Over the years, Crocheter’s have developed some standards that we generally use when we crochet. One of these standards is the number of turning chains we work when we are trying to build up to the height of the stitch we are using.
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Recommended Number of Turning Chains for Crochet Stitches
Remember, although these are the recommended number of turning chains for stitches, not all Designers follow these rules.
For example: When I design hats worked in the round, I often omit the slip stitch to join and the chain x number of stitches to begin the next round. I do not like the look of the seam that is created by that slip stitch and the visually different stitch created by chain x stitches.
For shorter stitches (anything shorter than a double crochet stitch), I work in continuous rounds. You can see this technique in this post.
For double crochet I use a different technique which you can see in this post: Seamless Double Crochet Hat. It eliminates the seam completely.
Recommended Number of Turning Chains (US Terms)
Slip Stitch (sl st) = 0
Single Crochet (sc) = 1
Half Double Crochet (hdc) = 2
Double Crochet (dc) = 3
Treble (or triple) Crochet (tr) = 4
Double Treble Crochet (dtr) = 5
Recommended Number of Turning Chains (UK Terms)
Slip Stitch (sl st) = 0
Double Crochet (dc) = 1
Half Treble Crochet (htr) = 2
Treble Crochet (tr) = 3
Double Treble Crochet (dtr) = 4
Triple Treble Crochet (ttr) = 5
When do we use Turning Chains?
- After we turn at the end of a row, the first stitch is often replaced by a turning chain. The number of chains you make is based upon what stitch you are going to crochet.
- When you join yarn using a slip stitch and then chain the number of stitches to replace the first stitch you will be working.
Alternatives to the Turning Chain
- Some Crocheters replace their turning chain with a stitch that is manipulated to be as tall as the first stitch in the row. They extend the loop on their hook to be almost the same height as the stitch they will be working and then begin their stitch at this extended height.
- When you join yarn you can use a standing crochet stitch to begin.
While You’re Here Get these Cheat Sheets too!
Beginner Crochet Stitches Cheat Sheet – US Terms
Beginner Crochet Stitches Cheat Sheet – UK Terms
Browse our other Crochet Tips here
Leave me a comment below with a crochet tip, or trick you like to use!
Delores Scarcella says
When I first learn to crochet I was never taught any thing about crochet and I will show you once and I was told to crochet my own pattern before I went to a book. Then learn to read the book as per the pattern that you were looking for and go from there.