For part 6 of Learn to Crochet, we will finally go over how to crochet in rows! We will be working single crochet stitches in rows (that’s a U.S. term; UK double crochet stitches). The video tutorial is on YouTube, and for the blog post for this part, I wanted to include some pictures that might be helpful and the written pattern.
Begin with the Chain Stitch
You can work as many chains as you would like! I began with a chain 17 in the video.
When crocheting in rows, the number of chains that represent the height of the stitch that is being used in the pattern are skipped over at the beginning. The height of the single crochet stitch is one chain, so the first single crochet stitch is worked into the second chain. It is the one above my thumb in the second picture.
Row 1
When working into the chains, only insert the hook underneath the top loop of the chain. To demonstrate, I inserted my tapestry needle underneath the top loop in the second picture.
Counting the Stiches
Single crochet stitches look like v’s on the top. To count the stitches, count the v’s. The number of single crochet stitches should be one less than the number of chains that we began with.
The first single crochet stitch of the row is the one that the tapestry needle is pointing to in the second picture. We are not counting the chain 1 as a stitch, so do not work into the chain 1 during the next row.
The Pattern
Foundation: Chain 17.
Row 1: Skip over the first chain, and single crochet into the second chain from the hook. Single crochet into each of the following chains (there will be 15). Ch 1. Flip. (16).
Row 2: Single crochet into each single crochet stitch of the previous row (there will be 16). Ch 1. Flip. (16).
To continue: Repeat row 2 until the desired size is obtained.
How to Weave in the Ends
This video explains how to fasten off and weave in the ends:
Up next:
A pattern!
I have been trying to add some patterns into the Learn to Crochet series, so next week, we will crochet this pink checkboard swatch. The video will also explain how to adapt the pattern to make a blanket, scarf, pillow, etc. See you next week!