Hey everyone! Today you’re going to learn how to turn your work and crochet in rows in this easy, beginner-friendly step by step tutorial.

Last week we learned the triple crochet stitch (if you missed last week’s tutorial check out my photo tutorial post and YouTube video tutorial), which concluded the basic stitches we’ll be learning in my How to Crochet series.

Now we’re going to start learning some new techniques!

With the basic stitches down, you should be comfortable enough to start turning your work and working in rows. Crochet is worked in one of two methods: either in rows or in the round. Next week we’ll learn more about working in the round, but this week you’re going to learn to work in rows.

Lots of projects require you to work in rows: for example, scarves, row-by-row blankets, garments that you piece together, and many more.

If you’ve been practicing the basic stitches we’ve learned in my How to Crochet series, you’ve probably noticed that you’ve run out of chain stitches after working a few stitches. Maybe you unraveled the stitches and kept practicing in the same chain stitches. But what’s the next step once you get to the end of your chains?

No worries–in this tutorial I’ll be breaking down the process of crocheting in rows and explaining it step by step.

In this tutorial you’ll learn about turning chains, how to turn your work, and how to crochet in rows.

This photo tutorial is meant to guide you step by step through the process, but the video tutorial is up on my YouTube channel if you’d like further explanation.

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All right, let’s get to it!

What you’ll need to get started:

• A crochet hook. An H/5mm hook is the best size to use at first because it’s not too big and not too small. If you want to read more about choosing the right hook and yarn check out my post, but if you just want the short answer then use an H/5mm hook!
• Yarn. Choose a worsted weight yarn (check out my post about hooks and yarns for a breakdown of the different yarn types) in a light color so your stitches are easy to see. Soft and fuzzy yarns are typically a little more difficult to work with so stick to a regular acrylic or cotton yarn until you’re more comfortable with crocheting.
• Scissors. You’ll need to cut the yarn when you’re finished!
• Sewing needle. This is really optional but if you’re wanting to weave in your yarn ends when you’re finished then you’ll need to use a needle to do so.

Ready to learn how to work in rows?

Grab your yarn and hook and let’s get started. Watch the video tutorial and follow along with the step by step instructions here.

I’m using an aluminum Boye H/5mm crochet hook and I Love This Cotton light pink worsted weight cotton yarn. We’ll start by making a slip knot and 5 chain stitches.

For this tutorial I’m going to be working in single crochet but the same concept of turning your rows applies to any stitch. If you haven’t learned single crochet I have a photo tutorial here and a video tutorial here.

Skip the first chain and begin in the second chain from your hook.

Make a single crochet in that chain and continue to single crochet in each chain stitch until you get to the end of your chains.

You should finish with four single crochet stitches.

Now you’re going to make a chain stitch.

This is called your turning chain. Anytime you crochet in rows, you’re going to want to make a turning chain (or several, depending on the stitch you’re working in) before turning your work to match the height of your stitches and keep the sides of your rows from pulling or caving in.

If you’re working in rows of single crochet, you’ll only need to make one turning chain. If you’re doing half double crochet, you’ll need two, and three for double crochet, and four for triple crochet, and so on.

Go ahead and rotate your work so that you’re going back over the single crochet stitches you made last row.

You are now working on the “wrong side” of your work.

Insert your hook into the stitch closest to your hook, going under both loops, and make a single crochet.

Continue to single crochet in each stitch, making sure you’re inserting your hook under both loops, until you get to the end of the row. You should still have four single crochet stitches when you’re finished.

Congratulations, you just completed a row!

You should now have two rows total. Let’s start on row three.

Make a chain stitch and turn your work.

Single crochet in each stitch across until you reach the end of your row.

And that’s all there is to crocheting in rows! Continue working in this method until you reach the desired amount of rows. Once you’re comfortable working in rows of single crochet, you can try working in half double or double crochet–just make sure to adjust your turning chains accordingly.

Remember, practice makes perfect!

Next week you’ll learn how to crochet in the round.

I’d love to see your work, so feel free to share your progress in the comments, or tag me on Instagram @handmade.by.micah . If you have any questions drop them in the comments. I’m always happy to help!

Stay tuned for lesson 7 and happy crocheting!