Crocheting chain stitches / turning chains / starting chains (no advertising)

Dear users, dear authors,
we keep getting questions about these topics. Could you explain them again?

Chain stitches are usually abbreviated as “ch” and are typically indicated by dots in crochet charts.
Turning, starting, or lifting chains are used at the beginning of a row or round to reach the height of the stitch type being used.
- So, if you’re working single crochet, the row or round begins with 1 turning chain,
- for half double crochet, you start by crocheting 2 chain stitches,
- for double crochet: 3 chain stitches
- for treble crochet: 4 chain stitches
- for double treble crochet: 5 chain stitches, and so on.
When crocheting in rounds, work 1 slip stitch to close the round. To do this, insert the hook into the top chain stitch; that is, for single crochet there is only 1 chain stitch, for half double crochet into the 2nd, for double crochet into the 3rd, for treble crochet into the 4th chain stitch, etc.

Best regards,
Michi (mi-li)

Nicely explained, Michi.
I can only agree.

As for chain stitches, I’d add that you need them to start a crochet piece --> foundation chain.
Chain stitches are also an important part of (openwork) crochet patterns.

Kind regards
Traudelina