Crochet techniques – Turning chains

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