Turn crochet work and achieve straight edges

When crocheting in rows, we work from right to left. When we reach the end of a row, we need to turn the work so we can start the next one and make our project grow upwards.

This step may seem simple, but it is essential for keeping your crochet uniform and your edges straight.

How to turn your work at the end of each row

When you finish a row, you need to take two steps:

• Turning chains → make the number of chains corresponding to the height of the stitch you are going to work in the new row:
  • Single crochet → 1 chain
  • Half double crochet → 2 chains
  • Double crochet → 3 chains
  • Treble crochet → 4 chains
  • Double treble crochet → 5 chains
• Turn the work → rotate the piece so it is to the left of the hook. This allows you to crochet from right to left again in the new row.

The last stitch of the previous row now becomes the first reference stitch of the new row.

Video tutorial

🎥 How to turn your crochet work 

Where to start crocheting after turning?

It depends on the stitch:

• For single and half double crochet: the turning chains do not count as a stitch, so work the first stitch directly into the first stitch of the previous row.
• For double crochet and taller stitches: the turning chains usually count as a stitch. In that case, work the first actual stitch into the second stitch of the previous row.

How to get straight edges in crochet

One of the most common problems when starting out is ending up with crooked or uneven edges. This happens for two reasons:

1. Losing or adding stitches at the edges → if you do not identify the first or last stitch correctly, your rows may have more or fewer stitches than needed.
   👉 Solution: always count your stitches at the end of each row and use stitch markers.
2. Using turning chains → from double crochet onwards, the turning chains replace the first stitch, which often creates gaps along the sides.

A trick to avoid gaps at the edges

If the gaps left along the sides when working double crochet bother you, try this trick:

• Make one fewer turning chain. Example: instead of making 3 turning chains for double crochet, make only 2.
• Work the first stitch into the first stitch of the previous row (do not skip it).
• The turning chains no longer count as a stitch → your first stitch is your first actual stitch.
• When you finish the row, do not work into the turning chains from the previous round; work into the last stitch of that row instead.

👉 Result: neater edges with no annoying gaps.

Conclusion

Knowing how to turn your work correctly and control the turning chains is essential for achieving a uniform finish and straight edges. With practice and this little trick to avoid gaps, your projects will look much more professional.

👉 Continue to the next chapter: Change color in crochet

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