- CraftCrochet
- US abbreviationtch
- UK abbreviationtch
- Most loops on hook1
What is turning chain?
The few chains you make at the end of a row to bring your hook up to the height of the next row. Getting it right is the key to straight edges.
In a pattern you will see it written as tch in both US and UK patterns.
How to do it, step by step
- At the end of a row, chain to the height of the next stitch: ch 1 for sc, ch 2 for hdc, ch 3 for dc.
- Turn the work like a page in a book.
- Check the pattern to see if this chain counts as a stitch.
The mistake to watch for
Most "my work keeps getting wider" problems come from the turning chain. Count it the same way every row.
If you are left-handed
Hold the hook in your left hand and the yarn in your right. Work rows from left to right, and read any chart diagram as a mirror image.
Practise it on a free pattern
These patterns from Crochet Counter use turning chain:
Related stitches
Questions
What is the most common mistake with turning chain?
Most "my work keeps getting wider" problems come from the turning chain. Count it the same way every row.
How many loops are on the hook?
At the busiest moment of turning chain there is 1 loop on the hook.
Keep count with Crochet Counter
The app has this stitch and 31 more in its stitch dictionary, in US or UK terms, with a row counter for every project. The core app is free, has no ads and needs no account. Pro is optional.
