Turning chains are an important part of many crochet patterns. Sometimes it can be confusing to know or understand exactly how they are helpful, when to use them and if they count as a stitch. Let’s break down crochet turning chains…
For this tutorial, it will be focused on projects worked flat and in rows.
No matter what your skill level is, you have probably encountered some version of “CH 2 and turn” or “CH 1 and turn”. But what exactly is the purpose of it? Let’s start with the basics and see the number of chains needed to represent specific stitches:
Single Crochet (SC) – 1 CH
Half Double Crochet (HDC) – CH 2
Double Crochet (DC) – CH 3
Triple/Treble Crochet (TR) – CH 4
What Is A Turning Chain?
The turning chain helps to establish the height of the next row or round to match the stitches used within that section. For example, if you are making a row entirely of single crochet stitches, making a CH 1 at the beginning creates a building block to work that line of single crochet stitches. You essentially are creating a CH that mimics the height of the stitches that follow. It helps to create an even edge and can be beneficial in avoiding issues with tension and pulling on the sides.
What Is A Beginning Chain?
While a beginning chain does the job of a turning chain, I also like to think of it has the beginning of the row because it typically counts as the first stitch.
Turning Chain VS. Beginning CH
You might see different terms depending on the instructions within the pattern you are using. Something like “CH 3 and turn” is typically what is used for a turning CH. In that case, usually the turning chain does not usually count as a stitch. It helps to transition to the next row and establish the correct height needed to match the stitches that will be placed afterwards. It’s usually worded as the last step of the row.
For example:
In a row that will have 11 double crochet stitches, if the pattern says, “CH 3 and turn your work”, often it means that the CH 3 is simply used to establish height and is not part of the actual pattern. The first DC of the row will be placed in the very first stitch. The CH 3 is ignored and not counted as part of the row.
Sometimes, you might see a pattern written with something like “after placing the last stitch, do not CH 3. Turn your work instead”. When a pattern is written in this way, it usually sets up the next row to begin with a chain which will act as an actual stitch and be counted as part of a stitch count for that row or round. When the chain stitch is used in this manner, I consider it a beginning chain as it’s the first thing done after the work is flipped and often counts as the first stitch as the row.
For example:
In a row that has 11 double crochet stitches, if the beginning CH 3 counts a stitch, you will place the first actual double crochet in the second stitch. The first stitch of the row is being used as the holder for the beginning CH 3. It can create a small gap and might seem like you are skipping a stitch but since that CH 3 counts as 1 double crochet, we don’t need to add another. We would continue to place 1 double crochet into each stitch across the row. At the end, we would have 10 actual double crochet stitches, but we are counting the beginning CH 3 as one double crochet so we would finish the row with a count of 11 double crochet stitches.
What About The Next Row?
When a beginning chain counts as a stitch, it will be the last stitch you work into in the following row.
For example:
If you are crocheting 1 DC into each stitch across, the last DC will be placed in the top CH of the beginning CH 3 from the previous row.
When turning chains are involved and not counted as stitches, it is ignored and the last stitch of the row is placed into the first actual stitch from the previous row.
The same examples can be used when working in rounds. Pay attention to whether the beginning CH counts as a stitch or not. Since working in rounds doesn’t usually require you to “turn your work”, you might only see the term beginning chain.
How Do I Know What To Do?
When you start a project, reading through the notes and the entire pattern should provide all the necessary information to help you complete it successfully. However, it really does come down to the personal preference of the designer and what they are going for within their pattern.
As an example, a beginning CH 3 might not necessarily be representing a double crochet. I often replace a beginning CH 3 with a CH 2 in my patterns because I find it creates less of a gap in the sides of the project. It can depend on the yarn, the tension…a variety of things. Each designer has their own style and their own techniques which can be a wonderful thing, but it can also make it confusing which is why reading the notes and pattern prior to starting can save you a headache at the end.
Helpful Tips:
- Sometimes, the terms beginner chains and turning chains are used interchangeably. Pay attention to the pattern notes for specific instructions and details
- If you find your beginning chains too tight to stitch into, try a looser tension
- Place a stitch marker in the top of your chain if it counts as a stitch to help you remember to work into it later
- Keep in mind that there are other alternatives to turning chains such as stacked stitches which can mimic the height of the stitches being used. While it can be easier and slightly neater when it comes to the edges, it might change the tension or create an issue later on. If you’d like to deviate from what is written in the pattern, a swatch is always recommended to ensure that your project works up as intended
I hope you found this tutorial helpful! Happy crocheting!