Single crochet is one of the most familiar stitches in crochet, but did you know there are two official ways to make it? And that choosing one over the other can change your fabric, your seams, and even your gauge? Let’s take a closer look at Yarn Over (YO) vs. Yarn Under (YU) so you can pick the method that suits your project best.
This is Part 2 of our deep dive into crochet basics (see also Part 1: Double Crochet and Part 3: Half Double Crochet).
How to make Single Crochet (Sc) - Two Ways
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Yarn Over (YO) Sc — Traditional Method 1. Insert hook into stitch This is the classic single crochet most people learn first |
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Yarn Under (YU) Sc — “Hook Over” Method 1. Insert hook into stitch A tiny movement, but a big difference in the finished fabric
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How the Stitches Look Up Close
YO Single Crochet:
- Two nearly parallel legs → looks like “||”
- Straight stitch with slight row‑to‑row offset
- Taller, airier fabric
YU Single Crochet:
- Crossed legs → looks like a tiny “X”
- Slight slant that counterbalances row shifts
- Shorter, tighter, denser fabric, ideal for amigurumi
The Surprising Effect on Projects Worked in the Round
When working in joined rounds, each new round naturally shifts slightly to the right (right‑handers) or left (left‑handers). Here’s how each method behaves:
YO Single Crochet → The shift builds up over time, creating a visible spiral or slanted seam.
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RIGHT Handed Crochet |
LEFT Handed Crochet |
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YU Single Crochet → The natural slant of the stitch cancels out the round‑by‑round shift, giving you beautifully straight seams.
Symmetry in the Round (YO or YU – Both Work!)
When crocheting ovals, soles, or any shape worked in spiral rounds, YO single crochet tends to drift to one side.
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RIGHT Handed YO sc |
LEFT Handed YO sc |
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You have two easy solutions:
1. If you prefer YO: Work in joined, turned rounds (slip-stitch to join, turn your work, ch-1 to begin the next round). Turning flips the slant back and forth so it cancels itself out, keeping the shape straight.
2. If you love spiral rounds: Switch to Yarn Under (YU) single crochet. The natural twist of the stitch counterbalances the spiral drift and your shape stays perfectly centered with no extra steps
When to Choose Which Method
Use Traditional Yarn Over (YO) Sc when:
- Working flat rows (stitches line up beautifully)
- You want a softer, drapier fabric (blankets, garments, scarves)
- You prefer a gentler motion for your wrists
- You enjoy the classic look and feel
Use Modern Yarn Under (YU) Sc when:
- You want that adorable “X‑stitch” texture
- You’re making amigurumi or toys
- You need perfect symmetry in the round
- You want straight seams without extra steps
Pro Tip: Many crocheters use YO for wearables and YU for toys. You can absolutely be bilingual.
Gauge Got You Down?
If your stitch gauge matches but your row height is consistently off, try switching techniques before changing hook size.
- YU single crochet is shorter than YO
- Switching styles can instantly fix row‑gauge issues
Final Notes
The golden rule: Stay consistent within a project.
Mixing YO and YU in the same piece can create visible texture and gauge changes.
And remember, there’s no “wrong” way. The best method is the one that makes your hands happy and your project look the way you want.
Happy stitching!
1 comment
Hi Ira, your explanation of each is fantastic. I love the look of the x’s using the yarn under technique!! I definitely prefer the look of this verses the yarn over sc. Thanks for this article, it’s awesome!! 😊