In the previous post I showed you how to make a slip knot and chain (almost sounds like the name of a metal band…). Now we’ll go to the next step – the single crochet stitch. This is the most used stitch in amigurumi creations because it provides a thick and stiff fabric, which is ideal for stuffed toys. And of course, hats and heavy, warm blankets.
To make a single crochet, you’ll first need a foundation chain. Different patterns call for different numbers of starting chains but in this example I’ve started with 6 chains to make a flat square, which is worked in back and forth rows. We’ll get to the spherical objects once we’ve learned to make a single crochet stitch 😉
You’ll notice a chain is made up of 3 loops – the two V shapes in the front and one bump on the other side – and I like to make sure the top V and the back bump are both above the hook, with the bottom V underneath. So, make the number of chains you’d like to practice with (I suggest less than 10, for now) and to make the first single crochet, insert the hook into the second chain from the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through the chain – you have two loops on the hook now. Wrap the yarn over the hook again and pull through both loops.
There is the first single crochet!
Repeat the same steps in each chain until you reach the end – but remember the slip knot does not count as a chain.
Now, the same way you made single crochet stitches in the foundation chain, count to the second chain (or in this case, the single crochet stitch) and insert the hook into the first stitch making sure it goes through both loops or V’s. Wrap yarn over hook, pull through, yarn over hook again and pull through both loops.
Continue to single crochet across and at the end insert the hook into the last stitch to finish the row.
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