There are two ways of working crochet – in rows - as in vests, sweaters, most shawls, blankets etc. and in rounds – as in granny squares (starts as a round and gradually becomes a square), most motifs and any round doiley, table cloth etc.
1. In rows:
- Notice the turning chains at the end of each row.
- These bring the yarn and the hook to the same level as the stitch used in the pattern.
- The number of chains required to make the turning chain depends on the stitch used in the pattern.
- If your working tension is even, your using the turning chain table below should not be a problem.
Turning Chain Table
| European Stitch terms | American Stitch terms | No. of chains |
| Double crochet | Single crochet | 1 |
| Half treble | Half double | 2 |
| Treble | Double crochet | 3 |
| Double treble | Treble | 4 |
| Triple treble | Double Treble | 5 |
| Quadruple | Triple treble | 6 |
- Unless otherwise mentioned, use only the turning chains mentioned in the table.
- If however, your working tension is not even, then the side edge will look pulled – try using 1 more chain to even it out.
- The work is then turned to start the next row.
2. In rounds:
- Each round is completed using a slip stitch.
- Slip Stitch: At the end of the round, insert the hook into the first stitch of the round, yarn over hook, and pull it through the stitch and the loop on hook.
- Start the new round with the required number of turning chains based on the pattern stitch being used – use the turning table chart as a guide.
Note: The turning chains form the first stitch of the new row.
Tags: blankets, chains, crochet, crochet pattern, crochet techniques, crocheting, ests, shawls, sweaters