How to Crochet the Second Row: Turning, Turning Chains and the First Stitch
The second row is where most beginners get stuck: which way to turn, how many chains, and which stitch to go into first. Step by step for single, half double and double crochet, with pictures of where to put the hook.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Time
- 15 minutes
You'll need
- Your first row
- Stitch markers
In this post
To start the second row, turn your work so the hook is on the right again, make the turning chain for your stitch, and work into the top of the first stitch. For single crochet: ch 1, turn, single crochet into the very first stitch (the one at the base of the chain). Insert the hook under both loops of the V at the top of each stitch, and work all the way to the last stitch.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
Second row, step by step
- Finish row 1 with the loop on the hook.
- Turning chain: Ch 1 for single crochet, ch 2 for half double, ch 3 for double crochet.
- Turn: Rotate the work like turning a page, so the last stitch you made is now on the right. Always turn the same way.
- Find the first stitch: Look at the top of the row. Each stitch is a V. The first V is right next to the turning chain.
- Insert the hook under both loops of the V, front to back, and complete the stitch.
- Continue into each V across. The last stitch is easy to miss — it's the first stitch of row 1, tucked by the edge.
- Count: Row 2 should have the same number of stitches as row 1.
Does the turning chain count?
| Stitch | Turning chain | First stitch of the new row goes into |
|---|---|---|
| Single crochet | Ch 1 — doesn't count | The first stitch |
| Half double crochet | Ch 2 — usually doesn't count | The first stitch |
| Double crochet | Ch 3 — usually counts as the first dc | The second stitch; end with a dc in the top of the previous ch-3 |
Getting this wrong makes the piece shrink or grow: why your crochet gets smaller.
Practice project
A dishcloth in single crochet is nothing but second rows — the best practice there is. Then learn how to count stitches and keep straight edges.
Common questions
Do I chain before or after turning?
Either works; most patterns say "ch 1, turn". The result is the same as long as you're consistent.
Where do I put my hook in the second row?
Under both loops of the V at the top of each stitch of the row below, unless the pattern says front or back loop only.
Why does my second row have fewer stitches?
You probably missed the last stitch at the end of the row. It sits right at the edge, under the turning chain from row 1.
Did row 2 click for you? 🙌
Stuck on a step? Crochet Help & Fixes answers the most common problems — curling, shrinking, wavy circles and more.
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