How To Split Single Crochet (ssc), Round & Flat

The split single crochet stitch has been hot this year and will good reason! It gives that 'knit look' stitch to crocheters and can be very fun to work with. This stitch tends to be a bit denser than regular single crochet because of how it works, but the results are useful for all sorts of projects.

My favorite patterns so far that use the Split Single Crochet (Split Stitch) are the Winter Crochet Slippers and the Quick & Cushy Slippers. This stitch offers a lot of comfort with a clean look. And then, even more recently, the Magical Crochet Stitches have danced across my hooks with stunning results.

So what is a Split Single Crochet? And how is it done?

It's easier than you think and is just a bit of a twist on the single crochet.

Royal Antler Crochet Mock Cable Bag — Royal Antler Crochet Bag

Table of Contents

Do you want to know How To Split Single Crochet (ssc) for that knit look, that’s crochet?

Split Single Crochet: (aka knit stitch)

This stitch is worked as single crochet but where the hook is inserted is the only difference. The hook will be inserted between the ‘V’ of the stitch.

Insert hook between the legs of the stitch (on the back of the work, the hook should be under the horizontal bar and between the upside-down ‘V’ shape as well), yarn over, pull up a loop to the height of a single crochet, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook. Keep your hands loose and comfortable. If your hands start to hurt, then the tension of the stitch is too tight. When entering the stitch, pull up the loop twice as high than you normally would; it will give the ‘V’ more space for the next round and make working the ssc comfortable.

I often try to mimic my crochet and knit designs just for fun. It can be a challenge, but a fun challenge. I find crochet and knit to be like two different languages. They are similar in that they both use yarn and tools but differ in how they are shaped, written, and created.

The best place to start learning this stitch is with the How to Crochet the Knit Purl Stitch tutorial to create a swatch, which can also be turned into a pumpkin!

The Split Single Crochet Worked in Rounds

The Split Single Crochet Worked in Rows
(2 Different Methods)

When trying out the Split Stitch, here are a few helpful tips:
Keep your hands loose and comfortable. If your hands start to hurt, then the tension of the stitch is too tight. When entering the stitch, pull up the loop a bit more than you normally would, it will give the ‘V’ more space for the next round and make working the ssc comfortable.

This stitch is worked as a single crochet but where the hook is inserted is the only difference. The hook will be inserted between the ‘V’ of the stitch.

Join to the center of split stitch when working in the round with a join.

Do not pull Magic Circle (Ring) closed tight until first two rounds are complete.
Keep stitches loose and go up a hook size on the first few rounds if needed. The first few rounds will be the most challenging due to increasing, but it gets easier as it goes. If you crochet tight, go up a hook size.

What type of patterns can you make with the Split Single Crochet?

So many new patterns are being created here on Briana K Designs, and lately, there is an obsession with anything knit-look. Briana K recently released a series of brand new stitches that use split single crochet. In her new course, Magical Crochet Stitches, she takes the stitch even further to mimic knit lace and knit mock cables.

See The Magical Crochet Stitches Course

More Crochet Stitches

Once you have mastered the basic crochet stitches, learning how to crochet the waistcoat stitch flat is a great next step. The waistcoat stitch creates an open, airy texture that is perfect for creating light shawls and summer garments.

Crochet half double crochet in the round by making a slip knot and chaining three. Wrap the yarn around your hook, insert it into the second chain from the hook, and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through all three of the loops on your hook, creating one half-double crochet stitch.

To create the inverted V stitch, yarn over and insert your hook into the top of the previous half double crochet stitch. Pull up a loop, yarn over again and pull through all three loops on your hook. This creates one inverted V stitch.

To crochet the knit stitch, yarn over and insert your hook into the bottom of the previous inverted V stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over one more time and pull through all three loops on your hook. This creates one knit stitch.