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 Video 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