How to Single Crochet for Beginners (And Make a Dishcloth!)

This beginner-friendly tutorial is perfect for a very first crochet project. Charlotte walks through each step with clear instructions, showing how to make a single crochet stitch. As a bonus, we can turn your swatch into a simple, handmade dishcloth.

We’ve already covered how to make a chain stitch to start this project. If you need a refresher, be sure to watch the video and read the article, Getting Started with the Crochet Chain Stitch.

This video is part of her Crochet Basics course at the School of SweetGeorgia, where she covers everything from gauge and yarn selection to fundamental stitches. Written instructions can be found below!

Chapters

  • Row one 00:00
  • Row two 05:26
  • Counting rows 09:31

Materials & Tools Shown

More bout Charlotte Lee 

single crochet dishcloth
The completed dishcloth is made from SweetGeorgia Flaxen Silk DK in the Rose Gold colourway.
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How to Single Crochet (and Make a Dish Cloth!)

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

Foundation Row

  • Start with 37 chains.

How to Single Crochet / Row 1

  • Skip the first chain, this acts as the turning chain to begin the row.
  • Insert your hook into the left leg of the next chain (or both legs of the single crochet, which we will share in row 2).
  • Yarn over. This means using the crochet hook to "hook" around the working yarn.
  • Pull a loop through the chain. You will now have two loops on your hook.
  • Yarn over again.
  • Pull through both loops on the hook. You’ve now completed one single crochet stitch.
  • To make the next stitch, use the next chain stitch. If you're having trouble seeing where to insert your hook, gently pull the foundation row apart to reveal the space you just worked into; this is shown in the previous step. Using the next chain, repeat Step 2 to continue making a single crochet.
  • Continue making 36 single crochet stitches across the entire row. To help with counting stitches, look at the top of each stitch and count the "V" shapes. Be sure not to count the loop on your hook, as that is an active loop that hasn't been worked yet.
  • Once you reach the end, turn your work to begin the next row.

Row 2

  • Chain one: this helps bring the row up to the correct height so the edges stay even. (Note that different stitches or patterns may require a different turning chain number, so always follow the specific pattern instructions.)
  • Work one single crochet into each single crochet stitch from the previous row.
  • Make sure to go under both legs of the stitch. Again, if you can't see, look at the top for the "V" shaped stitches.
  • After completing 36 stitches across, turn your work.
  • Repeat Row 2 for 36 more rows (38 rows in total) to complete your dishcloth.

Counting Rows

  • To keep track of your progress, Charlotte recommends placing a stitch marker every 4 rows for a quick visual guide.
    single crochet dishcloth
  • Here’s how to identify your rows:
    Right side (RS): Each row looks like a “V.”
    Wrong side (WS): Each row has a horizontal bar with a downward “V” with a bar on top.
  • With a little practice, reading your rows will become easier, especially when working on larger projects. Even then, we still recommend using a locking stitch marker every so often to help with counting.

Need Help?

Do you have questions about single crochet stitches? If you’re an All-Access School of SweetGeorgia member, join us in our Community Forums! One of the great perks of being an All-Access member is the opportunity to ask Charlotte questions about their articles and courses and connect with fellow members.

Not yet a member of the School? We invite you to come and see what it is all about! Use the code: EXPLORETHESCHOOL to save 15% on an All-Access monthly membership!

You’re also welcome to join us on the SweetGeorgia Yarns Discord server. Our community has discussion threads on knitting, spinning, weaving, crocheting, dyeing, and much more. Feel free to start a conversation, get inspiration from fellow SweetGeorgia Yarns members and ask any questions you may have. 

Together, we share, learn, and grow as a community. We would be happy to have you join us!

Original publication: May 3rd, 2023; Refreshed: May 20th, 2025  

The post How to Single Crochet for Beginners (And Make a Dishcloth!) appeared first on SweetGeorgia Yarns.



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