Best Way to Crochet both sides of a Starting Chain: No Gaps!

Fine-tune your crochet: Learn the best way to crochet both sides of a starting chain. Instead of just crocheting first one side and then the other, there is a better way. You get a more solid result. This tip works with anything that starts with a chain that is crocheted on both sides: bags, pouches, amigurumi, doilies and more. See other tips for fine-tuning your crochet: • Fine-tune your crochet
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[@TuulaMaaria]

Was this tip useful to you? See also other tips for fine-tuning your crochet: kzbin.info/aero/PL7vcNpUtI_RZvPSzPApS67cHftPyX4b-N

[@isaiah6510]

Thank you so much for this tips. I have been using the traditional method and I hate it because of the gaps when the yarns are stretched. I’m sure going to use your technique in my future projects. 🌷🌷🌷

[@marytally1332]

Great tip. I will use this any time I make something that starts with working both sides of the chain Thank you.

[@MsKiekies]

Best thing I've seen in a long long time! THANK YOU!!!

[@truusruijs4811]

This is really very helpful 🎉

[@mariannaark5899]

I cannot convey through a yt comment how EXCELLENT your timing was but let's say with my current project I was just about ready to take a break out of frustration and thank God I won't have to cause sewing is far more frustrating.

[@TuulaMaaria]

That's wonderful, glad I made this right now!

[@hasinatskarmacharya6904]

It's really helpful. Now I'm going to use ur technique onwards. I'm very thankful❤

[@Vmurph]

@@TuulaMaaria you are truly God’s gift to crocheters! ❤

[@steph_baldy]

SAME HERE!!! THANKKK YOU❤

[@Pakrs61]

Thanks for explaining this technique in a clear way. I've been frustrated with the bottoms of my totes gapping, not anymore! ❤

[@TuulaMaaria]

Great to hear, happy crocheting!

[@lauracore7574]

OMG I never knew I am going to try it this way thank you

[@heatherreadsreddit8579]

You are such a wonderful teacher! I’ll definitely use this tip in the future, when I make a bag.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you! 💜

[@vijaiscrochet]

I have been looking for a way to close the gap in working on both sides of the chain. Especially for potholders. This is exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Great to hear, happy crocheting!

[@mscscottage1277]

What a great tip... I guess I was just waiting for permission to crochet outside the 'norm' and start a new way. I will be using this from now on.

[@lindak6726]

Me too 😊

[@TuulaMaaria]

Great! You never need a permission, just do what works best

[@deloriskornya6725]

Wow! Great tip! Thank You! Great to see your beautiful smile, as always. Beautiful outdoor, too. Take Care of yourself. ❤

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you so much! Yes, I thought it was such great weather yesterday that I wanted to be out as much as possible!

[@LizBeeee]

One of the BEST tips I've seen.. will definitely use it. Thanks!!!!!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Glad you liked it!!

[@pattywheat6568]

Hello Tuula, your crochet suggestions are wonderful and your voice is so soothing it a pleasure to watch you. We appreciate you very much!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you so much, lovely to hear!

[@happ-hobby]

I had seen this on my feed previously and bookmarked it because I knew I would want to use it down the road. Today was that day, and I am happy to use it! It’s a simple tip, but my memory is horrible, so it’s going to stay bookmarked!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely, glad to hear!

[@kellebelle]

Tuula!! I've been crocheting for almost 50 years and never knew this, thank you! KZbin and the internet has been such a great resource for craft tips and tricks, thanks for sharing your secrets!

[@TuulaMaaria]

So true, all tips now spread easily across the world!

[@sandyhough3901]

Thanks, Tuula, for another great tip. I've been crocheting for 60 plus years and continue to learn new ways of doing things from you!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely to hear!

[@rosertaylor6139]

@@sandyhough3901 me too

[@joycevally7878]

What an amazing simple trick. It looks so much better.

[@TuulaMaaria]

True, many most useful tricks are simple!

[@yourockFR]

Never heard of this. I will do it this way from now on! Thank you ‼️❤️

[@suebigger5097]

Oh, thank you🥰 I use that in making my potholders. Once again you have fixed a problem I have had. You are a wizard at crochet🥰

[@StormCaller5]

Yes! Those pot holders get kinda scary to use, when they gap 😬

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely, thank you! Definitely handy for potholders!

[@varustorms]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I couldn't STAND how open my ovals were! This and you are a godsend! Thank you so much!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely!

[@GrannyBlanketSue]

Thank you for yet another brilliant video and for explaining that technique so clearly. It is a much better way for certain projects which I will definitely try. Thank you

[@TuulaMaaria]

Wonderful, thank you!

[@carolynpurser7469]

Excellent tip! I've been crocheting for many many many years and still find new tips and techniques. You're never too old to learn something new.

[@janiceharrison8397]

Thank you so much for this tip! It will make my amigurumi look more professional!!

