help with single crochet

[everything_is_free]

i read the FAQ's and I've looked at photos, drawings, and videos and single crochet still seems wonky to me. I got the chain, I know that much.

So, from there, I turn it around, skip the first stitch, and single crochet the next one. got it. then i continue. got it. then when i get to the end, do i do this to the last stitch?

when i turn the piece around to do another row, so i bring the yarn *under* ( to the right side of the piece if I'm right handed), or *over* the piece, but under the actual hook so that the yarn to be used is on the correct side?

and lastly, what about the fact that all the damn photos i've seen on single crochet show just from the chain stitch and not from a piece that has been single crocheted already a few rows? my problem is that i want to make sure i am going through the correct loop. i see the "v" shapes on the other side of the piece, but the videos and pictures always show it on the side i don't see it on.

does any of this make sense and can anyone help? if not, i'm sorry and i'll delete the post.

can't wait till i master this thing and then i can crochetalong with all of you!

[slowfade]

1. make sure you do a single chain stitch when you get to the end of each row, otherwise you'll be decreasing with each row.

2. turn your work counterclockwise, and bring the yarn over your work but under the hook (your second description)

3. if you're seeing the v that's good.  you want to place your hook under the two stitches that make up this v.
(if you can look in The Happy Hooker, they've got a really good diagram.  that's what helped me a lot)


hopefully you can understand it all, and good luck!

[slowfade]

also yes, you single crochet in the last stitch of each row (but still remember to do a chain stitch at the end!!  i didn't really know you had to until i found my practice swatch mysteriously shrinking!)

[everything_is_free]

you are awesome...i have done some rows and i think i am doing everything right but the chain stitch at the end. i'm not sure i understand what you mean by that, so i'll do another row to try it out (hard to envision without doing it, like most things!)...

yeah, i am totally going to by Happy Hooker. I knit and have the other SnB books, which I learned from. I'm guessing if they helped me learn to knit, HH could do great at crochet. but it'd also be nice to just dive into some of the awesome projects when i do get the book!

thanks again slowfade...

[everything_is_free]

oh man, i now understand the chain at the end and it is going to solve the problem of the wonky shape i'm getting.

i am officially a crocheter! huzzah!

[slowfade]

i just started crocheting like 2 weeks ago myself and i asked for help with stuff here on craftster, so i'm glad that i could help someone else out!! 

it's hard to teach yourself something like crochet without a person showing you, ya know?
hooray for crochet!