How to Crochet Turning Chains (for Beginners)

Turning chains in crochet are used at the start of a new row to lift the yarn to the correct height for the next stitches. Different crochet stitches require different numbers of turning chains depending on their height. This beginner tutorial will show you how to crochet turning chains, how many chains each stitch needs, and how to avoid uneven edges and gaps at the sides of your crochet.

BEGINNERS: Also read my article on how to crochet for beginners to get some more tricks and tips to get you started.

How to do a crochet turning chain:

1. Finish at the end of your row.
2. Yarn over.
3. Pull through. This is a single chain stitch.
4. Repeat for the required number of turning chains.

Does the Turning Chain Count as a Stitch?

In crochet, some turning chains count as the first stitch of the row while others do not.

Usually:

• single crochet turning chains do NOT count as a stitch
• half double crochet sometimes counts as a stitch
• double crochet and taller stitches usually DO count as a stitch

❤️ BEGINNER TIP: Always check your crochet pattern because designers may use different turning chain methods.

Turning Chains for Different Stitches

Single Crochet TCH

❤️ The turning chain for single crochet is 1. If your crochet fabric is worked from single crochet stitches, the turning chain is not counted as a stitch.

1. So you will work your row of single crochet into your foundation chain.
2. Then chain 1 as your turning chain, turn your work, then place your hook into the first stitch from the hook.

Because the turning chain is not counted as a stitch, you must not work into this stitch at the end of the row. Just ignore that turning chain!

IMPORTANT – With all the other stitches, the turning chain counts as the first stitch of the next row.

Half Double Crochet TCH

❤️ The crochet turning chain for half double crochet is 2.

1. Add 2 extra chain stitches to your foundation chain.
2. Turn, work your first row of half double crochet into the foundation chain.
3. Chain 2 stitches as the turning chain, turn your work and insert the hook into the second stitch from the hook to start the next row.
4. When you get to the end of the row, work your final half double crochet into the top of that first turning chain.

There is some disagreement amongst crocheters about the half double crochet turning chain. Some feel you should count the turning chain as a stitch, some feel it is small enough not to be counted as a stitch. My personal opinion is that you should count it as a stitch, and I think this is the view of the majority of crocheters.

Double Crochet TCH

❤️ The turning chain for double crochet is 3.

1. Add 3 extra stitches to your foundation chain.
2. Turn, work your first row of double crochet stitches into the foundation chain.
3. Chain 3 stitches as the turning chain. Place your hook into the third stitch from the hook, and continue with the row of double crochet.
4. When you get to the end of the row, work your final double crochet into the top of that first turning chain.

Treble Crochet TCH

❤️ The turning chain for treble crochet is 4.

1. Add 4 extra stitches to your foundation chain.
2. Turn, work your first row of treble crochet stitches into the foundation chain.
3. Chain 4 stitches as the turning chain. Place your hook into the 2^nd stitch from the row below, and continue with the row of treble crochet.
4. When you get to the end of the row, work your final treble crochet stitch into the top of the first turning chain.

Troubleshooting Turning Chains

Many, many crocheters struggle with the turning chains for a couple of reasons. These problems usually arise only when working with taller stitches. Here are some common turning chain problems and how to fix them.

Problem	Cause	Solution
Gaps at edges	Turning chain too loose	Use one less chain
Uneven sides	Missed stitches	Count stitches carefully
Shrinking rows	Skipping turning chain accidentally	Work into top of turning chain
Curled edges	Tight tension	Relax chain tension
Wobbly edges	Inconsistent turning chains	Keep chain size even

Gaps in Sides with Turning Chain Crochet

You may find gaps along the sides of your work. This is because although those chains are the correct height, they are still narrower than the actual stitch you are using. This causes a gap at the side. This can be remedied by working one less chain than is recommended for the turning chain for that stitch. This pulls the chain up more tightly, leaving less of a gap at the side.

Uneven Edges with Turning Chains

Others complain that their sides are uneven rather than straight. The solution is to ensure you are working into the correct stitch in the row below as you start your new row. (See above notes for how to work turning chains for each stitch.) Another reason for uneven rows is that you have forgotten to work the final stitch of the row into the turning chain. If this is the case, your rows will get shorter and shorter, so do keep counting your stitches to make sure you always have the correct number of stitches per row.

Alternative Turning Chain

Some crocheters prefer stacked single crochet instead of traditional turning chains because it creates straighter edges with fewer gaps. A stacked single crochet is made by working one or more single crochet stitches on top of each other to match the height of taller stitches, such as double crochet or treble crochet.

Turning Chain Crochet FAQs

In Conclusion

Turning chains is an important crochet technique because they lift each new row to the correct height for the stitches being worked. Once you understand how many chains each stitch requires and whether the turning chain counts as a stitch, your crochet edges will become much neater and more even. Although turning chains can feel confusing initially, they quickly become second nature with practice and are an essential skill for creating smooth professional-looking crochet fabric.