull the yarn through.

Yarn over again and pull through those two loops on your hook.

Continue across the entire row, single crocheting into each chain. When you get to the end, chain one, turn your work, and start the next row.

Video Tutorial for How to Single Crochet

Watch the video tutorial below for how to single crochet.