How to work around the chain – making an oval

Many of my beginner customers have trouble figuring out how to crochet/work around the chain. It does look a little confusing. But once you’ve figured it out, you’ll see it’s actually very easy to do.

I’ve made this tutorial for you to help you understand how to work around the chain/crochet an oval.

First up is my YouTube video of this tutorial. Below that you’ll find the same tutorial but explained step by step with diagrams. Then below that one you’ll find the same tutorial again but this time with pictures.

Abbreviations:

• ch(s): chain(s)
• sc: single crochet
• inc: increase = make 2 single crochet in the same stitch

Work around the chain/make an oval diagram tutorial:

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This diagram tutorial is with the following pattern:

Row 1: chain 9 = picture 2

Row 2: start in the second chain from the hook: inc, 6sc, inc twice in the last ch, 6sc, inc (20)

The various steps of row 2:

• inc, = picture 3
• 6sc, = picture 4
• inc twice in the last ch, = picture 5 and 6
• 6sc, = picture 7
• inc = picture 8

• Picture 1 = the symbols
• Picture 2 = row 1: make 9 chains
• Picture 3 = here you’re starting row 2 in the second chain from your hook (not the first chain). Make an increase

• Picture 4 = make 6 single crochet
• Picture 5 = make the first increase of the 2 increases you need to make in the last chain
• Picture 6 = make the second increase of the 2 increases you need to make in the last chain

• Picture 7 = make 6 sc on the other side of the chain now
• Picture 8 = make the last increase of row 2

You did it!!! You’ve worked around the chain till row 2!! Different patterns will ask for different amounts of chains, single crochet, increases,… but the basic method will be the same as the one I just showed you.

If you’re still confused, have a look below. Below you’ll find the very same step by step tutorial but with pictures this time.

Work around the chain/make an oval picture tutorial:

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This pictures tutorial is the same one as the one above but with pictures. And with the following pattern:

Row 1: chain 9 = picture 1

Row 2: start in the second chain from the hook: inc, 6sc, inc twice in the last ch, 6sc, inc (20)

The various steps of row 2:

• inc, = picture 2
• 6sc, = picture 3
• inc twice in the last ch, = picture 4 and 5
• 6sc, = picture 6
• inc = picture 7

• Picture 1 = row 1: make 9 chains
• Picture 2 = here you’re starting row 2 in the second chain from your hook (not the first chain). Make an increase
• Picture 3 = make 6 single crochet

• Picture 4 = make the first increase of the 2 increases you need to make in the last chain
• Picture 5 = make the second increase of the 2 increases you need to make in the last chain
• Picture 6 = make 6 sc on the other side of the chain now

• Picture 7 = make the last increase of row 2

I hope this tutorial has helped you and if you still have questions, feel free to contact me here.