Free Crochet Video Tutorials: Learn to Crochet Video Series

Turning the Work ("turn")

Description: At the end of a row, it's necessary to chain for height in order to turn and begin a new row. The following chart explains how many chains to use in the turning chain (known as "tch"). Notice that some stitches have two choices for the height of this tch. This is based on the preference of not only the designer who authored the pattern, but the individual creating that pattern itself; it's your choice as to which you prefer: br>

Single Crochet: Chain 1

Half Double Crochet: Chain 2

Double Crochet: Chain 2 or 3

Triple (Treble) Crochet: Chain 3 or 4

Double Triple (Treble) Crochet: Chain 4 or 5

With the actual turning, it doesn't matter which way you turn (left to right, or right to left), so long as you are consistent in which way you turn. It's also important to note that some patterns will ask you to create the tch first, then turn and vice versa. This is another nuance based not only on the writing style of the designer but also how the pattern is structured or planned; in some instances, it's necessary to know how long the tch is before actually turning.

Lastly, it's important to note where the first stitch is placed and why it's placed there. If you are creating an afghan, scarf, or some other square or rectangular-shaped fabric, "blanket turning" would be most useful as it would create straight edges. In this scenario, you would chain for height, turn the work, skip the first stitch, and place the hook in the second stitch to start the new row. The turning chain would count as the first stitch, and the stitch placed in the second spot in the row would be the second stitch. At the end of the same row, the last stitch would be placed in the tch from the previous row and would count as the last stitch.

Conversely, if you are creating a wearable item, where two or more seams will be joined and stitched together, try employing "garment turning." This will be helpful when lining up those seams for stitching. To do this, chain for height, turn, and place the hook in the first stitch to start the new row. The tch will not count as the first stitch. Continue crocheting across the row, placing the last stitch in the last stitch from the previous row and skipping the tch.

Directions: Chain for height (see chart above), turn, place hook in second stitch (for "blanket turning") or in first stitch (for "garment turning")

Tunisian Videos What is crochet? Basic Stitches Chain Stitch Slip Stitch Single Crochet Single Crochet Dec Extended SC Extended SC Dec Half Double Half Double Dec Double Crochet Double Dec Treble Crochet Treble Crochet Dec. Double Treble Double Treble Dec Triple Treble Triple Treble Dec Fancy Stitches Back Cross Stitch Bobble Stitch Bullion Stitch Cluster Stitch Double Sol. Knot Front/Back Loops Front/Back Posts Front Cross Stitch Loop Stitch Picot Stitch Popcorn Stitch Puff Stitch Shell Stitch Solomon's Knot Spike Stitch Unentangled CS V Stitch Misc. Turning the Work Changing Yarn Joining Motifs Joining New Yarn Work Between Sts Working in Rounds Weave in Ends
Video Clips  COMING SOON  COMING SOON  Stitch Close-up	Featured Pattern: None Additional Resources: "Detour! Turning and Beginning New Rows in Crochet article

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