Ditch turning chains and use starting stitches instead. Starting stitches are the neatest way to start a new row in crochet. They create neat edges, rather than the bumpy, uneven edges that turning chains create. They are easy to do and are the best crochet hack I can teach you!
Ditch the Turning Chain
You were probably taught to chain 1, not count that chain as a stitch and then begin working into the first stitch of the row. This leads to a bumpy edge that doesn’t look as neat as it could be.
Use a Starting double/ single crochet instead
Step 1 – Turn your work ready to start a new row. Extend the live loop on your hook a little.
Step 2 – Hook through first stitch of row (no turning chain required).
Step 3 – Yarn around hook, pull up a loop (two loops on hook).
Step 4 – Yarn around hook and pull through both loops. That completes a starting double/ single crochet.
Apart from the slight extension of the live loop at the very beginning, the Starting Double/ Single Crochet is just a standard double/ single crochet, but…
Starting stitches are a crochet game changer and its well worth learning starting half treble and treble stitches too (they are linked below).
Prefer a Photo tutorial?
Just click here to be taken to my video tutorial on starting double crochets (US starting single crochets).
Other Useful Tutorials
- Starting Extended Double Crochet (US Starting Extended Single Crochet) is here as a video tutorial, OR here as a photo tutorial.
- Starting Half Treble Crochet (US Starting Half Double Crochet) is here as a video tutorial, OR this photo tutorial.
- Starting Treble Crochet (US Starting Double Crochet) is here as a video tutorial, OR here as a photo tutorial.
Patterns That Use Starting Double/ Single Stitches
- Arete Cowl/ Wrap
- Stiallach Bag
- Kinbaine Shawl
