Hallestam Crochet Atelier: Working in Rows — A Crochet Turning Chains Tutorial for Clean, Elegant Edges

Hallestam Design
Dec 31, 2025
3 min read

Working in rows is one of the true fundamentals of crochet — and the point where your technique begins to reveal itself. In this crochet turning chains tutorial, we explore how turning chains, edge structure, and stitch placement work together to create rows that look polished, even and intentional.

This part of the Atelier series transforms the transition between rows from something mechanical into something beautifully controlled.

Why Turning Chains Matter

Turning chains determine the height of your next row and guide the visual rhythm of your edges. A chain that is too tight collapses the fabric. A chain that is too loose creates gaps.

A balanced turning chain, however, becomes one of the most elegant details in your work.

In this crochet turning chains tutorial, we approach turning chains as an art:

matching height to stitch
maintaining symmetry on both sides
aligning visual flow to create premium structure

Mastering this gives your crochet a refined finish that feels unmistakably Hallestam.

The Guided Crochet Turning Chains Tutorial — Foundations and Technique

Each stitch height requires a corresponding turning chain structure:

Single crochet (sc): chain 1
Half double crochet (hdc): chain 2
Double crochet (dc): chain 3

The turning chain may — or may not — count as a stitch, depending on design and fabric intention.

Rule of thumb for clean edges:If you want crisp architecture → let the turning chain count as a stitch.If you want compact, solid edges → let the turning chain not count as a stitch.

Consistency is key — switching back and forth creates unevenness.

Common Turning Chain Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Mistake 1: Gaps at the Beginning of the Row

This happens when your turning chain is too tall or too loose.

Solution: Slightly tighten your yarn feed during the chain, then relax your tension for the first stitch.

Mistake 2: Slanted Row Edges

Often caused by forgetting whether the turning chain counts as a stitch.

Solution: Decide once — and follow that decision for the entire project.

Mistake 3: Collapsed Drape

A too-tight turning chain causes your edge to curl inward.

Solution: Lift your hook a touch higher during the yarn over to give the chain more breath.

Precision at the edges transforms the entire fabric.

Refining the Transition — Flow, Height and Alignment

The elegance of row-based crochet comes from the transitions.To achieve Hallestam-level refinement:

lift your hook slightly during the final pull-through of the last stitch
keep your last stitch relaxed but not loose
work into the turning chain with deliberate, even tension
align each new row visually before continuing

Think of the turning chain as a hinge — a beautiful structural moment that connects two surfaces.

Atelier Practice Project — Controlled Row Work Swatch

This practice swatch teaches you edge precision.

Instructions:

Chain 22
Row 1: sc across (20 sc)
Row 2: ch 1 (does not count), sc across (20 sc)
Row 3: ch 2 (counts as hdc), 19 hdc, hdc into top of ch-2
Row 4: ch 3 (counts as dc), 19 dc, dc into top of ch-3
Repeat Rows 1–4 twice more

This sequence combines multiple stitch heights so you experience how different turning chains influence structure, tension and visual flow.

Coming Up Next in the Crochet Atelier

The next lesson — Hallestam Crochet Atelier: Working in the Round — Structure, Flow & Symmetry — will be released on Wednesday.

Each Atelier chapter appears at a steady 7-day rhythm, helping you build skill, confidence and artistic intention.