[@TuulaMaaria]

So true! I also keep finding new tips and techniques!

[@20bluelilies]

Also, for perfectly balanced stitches, leave a longer tail when starting your chain, and then crochet over that tail while working into the back bumps. Hold it loosely in place, then tighten as needed once that side is finished. Means you work over the same number of strands on each side, plus it helps to keep the end chain where the increases are, nice and tight (but the latter means you need to work the increases in the back bump, and then round to the other side naturally).

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you, yes, I actually do that myself but I have found that having two tips on one video doesn't work, so many people get confused 😊 I have that yarn end tip on a separate video.

[@nancybusso6171]

I’ve been crocheting for over 50 years and will definitely use this method now!! Thanks!!

[@ycamiller]

Thanks for that tip. I really don't like the gaps you get with the old way. I will definitely be doing this way from now on.

[@ASquareGranny]

Oh hallelujah! Literally JUST made an amigurumi project with this technique and had to restart multiple times because it wasn’t looking good. Thank you! As always ☺️🫶🏻🧶

[@TuulaMaaria]

I'm glad it came at the right time! I rarely have anything for amigurumi but this one was!

[@Teqbird]

Thank you! Yes been doing "chain rounds" like this since my great-grandmother taught me. I have even had guild members admonish me for it. I knew I was ok using the "hump" of stitch!!

[@dianesantacatterina7139]

Definititely a much better foundation. Thank you for a very good tip.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you!

[@JennCadyFiddlyBits]

This popped up in my feed. I absolutely will use it again. ❤

[@Cynthia6031]

Thank you so much! I am so going to use that technique! I've got to rewind it so I can look at the other tips that you're pointing to. I'm so glad I found you! Purely by accident and it was a wonderful accident!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely, so glad you found me! Little by little my content has started to be more and more for those who already crochet well, to give extra tips.

[@CrochetKrisMI]

Thank you so much for the tip. I plan to use it in my next bag.

[@TuulaMaaria]

That's great, enjoy making the bag!

[@rebeccacolegrove9484]

I like your alternative way to crochet in the round and will try it out. Thank you for a better idea for making a stronger base for a tote bag.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Great, enjoy it!

[@jam_is_jammin]

I love the tip to use the back bumps of the chain. It keeps a long chain from getting twisted and ensures you are crocheting into the same side with every stitch. I've never used it to make a doilie or pouch or amigurumi, but I will remember to use it if I ever do.

[@TuulaMaaria]

True, crocheting into the back bump of chain is useful for anyprojects!

[@Crochetjunkie80]

I have been using the back bump of the starting chain on all my projects for years. It always makes it look a lot nice and cleaner than working “normally” into the starting chain. Love the tutorial!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely! 😊

[@rboraten]

Never thought of this before! Thanks for the tip.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely!

[@angieburns5330]

I can't believe I've never learned this before. I've been crocheting more than 50 years. Thank you so much ❤️

[@TuulaMaaria]

There is always more to learn, I notice that myself too!

[@karinmcconnell9901]

I learn so much from you. Keep sharing your knowledge ❤

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you, will do!

[@gayle1055]

This tip on starting the chain even looks better. Yes I am surly going to give this a try. Thank you Tuula for sharing your tip.

[@tubetubepleasure]

very good and useful, the best of it is it is more dense and solid than the traditional way. Love it, and no returns.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely!

[@yeyanira]

Oh God you're awesome, that's what I need to make my amigurumi. Greetings from Colombia 🇨🇴

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you, greetings from Finland!

[@pattybaum4841]

Thank You so much. I have been crocheting for 60 years and always hated the look of down one side and up the other. NEVER to old to learn!!!

[@TuulaMaaria]

So true, we can always learn new things!

[@patriciaboyer1099]

​. Thank you so much

[@sleepisabella]

Well that's so much better. I'm making bralettes and have been trying to 'fix' the gap problem with tension..lol. Thanks so much for this alternative. 😊

[@TuulaMaaria]

Great, would work for that too!

[@silverwolf2666]

I love this! I've crocheted into the back bump before when a pattern calls for it. But I never thought to use it for other things. I make little medicine/crystal bags as well as purses and tote bags. This method is going to be a real game changer! Thank you so much for this tip.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely, yes, ideal for those projects!

[@Patricia-cy7ij]

Your insight and tips are amazing. After 40 years of crocheting you have helped me grow in a better way substantially. Thank you so much!

[@TuulaMaaria]

You are so welcome!

[@not2old2bcrafty]

I have used this method before. It is a great way of doing it.

[@michellepreston1051]

Dear Tuula. Thank you for sharing. I have never used this tip. I will definitely use it when i make some baby booties for my daughter 🤗💞

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you! Would work great for booties too!

