Lesson 3: Single Crochet and Identifying Loops

Abbreviations: sc (single crochet) front lp (front loop) back lp (back loop)
 
All abbreviations are also listed on the Stitch-onary page. These are important to take note of, if you learn them as we go it will make reading patterns much easier.
 

Front and Back Loops
We're going to start with identifying front and back loops. This is an important thing to know from here on out. When you make a stitch, on top of that stitch there is a front loop and a back loop. That's where you will work stitches in on your next round. In the pictures below, my silver needle is pointing to the loop mentioned.

Front Loops. These are the loops closest to you.

Back Loops. These are the loops furthest away from you.

Both loops. My needle here is going through both the front and back loops. Unless otherwise indicated in a pattern, you will do all of your work through both loops. This will make your piece nice and flat. If you see ridges as you go along, you aren't working through both loops. Different styles or stitches will require working through one loop or the other at times. For now, work through both.











Single Crochet
The first stitch you will learn is a single crochet. I've included pictures for each step, if you need additional help don't hesitate to ask. Remember these will always be worked through both loops unless otherwise indicated. Practice for as long as you need to feel comfortable before moving on to the next lesson.

With a slip knot on your hook, ch 11 (chain 11)

Start your single crochet in second chain from hook. The loop on your hook does not count.

This is the first chain.

This is the second.

 Insert in second chain from hook.

 Yarn Over

Pull through chain.
There should be two loops on your hook. 

 Yarn Over
Pull through both loops on hook.

You have made one single crochet and should have one loop on your hook.

Single crochet in next 9 chains, ch 1

You should have a total of 10 sc and a ch 1.

Turn

You are literally turning your work from front to back.

Single crochet in first stitch and in each stitch across, ch 1 turn (10 sc made)

Continue practicing your single crochets by following the last step repeatedly until you feel confident in your work.

You should always come up with 10 single crochets in each row and your work should be flat as you're working in both loops.

If it starts to curl up you're probably crocheting a little too tight. Relax, adjust your gauge on the yarn and keep going.