How to Make a Chain 1 and Turn (chain 1 & turn)
Ready to take your crochet skills to the next level? Learning how to chain 1 and turn is a game-changing step in building beautiful, clean rows. Whether you're working on a plushie or a dishcloth, understanding the turning chain for single crochet will make your stitches look smoother and more professional. At Okey Dokeys, we love making crochet easy and fun—so let’s break down exactly how and when to use the chain 1 & turn technique.
What Is a Turning Chain in Crochet?
When you're working single crochet rows, the single crochet turning chain (also called ch1 crochet) acts as a little bridge between rows. It gives your next row the height it needs and helps maintain the structure of your project.
So what is a turning chain in crochet? It's typically chain 1 (abbreviated as “ch 1”), followed by a “turn,” where you flip your work to start crocheting in the opposite direction. If you’ve been wondering how to turn crochet, you’re about to learn one of the most useful moves in your stitching journey!
Right Handed
Left Handed
What Does "Chain 1 and Turn" Mean and How to Turn Crochet?
The chain 1 & turn is a simple but important technique used to transition from one row to the next in a crochet project. After you finish a row of stitches, you need to crochet how to turn your work and begin a new row—this is where the chain 1 and turn comes in! The "chain 1" provides a little height to start the next row, and "turn" means flipping your work around to crochet in the opposite direction. That's why you need to learn how to turn crochet!
Step-by-Step Guide to Chain 1 & Turn
- Step 1. Finish the Last Stitch: Complete the last crochet stitches of your current row. Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of a row!
- Step 2. Chain 1: Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook, creating a chain stitch. This chain provides the height needed for the next row.
- Step 3. Turn Your Work: Flip your work around so that the stitches you just made are facing the opposite direction (turning chain). You’re now ready to crochet into the next row!
Common Turning Chain Mistakes
Even if you’ve already learned how to single crochet, turning and chaining introduces a few challenges:
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Skipping the turning chain: Forgetting to chain 1 causes your rows to shrink or look uneven.
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Chaining too tight: Over-tightened chains are hard to work into. Keep your tension relaxed.
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Turning inconsistently: Always turn your work the same direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) to keep your edges neat.
When to Use a Chain 1 Turning Chain
You’ll use the chain 1 and turn technique in most projects that are worked in rows, including:
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Scarves & Dishcloths: Great row-based projects to practice on.
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Blankets: Essential for keeping your sides straight and consistent.
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Amigurumi: Many plushie patterns (like our Okey Dokeys crochet kits) include flat pieces that require clean row turns.
This technique is a staple in intermediate crochet kits and beyond—but it’s also key for anyone using crochet kits for adults or trying out learn to crochet kits that involve rows.
Okey Dokeys Tip: Practice with Small Crochet Kits
Not sure where to start? Grab one of our beginner or crochet kits intermediate level projects to practice! At Okey Dokeys, our crochet animal kits and crochet kit intermediate projects often use this turning chain technique—so you’ll get real hands-on experience while making something adorable.