Are you still grappling with the concept of the right and wrong sides in crochet, or do you find the abbreviations RS and WS confusing? Don't worry—this blog is your guide to mastering these crochet techniques, empowering you to confidently identify the sides so you can flaunt your creation made with your favorite crochet hooks.
Identifying the Right side (RS) and the Wrong side (WS) of a crochet project?
Let's understand it in simple terms: the right side is more aesthetically pleasing and meant to be displayed. The right side showcases your chosen pattern's well-defined stitches, colorwork, and intricate details crafted with your Tunisian crochet hook or any regular one. The wrong side is the back of the fabric, which possesses a slightly different appearance. It usually hides the knot and the threads of colorwork.
Guide to identifying the difference
Here are some helpful tips, keeping in mind that this might slightly differ for left-handed crocheters.
Yarn Tail
For right-handed crocheters, if you begin your project with a chain and the yarn tail rests at the bottom left corner, you are looking at the right side. On the other hand, if the yarn tail resides at the bottom right, you are seeing its wrong side.
Row Count
The first row of your project is on the right side, whether it contains single or double crochet stitches. The RS of the fabric will always be the odd-number row. Whether you use a foundational or a standard chain makes no difference in this because the chain never counts as a first row. You can always mark the right side of the row with the stitch marker for easy identification.
Stitches
Examine the individual stitches closely. The right side typically displays cleaner, more defined stitches and shapes. For example, single crochets on the right side resemble sideways ‘v's while double crochet boasts a prominent peak. The wrong side might have a lesser definition or reveal the back loop of the stitches.
Foundation chain check
If you opted for the foundation chain instead of starting with a chain, the opposite of the “yarn tail” rule applies. For the right-handed crocheter, the right side will have the tail at the bottom right.
RS & WS when working in the Rounds
When working in the back-and-forth rows, there is a slight variation between the right and wrong sides of the crochet. Nonetheless, working in the circle with your chosen Tunisian crochet or single ended crochet hook makes things easier. The right is always the side facing you when you are working the round, whether working on something flat like a granny square or something three-dimensional like Amirugumi. Additionally, the front and back appear noticeably different when every stitch is oriented in the same direction.
The Appearance of stitches in the top two rows
Another way to determine which side of crochet is right or wrong is to examine the upper stitches of the recently finished row. This method only functions with round stitches.
The working or live stitches are located on this row. The top of the stitches will resemble the little ‘v's if the side of the fabric facing you is the right side.
When does the right side matter?
While most crochet stitches have distinct right and wrong sides, there are exceptions. Certain stitch patterns, like moss stitch and granite stitch, create a reversible fabric that looks beautiful on both sides. This grants you the freedom to choose which side you prefer as the “Right Side”. After all, crocheting is more about expressing your creativity.
Bonus Tip: If you are still struggling to differentiate the sides, don't hesitate to mark your starting tail end with a small piece of contrasting yarn or get a crochet hook set that contains helpful supplies such as stitch markers. This visual cue can be a lifesaver until you become the ultimate crochet pro.