HDC- Where to start?

AmeliaB28 wrote

on Sep 7, 2009 7:31 PM

I have read two different places to start the next row of half double crochet.

2. Start in the first stitch, hdc across, do NOT stitch into the turning chain.

The first way was listed in the book that I bought to teach me crochet, but as I was practicing I got holes at the ends of every other row. So, I did some research online and in other books and saw this other way (#2). I prefer that. However, there are multiple sources that list #1 as the proper way. And I can find no reference where both ways are listed or why the two ways exist.

4. If you do stitch into the turning chain, where do you put the hook?

Thanks. Amelia

theonlynikki wrote

on Sep 9, 2009 6:20 AM

No, both are correct. It's pretty much a matter of preference. Try making a practice square with each method and see which one looks nicer to you.

No idea. Everyone does things differently.

They're not EXACTLY the same, no. But they both get the approproate amount of stitches across the row.

Between the chain you made at the start of the previous row and the first HDC.

I hope this helped a little at least!

AmeliaB28 wrote

on Sep 10, 2009 1:10 PM

Thank you very much. When I do the first method I get a hole at the end of every row (left, then right, then back again.) Am I doing something wrong? Also, regarding #4, do I go through the second chain of the turning chain like when you are stitching into a chain (under only one piece of yarn up through the middle of the v?). Thanks again.

crochet obsessed wrote

on Sep 12, 2009 6:07 AM

Actually the hole should be at the beginning of your rows where the chain is at and not at the end of your rows. This is important to understand so you learn to "read" your crochet piece. What is happening (or should be happening) is your chain counted as your first stitch but it is a bit more to the right side than your other stitches which creates the hole. This also means that you did this method correctly.

Regarding #4 Personally I go down a bit as it tend to make my edge a straighter and I prefer that look. But I really can not say if that is the "proper" way of doing it.

Katherine

theonlynikki wrote

on Sep 14, 2009 6:40 AM

I think it's a matter of preference and also depends on the design you're making. I usually go through the empty space between the chain and the previous stitch, not in the chain itself.

Just try several different methods and see which one looks best for you! :) Best of luck