How to crochet in rows

Crochet in rows to make flat pieces, like scarves or blankets. In the video below, we'll cover the following steps to get you started crocheting in the round:

How to crochet in rows (step-by-step with photos)

1. Crochet a foundation chain.2. To start the next row, skip the first ch from the hook, unless otherwise written. Insert the hook under the back loop of the second ch from the hook.

3. Crochet all stitches of this second row through the back loops of the foundation chain.
4. When you reach the end of the row, ch 1 and turn.5. Remember that the first stitch of a new row gets crocheted into the second stitch from the hook. The hook should also go under both top loops of the previous row.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 until you finish the pattern.

Still have questions?

To start a second row in crochet, you just need to flip your work like the page of a book so that you can keep on crocheting into the previous row of stitches. To make the next single crochet row, chain 1, insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, and complete one single crochet. Then keep going and make a single crochet in each chain all the way across.

To count the number of rows worked in your crochet project, look for rows of V's. Each line of vertical V's is a row. And each line of horizontal bars with upside-down V's below the bars is also a row. Crocheted rows have these two different looks, because when crocheting in rows, you must turn the piece to keep on crocheting into both the front and back sides of the piece. So the horizontal bars with the upside-down V's below them are what a row of stitches looks like from the back side. Have a look at our step-by-step video tutorial, which takes you through how to count rows.


If you're working on a pattern, it's a good idea to keep track of the number of rows you've completed, so you can make sure you're on track with the pattern. Some people like to use a row counter or mark up a piece of paper each time they finish a row. You can also use stitch markers to help you know which row you're on. Whatever works best for you!

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