How to Make A Single Crochet - Left Handed Crochet

Learning the single crochet stitch (sc) is the perfect place to start your crochet journey.  As a left-handed crocheter, I know it can be hard to find directions and clear, easy-to-follow guidance.

This tutorial will walk you through each step of making a left-handed single crochet with detailed photos that show exactly where to place your hook and how to work the yarn.

The abbreviation used in USA crochet for this stitch is the sc.  In the UK crochet terminology, this is the dc or double crochet stitch.

The single crochet is one of the foundation stitches in crochet, used in everything from blankets and scarves to amigurumi and dishcloths. Once you’ve mastered this stitch, you’ll be ready to tackle countless projects with confidence.

Looking for right-handed single-crochet instructions?  Click the link!

If you prefer to watch the process in action, we’ve included a link to a video tutorial for extra support.  Click the link below to watch the video on YouTube.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Crochet Hook (Purchase from Amazon, Michaels, Yarnspirations)
• Yarn (Purchase from Amazon, Michaels, Yarnspirations)

INSTRUCTIONS for the left-handed single Crochet Stitch

US/American Abbreviations used in patterns:

• Single Crochet - sc
• Chain - ch
• Back Loop Only - blo
• Front Loop Only - flo
• Yarn Over - yo

UK Abbreviation: double crochet or dc.

Summary of the Single Crochet Stitch:

Insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through (2 loops are on the hook), yarn over, and pull through both loops on the hook. One single crochet complete!

STEP 1: Where to start the stitch

The pattern instructions will specify where to make the single-crochet stitch.  If you've completed a previous row, you will usually start with the first stitch of the last row after stitching one turning chain.

Turning Chain (CH): This is a chain stitch stitched at the end of the row and then turned.  Your pattern will be something like this:  Ch, turn

The stitch is traditionally made by putting the hook through both loops in the stitch from the previous row. In the above photo, my thumbs are around the stitch from the previous row. Place your hook through those loops. 

When stitching the first row after a row of chain stitches, put your hook through the center of the chain stitch.

Front Loop Only (FLO): If the pattern specifies to stitch in the "Front Loop Only", then put your hook through only the front loop (as shown below).  Stitching in the front loop only will cause a decorative line to form on the back.

Back Loop Only (BLO): Similar to the front loop only, if the pattern instructs to stitch in the "Back Loop only" put your hook through only the back loop on the stitch (see photo below).

STEP 2: Yarn Over

Once the hook is through the previous stitch, yarn over.  To yarn over, wrap the working yarn across the front of the hook from the left side to the right side and catch it in the hook.

STEP 4: Pull through the stitch

Use the hook to pull the yarn through the stitch.  This will bring another loop onto the hook, resulting in 2 loops on your hook.

STEP 5: Yarn over again

To finish the single crochet stitch, yarn over once again across the front of the hook from the left to the right.

STEP 6: Pull through both loops

Finally, pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.  It's easiest to turn the hook downward towards the bottom of the loops as you are pulling it through.

COMPLETED SINGLE CROCHET

This completes one single crochet stitch.  You will have one loop on the hook as you did at the start of the stitch.

Below is a photo of two rows of single crochets.

When learning to crochet, it's easiest to learn one stitch at a time and practice that back and forth to master the tension.  So, practice stitching and then move on to the next stitch!

An easy crochet project to get you crocheting is this FREE Dishcloth pattern that uses only chain, single crochet, and double crochet.

Left-Handed Learn to Crochet Series:

• Chain Stitch (ch)
• Single Crochet (sc) - This tutorial
• Half-Double Crochet (hdc)
• Double Crochet (dc)
• Triple Crochet (tc)
• Shell Crochet Stitch (shell) - Small Shell, Large Shell & Corner Shell
• Split Single Crochet (ssc)