How To Start, Work, And End A Straight Piece In Crochet

So far in our Learn To Crochet series, we’ve covered Basic Tools And Materials For Learning To Crochet and Different Types Of Crochet Stitches. Today we are going to explore how you start, work a straight piece such as a scarf or blanket, and finish a crochet project.

How Do You Start A New Row When Crocheting?

After you have mastered your chains and established the foundation row of your new project, it’s time to start a new row.

First, let’s assume our project is in US crochet terms using the single crochet stitch. You will turn your work so that the stitches are now to your left if you are right-handed and to your right if you are left-handed, waiting to be worked into.

Chain 1 (ch 1). When we chain it gives us the height required for the new row of stitches. Make a single crochet into the first stitch in the row.

Continue to work one single crochet stitch in each stitch from the previous row all the way to the end. When you are done, be sure to count your stitches to ensure you have exactly the same number in the row you just completed to the first row.

Some patterns will have you skip stitches or add yarnovers but that is more advanced to give you different effects. For now, remember to focus on working the exact number of stitches per row to achieve a flat and even piece.

How Do You End A Row In Crocheting To Keep It Straight?

The first thing you’ll want to remember is that, whether you choose to turn your work clockwise or counter-clockwise, it doesn’t matter. What does matter, is that you are consistent in which you choose. You want your turning chain to twist in the same direction for the entire project.

Depending on the pattern you are following, you will either count your beginning chain as a stitch or not. Either way is fine, but again be consistent with how you do or don’t count it.

As in the first part of this post, when your stitch number is the same from row to row this is the best way to assure yourself that your piece will be straight.

How Do You Finish Crocheting?

Congratulations! You finished your first project. Now how do you finish it?

You’ll need to fasten off the yarn and secure it so it won’t unravel all your hard work. Cut your yarn with a tail that is about three to five inches long. Take your hook, yarn over, and draw the tail through the loop on your hook. Take out the hook and pull on the tail to tighten. Your project is complete.

Video Tutorial

This post was originally published on February 21, 2020.