[@michellepreston1051]

@@TuulaMaaria Dear Tuula. I feel that you truly have so much to teach all of us and was wondering if you ever visit England 🇬🇧 to maybe consider arranging a workshop here in England for all those that would love to meet you in person, as well as have a Q and A.

[@TuulaMaaria]

@@michellepreston1051 Thank you! That would be interesting to consider! I don't go to England often, used to go regularly to the Knitting and Stitching show in Alexandra Palace and also with my work to a teaching technology conference in Excel. I go to Northern Ireland often, I used to live there for many years, would be possible to go to England at the same time.

[@donnaobrien2858]

Thank you for sharing this, I will definitely use this method next time? Love your videos!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you!

[@carmenbyrne6521]

OMG! What a brilliant, and oh so useful pointer! Thank you so much, it would never have occurred to me, well, not for a decade or so! Regards from Australia.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you, greetings from Finland!

[@marydomingue9902]

You have such great tips. Thanks

[@Sydroo1969]

This is the best tip I've seen in a long time. I always had that gap issue. Will definitely use this method from now on. 👍❤

[@TuulaMaaria]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jackiemobley8529]

Great tip! I will definitely use it.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Wonderful!

[@karenmorgan1708]

This method is a godsend!! Thank you 😊 !!

[@pamblair4047]

Excellent!

[@shabahatzehra5763]

A very decent and understandable way of explaining a technique. So many people and channels showing different techniques, so nothing is new now, but how you present it matters.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you! Yes, lots of the same tips on many channels and on TikTok. Yet amazing how many comments I get that they had never seen a specific tip so it's worth making these, different people watch different channels!

[@deslauriersmama]

I do the same thing except I make sure my tail is longer than the chain I'm making and I crochet over it WITH the back bump... This way, not only am I locking in the tail, but I have 2 yarns inside the stitches on both sides.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you! I do that myself but find that it doesn't work ro have two tips on one video 😊 I have that on an earlier video.

[@jacquelineoneill4018]

I love this tip! I will try it for sure. Thanks.

[@1701what]

What a handy tip! Thank you!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Great!

[@RebelCatLady]

I always work in the back bump, but not in the round. Thank you so much!

[@NikkiDoesStufff]

Very helpful!! The gapping was super frustrating on my tote bottoms I resorted to solid rectangles. Now I can go back to ovals in the round. Thanks!!!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Great! Yes, gaps are annoying especially in bags because they can cause it to break!

[@lisawilliams2406]

Definitely going to try this. I have used it for blankets. Now I'll try it for bags. Thank you for showing this.

[@TuulaMaaria]

That's great, it's good for so many things! 😊

[@latashar3266]

Thank you for this tip!! Definitely gonna try it. 😊

[@Manuela-n9l]

Thank you Tuula for this tip. I always crochet into the back bump because the bottom of the stitches looks so much nicer then

[@TuulaMaaria]

Yes, true!

[@beckybailey6695]

Thank! I received notice for this video from KZbin

[@TuulaMaaria]

Good to know, it seems to vary if you get them!

[@sandaramoore9660]

I always crochet in the back loop as it makes the edge much neater. And it’s easier to add a border if necessary. When having to use the other side of the chain, it makes it much easier as it looks just like the normal chain that you crochet into. Thank you and keep the tips coming. Ive been crocheting for almost 60 years and always willing to learn new tips. Stay safe and be blessed ❤

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you so much! Yes, we can always learn more, I find new tips all the time!

[@ShettikkaWoods-jl8iq]

Awesome 👍🏾 thanks ❤ GM 🌞

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you!

[@fatimasaletecorrera2471]

Thanks for this tip. It will be very useful in all my amigurumi projects.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Wonderful!

[@melkeekiper3293]

That's awesome! I am definitely going to try this! Thank you!

[@byDsign]

Me too!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Great, hope you will fidn it useful!

[@pepper1990me]

That is a very good tip. I have been crocheting for over 50 years. I love learning new techniques to use. Thank you.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Great! Me too, I'm always happy when I find a new tip or trick!

[@sdmcdaniel2255]

I've been crocheting into the spine of the chain for years. I wouldn't do it any other way.

[@kaysimpson4865]

I’m new to crochet and thankfully, amongst the thousands of people posting tutorials on this platform, I found you. You make everything less complicated. Thank you so much for this tip which will be so helpful for my projects. Your simplified magic ring video is also a game changer for me. ❤

[@TuulaMaaria]

So glad to hear you find my tutorials are not complicated! 💗 Happy crocheting!

[@susanterry4276]

That's brilliant! I always start a blanket by crocheting the first row in the back bumps, but I will give it a try for some baby booties I want to make for my nephew and his wife who are expecting a little girl in November. Thanks!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely, always so nice to make things for new babies!

[@ideas5663]

Thank you for showing this way of crochet, I will try it.

