Turning Chain Conversion Chart: what you get for $5 (and who should skip it)
Turning Chain Conversion Chart: the $5 cheat sheet that finally makes turning chains make sense
If you’ve ever stared at the end of a row, counted your chains, and then realized you’d just added an extra stitch to your edge (or lost one), you know the specific frustration of turning chains in crochet. The rule changes depending on the stitch, the height, and whether the designer counts that chain as a stitch or not. Most patterns assume you already know the answer. This three-page PDF from Emily Dacy Reiter is built for the moment you don’t.
The Turning Chain Conversion Chart is a small, focused reference that lays out exactly how many chains equal each stitch, with diagrams showing where the chain sits when it counts as a stitch and where it doesn’t. At $5, it’s not a full course or a pattern library. It’s the single page you keep open on your phone or pinned to your machine while you work, so you stop second-guessing every row end.
Quick answer
| Best for | Crocheters who want a clear, visual reference for turning chains and want to stop miscounting stitches at row ends. |
| Skip if | You already have a personal system for turning chains that works for you, or you’re looking for full pattern instructions rather than a reference tool. |
| Price | $5 |
| Format | 3-page PDF (379 KB) with conversion table, stitch diagrams, and cut-out swatch labels |
| One-line take | A compact, visual reference that makes the “does the chain count?” question answerable in seconds. |
What you’re actually buying
For five dollars, you get a 3-page PDF that does three distinct jobs. First, it’s a conversion table: a clean lookup showing how many chains correspond to various stitches, so you’re not doing mental math mid-row. Second, it includes stitch diagrams that show the physical placement of the turning chain and the stitch itself—critical when the chain counts as a stitch versus when it doesn’t. That visual distinction is where most confusion lives, and having it drawn out rather than described in text makes the difference obvious at a glance.
The third piece is the most practical: two pages of swatch pattern instructions designed to be cut out and attached to your own test swatches. This means you can physically try the technique—turning chain counted, turning chain not counted, or a replacement stitch—and label your swatch so you remember what you did. It turns an abstract rule into something you can hold, compare, and reference later.
One buyer on Gumroad reviews wrote: “Thank you for explaining the effects of chaining. I feel like it will assist me in making cleaner products.” That’s exactly the job this chart does—it clarifies the mechanics so your finished edges look intentional rather than accidental.
Why it’s on our radar
This is a rare $5 product that solves one narrow problem with unusual specificity. Most crochet references are either massive multi-page guides that cover everything (and therefore are never consulted) or free blog posts that assume you already know the terminology. The Turning Chain Conversion Chart sits in the middle: small enough to actually use, detailed enough to handle the edge cases (replacement stitches, chains that count, chains that don’t). The inclusion of cut-out swatch labels is a thoughtful touch that turns a static reference into an active learning tool—you’re not just reading about the technique, you’re building a personal library of how each option looks.
Another buyer noted: “Thank you for providing such clear and easy instructions on the stacked single crochet edging. I can hardly wait to try this!” The clarity of the diagrams is clearly landing with people who’ve been stuck on this exact issue. (Turning Chain Conversion Chart)
What actually matters
Before you buy, here’s what to check: (Turning Chain Conversion Chart)
- Do you currently miscount at row ends? If you’re consistently adding or losing stitches because of turning chains, this chart will save you time on every project. If you’ve already internalized the rules, you may not need it.
- Do you work with multiple stitch types? The conversion table covers various stitches, so if you switch between single, double, and treble crochets frequently, the lookup value is higher. If you only work in one stitch, the benefit is narrower. (Turning Chain Conversion Chart)
- Do you use replacement stitches? The diagrams specifically address what happens when you substitute a different stitch for the turning chain. If that’s part of your workflow, the visual guidance is worth the price alone.
- Are you comfortable with a 3-page PDF? This is not a video course or an interactive tool. It’s a reference document. If you learn better by watching or doing guided exercises, this format may not match your preference. (Turning Chain Conversion Chart)
Mid-check
If the turning chain question still slows you down at the end of every row, this is the kind of small, specific tool that pays for itself in the first project.
FAQ
What exactly is in the Turning Chain Conversion Chart?
The 3-page PDF includes a conversion table showing chain counts for various stitches, stitch diagrams illustrating placement when the turning chain does or doesn’t count as a stitch, and two pages of cut-out swatch pattern instructions for labeling your own test swatches.
Is this a pattern or a reference tool?
It’s a reference tool. It doesn’t teach you a specific pattern or project. It gives you the lookup information and visual diagrams you need to handle turning chains correctly in any pattern you’re working on.
Can I use the swatch labels for any stitch?
The swatch pattern instructions are designed to be cut out and attached to your own swatches so you can compare how your crochet looks under different turning chain scenarios—whether the chain counts, doesn’t count, or you use a replacement stitch. The cut-out labels are meant to be a personal reference you build over time.
Is this worth it if I already know the rules?
If you’ve fully internalized the turning chain rules and never second-guess them, you probably don’t need this. But if you occasionally get tripped up—especially with replacement stitches or less common stitch heights—the visual diagrams and quick lookup table can save you from a miscounted row.
Bottom line
The Turning Chain Conversion Chart is a $5, three-page PDF that turns a common source of crochet frustration into a five-second lookup. The conversion table, the placement diagrams, and the cut-out swatch labels work together to make the “does the chain count?” question answerable without pausing your work. If you’ve ever finished a row and realized your edge is off by a stitch, this is the small tool that fixes that.