Are you ready to dive into the world of crochet and create stunning masterpieces? If you’re just starting out, one of the fundamental techniques you’ll need to master is turning your work. Turning is an essential step that allows you to transition from one row or round to the next, ensuring a seamless and flawless result. Whether you’re making a cozy blanket, a stylish hat, or an intricate granny square, learning how to turn when crocheting is the gate way to unlocking your crochet potential.
Turning in crochet is a simple yet crucial technique that involves manipulating your hook and yarn in a specific way. It’s a repetitive process that becomes second nature with practice, but understanding the mechanics behind it is essential for success. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of turning, providing clear instructions and helpful tips along the way. Whether you’re a visual learner or prefer written instructions, we’ve got you covered. Once you’ve mastered the art of turning, you’ll be able to create beautiful crochet projects with confidence and ease.
So, grab your hook, some yarn, and let’s embark on this enchanting journey of crochet together. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be turning like a pro in no time! Plus, we’ve included some helpful troubleshooting tips and tricks to guide you along the way. Let the adventure begin!
Chain Stitch
Establishing the Foundation Loop
Begin by forming a “slip knot” around your hook. Pass the hook through the center loop of the slip knot from back to front, then grasp the working yarn and pull it through the loop. The loop now resting on your hook is the foundation loop.
Creating a Chain
To create a chain, insert the hook into the foundation loop from front to back, then hook the working yarn and pull it through the loop. This adds a new loop onto the hook. Continue this process, inserting the hook into the previous loop and pulling the working yarn through, to create a sequence of interconnected loops known as a chain.
The length of the chain depends on the desired size of the crocheted fabric. A longer chain will produce a wider fabric, while a shorter chain will create a narrower one.
When crocheting in rows, the chain typically serves as the base row for the following stitches. It provides the foundation upon which the fabric will be built.
Tips for Chain Stitching
- Hold the working yarn loosely to avoid tension in the chain.
- Insert the hook into the center of the loop when creating new stitches.
- Maintain a consistent stitch size for an even chain.
Single Crochet
Single crochet is the most basic crochet stitch and forms the foundation for many other crochet stitches. To single crochet, follow these steps:
- Insert your hook into the next stitch on the row.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
Yarn Over and Pull Through Both Loops
This step is where you complete the stitch. To yarn over and pull through both loops, follow these detailed steps:
- With the yarn in your left hand, bring the hook over the yarn and catch it with the hook.
- Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook, creating a new loop on the hook.
- Insert the hook into the remaining loop on the hook.
- Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the remaining two loops on the hook, completing the stitch.
The following table summarizes the steps for single crochet:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert hook into the next stitch. |
| 2 | Yarn over and pull up a loop. |
| 3 | Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook. |
Increasing Stitches
Basic Single Crochet Increase
To make a basic single crochet (sc) increase, yarn over twice, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over again, and pull up a loop. You now have three loops on the hook. Yarn over again, pull through the first two loops on the hook, and yarn over again to pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.
Double Crochet Increase
To make a double crochet (dc) increase, yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook. Yarn over again, insert the hook into the same stitch, yarn over, and pull up another loop. You now have three loops on the hook. Yarn over again, pull through the first two loops on the hook, yarn over again to pull through the remaining two loops on the hook, and yarn over again to pull through the final two loops on the hook.
Half Double Crochet Increase
To make a half double crochet (hdc) increase, yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook. You now have two loops on the hook. Yarn over again, insert the hook into the same stitch, yarn over, and pull up another loop. You now have three loops on the hook. Yarn over again, pull through the first two loops on the hook, and yarn over again to pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.
Increase in Every Stitch
To increase in every stitch, simply follow the instructions for the desired increase stitch for each stitch in the row or round. This will create a rapid increase in the width of the fabric.
| Increase Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Single Crochet Increase | Yarn over twice, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over again, and pull up a loop. Yarn over again, pull through the first two loops on the hook, and yarn over again to pull through the remaining two loops on the hook. |
| Double Crochet Increase | Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook. Yarn over again, insert the hook into the same stitch, yarn over, and pull up another loop. Yarn over again, pull through the first two loops on the hook, yarn over again to pull through the remaining two loops on the hook, and yarn over again to pull through the final two loops on the hook. |
| Half Double Crochet Increase | Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook. Yarn over again, insert the hook into the same stitch, yarn over, and pull up another loop. Yarn over again, pull through the first two loops on the hook, and yarn over again to pull through the remaining two loops on the hook. |
Half Double Crochet
The half double crochet (hdc) is a basic crochet stitch that creates a taller stitch than the single crochet. It is commonly used for creating fabrics with more texture and drape.