[@sheilaolson5868]

We are never too old to learn a new trick. I love it and will use it from now on!

[@meganmills6545]

Yes - I definitely use this and highly recommend it! I've always used it for starting the sole of a crocheted babies bootee or a slipper that starts with making the sole first. The essence of this is really starting in the back ridge of the chain and I use it almost anywhere that is going to be 'finished edge' or have a border crocheted around it (or some kind of fringe, tassels etc) attached to it later. I always use it when starting off filet crochet as well. It's handy in lots of places and the longer I've crocheted (well over 50 years now) the more ways I've found to use it. Most recently it was for working the straps on a cotton crocheted 'market bag'. It's slightly more fiddly than the normal way of working into a lenghth of chain but made much sturdier, nicer-to-hold/sling over your shoulder handles.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Great! Yes, this works in many places, as does starting in the back bump in general! 💜

[@KathyGolden-z2v]

Thank you! This is a wonderful technique I will use from now on!

[@craftysoutherner2023]

This is awesome! I hate working both sides of the chain because I can never tell which stitch to start with on the other side. This solves that problem! I could hug you right now!!!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Oh great, happy to hear! 💗

[@Knits-WIPs-N-Chains]

I never thought about doing it that way. I will definitely be trying it though.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Great, yes, give it a try!

[@mareencope8421]

I love this way!

[@patricesteiner1168]

Wow! Mind blown. This guy a so very simple, and simply game changing. I have never liked the gaps from doing this the traditional way. Next time I make a market bag, I’m going to use this technique. THANK YOU!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Wonderful! Enjoy making one!

[@gailbarrett1191]

That is a wonderful idea. Thank you so much, I will be doing this from now on.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Wonderful!

[@1carwin]

I will try this on my next project (soap saver bag). Thank you for sharing your crochet wisdom.

[@ketagilliland6931]

What a terrific tip and the video is SO clear…thank you!!

[@dianecummins4168]

Excellent and yes, I will be using this in the future 😊 thank you!

[@TuulaMaaria]

That's great, happy crocheting!

[@vickiscales3755]

Thank you! I will definitely be using this in the future.

[@SoulsJourney]

Thank you for showing this. I will definitely try it!

[@melissamassie1437]

I can’t express how grateful I am for this tip! Thank you for your excellent and detailed video. Hugs and hello from me!

[@karenbailey3493]

This is AMAZING! WOW! Thank you so much. I will be doing this a LOT!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Wonderful!

[@dianeg3376]

Thank you so much Tuula! I will be starting a amigurumi that begins with this. I will be sure to use this technique! Amazing!

[@TuulaMaaria]

That's great!

[@dianemadigan3252]

I have never used this technique before, but I am going to whenever I make a bag, pouch, etc…. Thank you so much!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely!

[@karinbingham5470]

Brilliant. Will definitely try.

[@nette888]

Wow! This is totally helpful and such great idea! I have been crocheting for about 50 years now and still learning thanks to youtube. Thank you so much Tuula! Love from 🇵🇭 ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Wonderful, thank you!

[@laurasalgado934]

Thank you for this great tip! I always wondered if there ever was a better more sturdier way to do this. It's such an easy and amazing technique! Thanks again for teaching it to us!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you, yes, many useful tips are very easy!

[@wagnerdee]

I find this to be an excellent tip for making baby booties, adult and child slippers and purses. Thank you for your excellent tips and problem solvers for crochet.

[@kat9446]

This is brilliant! Thanks so much. You are such a valuable crafter in our Crochet Community. Hugsss❤️

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely, thank you!

[@kimbenthall7603]

I am so glad I found this. I have 2 babies in my life & have been hesitant to make "shoes" or boots for them, partly because I never liked the way the stitches opened. I will plan to make some now.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely, enjoy making baby shoes!

[@Jjustjane]

Great tip. I make a lot of bags and this will make the base stronger. Thank you.

[@TuulaMaaria]

It will, that's great!

[@sovereigns1grace]

I have to try this method today! It will solve those issues beautifully. Thanks for this!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely, thank you!

[@LindaBrassington]

Brilliant, I will use this method in future. Thank you.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Wonderful!

[@tracydean3678]

Great! I will definitely use your technique in future projects. Thanks.

[@TuulaMaaria]

That's great!

[@CynthiaKingCrochet]

Thank you for another useful lesson!!!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you!

[@twilabooth8270]

Wonderful technique! Thank you so much. ❤

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you!

[@marionsworld24]

Super useful. I haven't seen that before. Thank you.

[@RainbowRoseConnie]

I am so glad to see some finally teaching the correct way. ❤🥰🥰 Thank you. I was this way over 30 plus years ago. 😊

[@TuulaMaaria]

Wonderful!

[@TheGoldenflower58]

I am definitely going to try that. I always did worry about the gaps. Thank you.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely!