How to Crochet Straight Edges

The two different methods have one main distinction: what you do with the turning chain. While the first counts the turning chain as a stitch, the second does not. The first is most common but can sometimes leave noticeable gaps, so your personal preferences and the specific pattern you are using will determine which you pick.
 

With this technique, you begin each row and count the turning chain as a stitch, which will leave a gap, and at the end of each row, you work a stitch into the chain of the row right before it. Don't worry, this is broken down for you below.

One thing to note before beginning:  the drawback to this technique is that there are gaps at the beginning of each row, which some crocheters don't mind, or the spaces aren't noticeable enough to bother them. It is up to you to decide what you prefer (and there are no wrong answers).  

1. Chain a certain number of stitches as indicated by the pattern so that you can turn your work.
    
2. Count the turning chain as a stitch, meaning you leave a space, skipping that stitch. If you don't do this, you will end up with two stitches in one spot later on down the line.
    
3. Stitch like normal down the row, following the pattern, counting your stitches.
    
4. When you get to the end, work the final stitch into the chain from the previous row. Like before, not doing this will throw your stitch count off (only this time, you will lose a stitch rather than gain one).
    
5. Work together two of the chain parts.
    

While the first method can sometimes leave gaps, this one does not. It produces a tighter piece and often works better for more dense patterns. It follows the same basics as the first method, but the first and last stitches of each row hook into a different spot.

1. If you don't count your turning chain as a stitch, then you must work your first stitch into the base of the turning chain.
    
2. Stitch like normal down the row, following the pattern, counting your stitches.
    
3. The final stitch does not go into the chain at the end of your row; instead, it goes into the last stitch of the row.
    

Practice does make perfect (or as perfect as possible). This is one of the most difficult crochet skills to learn when starting out, so don't get frustrated.

As you progress, you will get better and better at keeping tension even, counting, and judging how to adjust your pattern to the way you like to crochet edging. Here are a few general pointers to remember:

1.  Before deciding on a method, check your pattern, which might have a preferred mode of edging.
    
2. Count your stitches. Having the same number in each row is the best way to make sure your finished piece isn't lopsided.
    
3. Keep your tension even. If it changes, so will your stitching, and this could be the reason your edges aren't turning out straight.
    
4. It is generally best to start your edging with single stitches, especially if you are a beginner. Single stitches are the most basic and will provide a good platform to build your edging, even if you want a more complicated stitch after that first row.
    
5. Don't mix the two methods for straight edging.
    

For visual help with mastering straight crochet edging and the turning chain specifically, check out this Turning Chains Video Tutorial from our friend Tamara at Moogly with detailed crochet instructions.