How to Crochet on the Other Side of a Chain

You'll be crocheting into the top and bottom loops of your base chain.

One way to crochet in the round is to crochet along one side of the base chain and then to make another row of stitches on the other side of the chain. Unlike a standard circular or spiral pattern, crocheting in the other side of the loops of the base chain creates an oval shape. The longer the base chain, the wider the oval shape will be. Use this technique to create oval floor rugs, place mats or other home decor projects.

Instructions

1. Make a base chain of as many stitches as are called for in your pattern.

2. Make the stitches normally up to the point where the pattern dictates that you crochet in the other side of the loops. If you aren't following a pattern, make a stitch in each chain until you reach the last chain.

3. Turn when you have made a stitch in the final chain. Your work should now be upside down, with your base chain at the top of your work and the stitches you've just made facing downward.

4. Make your first stitch into the free loops of the same base chain into which you made your last stitch. Continue to make stitches into the bottom loops of each chain until you reach the end.

5. Continue to crochet around as dictated by your pattern. You can either join the row with a slip stitch when you reach the end, or continue in a spiral pattern by making the first stitch of the next row into the first stitch of row one.

Tips & Warnings

• Use this technique to make a simple, inexpensive floor mat. Cut or tear old bedsheets into one-inch strips and use a "P" hook to single crochet them into an oval rug. Use the strips like you would yarn, tying in new strips as needed.

References

• Crochet Spot: How to Crochet on Opposite Side of Chain