Congratulations on completing the first steps of your crochet journey! Now that you've mastered the basics of holding your crochet hook and yarn, making a slip knot, and creating a starting chain, it's time to take your skills to the next level. In this article, we'll show you how to work different crochet stitches into your starting chain and make a turning chain when you reach the end of a row.

We'll also go over how to fasten off the yarn when you're finished with your project, so you can create beautiful and professional-looking crochet projects. Whether a beginner or an experienced crocheter, these techniques are essential for creating a wide range of crochet projects. So let's get started!

How to Work Into the Chains

Once you've made your starting chain, you're ready to work your crochet stitches into the foundation chain. There are a variety of different crochet stitches that you can use to create different patterns and textures, including single crochet (SC), half double crochet (HDC), double crochet (DC), and treble crochet (TC).

To work a single crochet stitch into the starting chain, follow these steps:

1. Insert the crochet hook into the second chain from the hook.
2. Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook from back to front.
3. Pull the yarn through the chain stitch, creating a loop on the hook.
4. Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook again and pull it through both loops on the hook.

To work a half double crochet stitch into the starting chain, follow these steps:

1. Insert the crochet hook into the third chain from the hook.
2. Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook from back to front.
3. Pull the yarn through the chain stitch, creating three loops on the hook.
4. Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook again and pull it through all three loops on the hook.

To work a double crochet stitch into the starting chain, follow these steps:

1. Insert the crochet hook into the fourth chain from the hook.
2. Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook from back to front.
3. Pull the yarn through the chain stitch, creating two loops on the hook.
4. Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook again and pull it through the first two loops on the hook.
5. Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook and pull it through the other two loops.

To work a treble crochet stitch into the starting chain, follow these steps:

1. Insert the crochet hook into the fifth chain from the hook.
2. Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook from back to front.
3. Pull the yarn through the chain stitch, creating three loops on the hook.
4. Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook again and pull it through the first two loops on the hook.
5. Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook and pull it through the next two loops on the hook.
6. Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook and pull it through the remaining three loops.

How to Make a Turning Chain in SC, HDC, DC, and TC

As you work your way down the row of crochet stitches, you'll need to turn your work at the end of each row and start a new row. To do this, you'll need to make a turning chain, a series of chain stitches that lift the height of your crochet stitches so that you can start the next row at the correct height.

The number of chains you need to make for your turning chain will depend on the crochet stitch you're using. Here's how to make a turning chain for each of the basic crochet stitches:

• Single crochet (SC): Make one chain stitch for the turning chain.
• Half double crochet (HDC): Make two chain stitches for the turning chain.
• Double crochet (DC): Make three chain stitches for the turning chain.
• Treble crochet (TC): Make four chain stitches for the turning chain.

Once you've made your turning chain, you can start working your crochet stitches into the row below, starting with the first stitch after the turning chain.

How to Fasten Off the Yarn

When you've finished your crochet project, you'll need to fasten off the yarn to secure your stitches and prevent them from unraveling. To fasten off the yarn, follow these steps:

1. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches.
2. Insert the crochet hook into the last stitch of the row.
3. Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook and pull it through the stitch, creating a loop on the hook.
4. Pull the yarn tail through the loop on the hook, tightening the knot.
5. Trim the excess yarn, leaving a small tail woven into your project's fabric.

Conclusion

Congratulations on making it through the basics of crochet! By now, you should have a good understanding of how to hold your crochet hook and yarn, make a slip knot and starting chain, work different crochet stitches into the starting chain, make a turning chain at the end of each row, and fasten off the yarn when you're finished with your project. These skills will serve as the foundation for your future crochet projects and allow you to create a wide range of beautiful and functional items.

But don't stop here! There's still much more to learn and explore in the crochet world. The possibilities are endless, from learning new stitches and techniques to experimenting with different yarns and patterns. So keep practicing, have fun, and happy crocheting!