In this tutorial it is shown how to make a center single crochet (csc). This stitch is also known as a waistcoat stitch or a knit stitch due to its similar look to knitting stitches. As it is a variation of a single crochet (sc) and the only difference is where you insert your hook: for a single crochet you work in the top of the stitch and insert your hook under the two loops of the stitch, while for a center single crochet you work in the center of the stitch (in the center of ‘v’s).
If you crochet in rows, like it is shown in this tutorial, you will always insert your hook into the inverted ‘v’s and both sides of your work will look the same. However, if you crochet in rounds, you will always insert your hook into the ‘v’s and you will have a fabric that looks different on each side. Personally, I like the look of this stitch more when it is worked in rounds; then, on the good side, you see only ‘v’s (like in knitting) and not a mixture of inverted and not inverted ‘v’s when you work in rows.
For this stitch you could use a hook that is one size larger than you would usually use. The reason for this is that center single crochet stitch can become a bit tight and it might be hard to insert the hook in the middle of the post unless you use a larger hook or keep the tension a bit more loose. Also, keep in mind that the fabric made with this stitch is quite thick. And finally, if you would like to practice making a center single crochet in a simple and quick project, you can take a look at my easy cup cozy pattern here (there I work in rounds 🙂 ).
You can save this tutorial to Pinterest for later here.
Center single crochet step-by-step
1. Start with a row of single crochets. You can make any number of stitches.
2. Chain one for a turning chain.
3. Then turn your work around. You will be inserting your hook in the center of the single crochets of the previous row (into the center of inverted ‘v’s).
4. Make sure that your hook comes out in the center of the stitch on the other side too (in the center of ‘v’s).
5. So, insert your hook into the center of the second single crochet of the previous row.
6. Make sure it comes out in the center of the stitch on the other side too.
7. Yarn over.
8. Pull the yarn through. Make sure you pull it to the height of your row, so that your hook would be horizontal. Otherwise the stitch will become too tight and it will be hard to work into it.
9. Yarn over.
10. Pull the yarn through both loops. You have just made your first center single crochet!
11. Continue making center single crochets until the end of the row.
12. To finish the row make one single crochet into the turning chain.
13. Make as many rows as your need. Done!
You can save this tutorial to Pinterest here.
