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Shallow single crochet is a single crochet with one change: instead of going under the two top loops, the hook goes into the body of the stitch below, between its two legs. The stitch sits lower on the row, which is where the name comes from.
That small change makes a fabric that looks woven or knit rather than crocheted. The rows pack close together, the surface is flat, and the usual single crochet gaps disappear.
It's an intermediate stitch only because the hook placement takes a few rows to see. If you can single crochet, you can do this; you just have to aim lower. The thing that makes it work is a relaxed previous row, so there's room to get the hook in.
Watch: Shallow Single Crochet Video Tutorial
Watch where the hook enters each stitch, below the top loops and between the two vertical strands, and how the first and last stitch of each row are placed.
What You Need
Yarn: worsted weight, as in the swatch. The split in each stitch is easier to find in a medium-weight yarn. A smooth, light-colored yarn shows the two legs of each stitch clearly, which matters more here than for almost any other stitch.
Hook: 5.0mm (US H-8), or one size larger than you'd use for plain sc, since this fabric tightens up.
Abbreviations (US terms): CH = chain; SC = single crochet; SSC = shallow single crochet (defined in the pattern); st(s) = stitch(es).
Stitch multiple: any number of stitches, plus 1 chain. The swatch chains 23 for 22 stitches.
Shallow Single Crochet Written Pattern
Size: 6"x6"
Yarn: 25 g or 38yds of DGY worsted weight recycled silk
Crochet Hook: 5.0mm
Abbreviations: CH- Chain; SC- Single Crochet; SSC- Shallow Single Crochet - SC into the center of the previous SC post
Pattern:
CH 23
Row 1: Working into second CH from hook SC. SC in all CH sts. Turn. (22)
Row 2: CH 1, SSC across. Turn. (22)
Rows 3-29: Repeat row 2.
Notes: See video for placement of SC sts.
Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works
- Make a plain row first. Row 1 is ordinary single crochet into the chain, 22 stitches. This gives you a row of stitches with visible posts to work into.
- Find the split. Look at the next stitch from the front. Below the two top loops there's an upside-down V made of two strands. The hook goes into the center of that V, through the post, not under the top loops.
- Pull up a loop and finish like sc. Yarn over, draw the loop out through the post, yarn over, pull through both loops on the hook. The new stitch sits lower and tighter than a normal sc.
- Repeat across. Every stitch goes into the post of the stitch below. The chain 1 at the start doesn't count as a stitch; work the first ssc into the first stitch.
- Rows stack straight. Because each stitch is anchored in the middle of the one below, the columns line up like knit stitches and the rows are short, which is why this swatch needs 29 rows to reach 6 inches.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Keep the row below loose. If you can't get the hook into the post, the previous row is too tight. Go up a hook size rather than forcing it.
- Don't drift to the top loops. Working under the top loops by accident makes a taller, looser stitch and a visible line across the fabric. If a row looks different, that's usually why.
- Count at the ends. The last stitch of a row is hard to see because its post is at the edge. The count should stay 22; watch the video for placement.
- Right side: the side facing you as you work shows the flat woven look best. Mark it.
- Plan for more yarn and more rows. This swatch used 38 yards of worsted, more than a plain sc square, because the rows compress.
What to Make With the Shallow Single Crochet Stitch
- Bags and clutches: the dense, flat fabric doesn't stretch and hides what's inside. Worsted or bulky yarn.
- Baskets: in bulky yarn the fabric stands up on its own.
- Hats with a knit look: in DK or worsted, with a beanie shape; the stitch columns read like stockinette.
- Placemats and coasters: cotton or worsted; they lie flat and wash well.
Related Stitches
- Single Crochet Stitch — learn this first; shallow sc is the same motions with a different hook placement.
- Waistcoat Stitch — the in-the-round cousin, also worked into the post for a knit look.
- Front Loop Single Crochet — another placement change on plain sc, for a ridged fabric.
- Browse every crochet stitch tutorial
Yarn for This Stitch
A smooth yarn is close to required here so you can see the split. A worsted weight is easiest to learn in. For a lighter knit-look fabric, a sport weight silk, hand-dyed by artisans in India, shows the stitch columns and keeps the fabric from going stiff.
If you'd like a new skein to practice on every month, Yarn of the Month sends three hand-dyed skeins with a knit and crochet pattern written for them, $29 a month plus shipping.
Shallow Single Crochet FAQ
Is shallow single crochet the same as the waistcoat stitch?
They're close relatives. Both work into the post of the stitch below. Waistcoat is usually worked in the round and looks most like knitting that way; shallow single crochet is worked flat in turned rows.
Does it curl?
A little, toward the right side, because the rows are so compressed. Light blocking fixes it, and the pattern's 6x6 inch swatch blocks flat.
Does shallow single crochet use more yarn?
Yes, more than plain single crochet, because the rows are shorter and you need more of them. This swatch used about 38 yards of worsted for 6 inches.