To make a half double crochet, follow these steps:
1. Yarn Over
With the hook in the next stitch, wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front.
2. Insert Hook
Insert the hook into the next stitch on the row.
3. Yarn Over and Pull Up a Loop
Yarn over the hook again and pull up a loop through the stitch.
4. Yarn Over and Pull Through Two Loops
Yarn over the hook and pull it through the first two loops on the hook.
5. Yarn Over and Pull Through Two Loops
Yarn over the hook again and pull it through the remaining two loops on the hook.
6. Finishing
This completes the half double crochet stitch. The stitch will now be sitting on the hook. You can now repeat these steps to create additional half double crochet stitches.
| Single Crochet | Half Double Crochet | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Shorter | Taller |
| Texture | Denser | More drapey |
| Use | Basic fabrics, amigurumi | Lace, edging, garments |
Double Crochet
To work a double crochet (dc):
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Yarn over (yo) the hook.
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Insert the hook into the next stitch on the row below.
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Yo and pull up a loop.
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Yo and pull through two loops on the hook.
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Yo and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.
Finishing the Double Crochet Turn
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Chain (ch) one stitch to turn.
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Working into the same stitch as the turning chain, insert the hook from front to back, yo, and pull up a loop. (Note: This step is slightly different from working a regular double crochet, where the hook is inserted from back to front.)
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Yo and pull through two loops on the hook.
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Yo and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.
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This completes the double crochet turn.
| Regular Double Crochet | Double Crochet Turn |
|---|---|
| Hook inserted into stitch from back to front | Hook inserted into stitch from front to back |
Changing Colors
To change colors in crocheting, follow these steps:
- Finish off the old color yarn.
- Cut a new piece of yarn and insert the hook through the last loop on the hook.
- Yarn over and draw through the loop to create a slip knot.
- Yarn over and draw through the next two loops on the hook.
- Continue crocheting in the new color.
- To tie off the old color, cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch tail.
- Insert the hook into the first stitch of the new color.
- Yarn over and draw through the loop to create a slip knot.
- Yarn over and draw through the next two loops on the hook, pulling the tail end of the old color through.
| Pulling Through Inside the Loop | Pulling Through the Body of the Stitch |
|---|---|
| Preserves the stitches shape | Blends the color changes better |
Finishing Off
After completing the final stitch, you need to finish off the crochet piece securely to prevent it from unraveling. This step involves securing the working yarn and weaving in any remaining ends.
10. Securing the Working Yarn
- Single Crochet: Insert the hook into the last loop on the hook. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.
- Half Double Crochet: Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and pull through all three loops on the hook.
- Double Crochet: Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and pull through two loops on the hook. Repeat once more, pulling through the remaining two loops.
- Other Stitches: Follow the specific instructions for the stitch being used.
After securing the working yarn, cut it, leaving a short tail.
Weaving in Ends
- Use a yarn needle or a blunt tapestry needle to weave in any remaining yarn ends.
- Insert the needle through the back of the fabric, under a few stitches.
- Bring the yarn end out to the front and insert it into the next stitch, about 1/4 inch away.
- Continue alternating weaving in and out of the fabric until the yarn end is no longer visible.
- Trim any excess yarn.
Weaving in the ends properly will ensure a neat and secure finish for your crochet piece.
How To Turn When Crocheting
Turning when crocheting is an important technique that helps to create the shape and structure of your project. It involves working the last stitch of a row differently to ensure that the next row is worked in the correct direction. There are two main methods for turning when crocheting: the chain method and the slip stitch method.
**Chain Method:**
- At the end of a row, chain 1 or the number of chains indicated in the pattern.
- The chain acts as a turning stitch and will count as the first stitch of the next row.
- Continue crocheting into the stitches of the next row as usual.
**Slip Stitch Method:**
- At the end of a row, insert the hook into the top of the last stitch worked.
- Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
- The slip stitch acts as a turning stitch and will count as the first stitch of the next row.
- Continue crocheting into the stitches of the next row as usual.
People Also Ask About How To Turn When Crocheting
What is the difference between the chain method and the slip stitch method?
The chain method involves chaining 1 or more stitches at the end of a row to turn, while the slip stitch method involves inserting the hook into the top of the last stitch worked and pulling through the yarn.
When should I use the chain method or the slip stitch method?
The chain method is typically used when you want to create a more pronounced turned edge, such as in lace or edging patterns. The slip stitch method is often used when you want a more seamless transition between rows.
Can I use both methods in the same project?
Yes, you can use both methods in the same project. For example, you could use the chain method at the beginning of rows and the slip stitch method at the end of rows.
