Turn the crochet fabric and get straight edges
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When crocheting in rows, we move from right to left . When we reach the end of a row, we need to turn the work so we can begin the next row and make our work grow upwards.
This step seems simple, but it is key to ensuring your fabric has a uniform shape and straight edges.
How to turn the fabric at the end of each row
When finishing a row, there are two steps to take:
-
Chains → we raise the number of chains that corresponds to the height of the stitch we are going to knit in the new row:
- Single crochet → 1 chain
- Half stitch → 2 chains
- Double crochet → 3 chains
- Double crochet → 4 chains
- Triple crochet → 5 chains
- Turn the work → rotate the knitting so it's on the left side of the hook. Then, knit from right to left on the new row.
The last stitch of the previous row now becomes the first reference point of the new row.
Video tutorial
🎥 How to turn a crochet pattern
Where to start knitting after spinning?
It will depend on the point:
- For single crochet or half crochet: the rising chains do not count as a stitch , so we knit the first stitch directly into the first stitch of the previous row.
- For double crochet and higher stitches: chain stitches usually count as a stitch . In this case, the first real stitch is made in the second stitch of the previous row .
How to get straight edges in crochet
One of the most common problems when starting out is that the edges of your work come out crooked or uneven. This happens for two reasons:
-
Losing or adding stitches on the edges → by not identifying which is the first or last stitch, rows are made with more or fewer stitches than necessary.
👉 Solution: Always count the stitches at the end of each row and use markers. - Using the rising chains → starting from the double crochet, the rising chains replace the first stitch, which often creates gaps on the sides.
Trick to avoid gaps on the edges
If you are bothered by the gaps on the sides when knitting double crochet stitches, you can apply this trick:
- Make one less chain stitch in height . Example: instead of chaining 3 for the double crochet, make only 2.
- Knit the first stitch into the first stitch of the previous row (do not skip).
- Chain stitches no longer count as a stitch → your first stitch is your first real stitch.
- At the end of the row, do not knit in the chain stitches from the previous row, but rather in the last stitch of that row.
👉 Result: tighter edges and no annoying gaps.
Conclusion
Knowing how to turn your fabric correctly and control your rising chains is key to ensuring your work has a uniform finish and straight edges. With practice and this little trick to avoid gaps, your projects will look much more professional.
👉 Continue in the next chapter: Changing colors in crochet
👉 Return to the index of the ONLINE COURSE TO LEARN TO CROCHET