– Single Crochet (SC) –

Single Crochet is sort of the base of crochet and the most common stitch in amigurumi crochet. Even though a simple stitch it is also very versatile. Just by crocheting in the front or back loop only, you can completely change the look of the stitch.

Instructions

Single Crochet (SC):
Push your hook through the “V” – place the yarn around your hook and pull back through the “V”. You now have two loops on your hook – place the yarn around your hook again and pull the hook through both loops.

Decrease Single Crochet (DEC SC):
Push your hook through the “V” – place yarn around the hook and pull back through the “V” – now push your hook through the next “V” – place yarn around the hook and pull back through leaving three loops on your hook.
Place your yarn around the hook and pull through all three loops.

Increase Single Crochet (INC SC):
Work two Single Crochets in one stitch.

Though simple this stitch is also very versatile. If you for example choose to work in either front or back loops, you can completely change the texture of your project.

When turning: A pattern may instruct you to chain 1 and skip the first stitch. If this leaves a gap, you can try two options:
1: Chain 1 as instructed but work the first single crochet in the first stitch. This may give you a bulky edge.
2: Do not chain 1 and work your single crochet in the first stitch.
The latter option is definitely my preferred option, but make sure to keep the loop a little loose so the stitch keeps the height.