Introduction To Crochet First-Stitches

No More Wonky Crochet Edges!
The Magic of First-Stitches

No More Wonky Edges!

We were all taught it... "work to the end of the row, turn, chain up to the height of the stitches in that row". While this makes sense in the grand scheme of things, it also makes for some seriously wonky edges on any stitch taller than a single crochet. AND, speaking on our experience as designers and photographer for over 300 patterns, few things look worse on a great design than wonky edges! So how does one fix this problem?

​Using the correct first-stitch for that row!

Over the next few weeks we'll be sharing 4 different techniques that will clean up your crochet edges. Not only will your raw edges look better, this will make your life SO much easier when sewing seams. SOOOOO much easier!

In this series, we're going to show you four unique techniques for making crochet First-Stitches: a way of making the first stitch of your row of crochet stitches that will keep your edges neat and clean giving your swatch a FAB finished look while avoiding the dreaded "Wonky Edge."

Here are the 4 techniques we'll be covering in this series:

1. Stacked First-Stitches
2. Linked First-Stitches
3. Wrapped First-Stitches
4. Standing First-Stitches

Stacked First-Stitch

Linked First-Stitch

Wrapped First-Stitch

Standing First-Stitch

While most of these stitches have only subtle differences, each of them will work for you in VERY different ways depending on the yarn you are using, the stitch pattern you are working with, and the fabric you are making. As you learn each of the different techniques, practice them using different stitch patterns and different weights of yarn to see what your personal preference is. Then, when it comes time for you to use them in a project, work your practice swatch using each of them until you have a result you like. We have used all of these at one time or another in our studio and even used different once in the same project when we have switched between stitch patterns. Thus the need for different techniques for making these edge stitches.

Okay… enough intro… Welcome to our newest Crochet Technique Series: First-Stitches.
Look for the Stacked First-dc tutorial tomorrow. Each Tuesday for the next 3 weeks we will showcase another technique for you. Try them all… and see what works best for you and your projects!

Don't forget to leave us a comment with thoughts as you progress through this series.
And remember to share photos of your practice swatches on social media at the links below!

Stitch On!
S&J
​the Shibaguyz

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Want to see more tutorials like this? We've compiled them all into one convenient page that we update as we add more tutorials to our site. Click on the link below and bookmark that page for future reference!

Shibaguyz Tutorial Page

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Complete Crochet Course