Understanding Right Side RS and Wrong Side WS in Crochet for Beginners

When you first start crocheting, you might come across the terms Right Side (RS) and Wrong Side (WS) in your patterns. These terms can feel confusing at first, but understanding them will help you follow instructions more easily and create projects that look just the way you want. Knowing which side is the RS or WS is key to making your crochet fabric look neat and professional.

Let’s explore what these terms mean and how you can identify the right side and wrong side in your crochet work.

What Does Right Side (RS) Mean in Crochet?

The Right Side is the front of your crochet project. It’s the side you want to show off when your work is finished. This side usually has the cleanest, most polished look and highlights the stitch pattern or texture you intended.

When you crochet, the RS is often the side facing you as you work. For example, if you are making a scarf with a textured stitch, the RS will display the bumps, ridges, or lace pattern clearly. This is the side that will be visible when you wear or display your project.

How to Identify the Right Side

• Look for the side with the most defined stitch pattern.

• The RS usually has a smoother or more detailed appearance.

• If you’re working on a pattern with color changes or motifs, the RS will show the intended design clearly.

• When in doubt, think of the RS as the “front” view of your crochet fabric.

  
  
  
  

Close-up of crochet fabric showing textured stitches on the right side

Close-up of crochet fabric showing the right side with clear stitch definition

What Does Wrong Side (WS) Mean in Crochet?

The Wrong Side is the back of your crochet project. This side faces away from you as you crochet and often looks less polished than the RS. It might have a different texture or show the backs of stitches, which can look less tidy.

The WS is usually hidden when you finish your project. For example, the inside of a hat or the back of a blanket will be the WS. However, some projects are designed to be reversible, where both sides look good and can be used as the RS.

How to Identify the Wrong Side

• The WS often shows the loops or backs of stitches.

• It may look less detailed or have a different texture than the RS.

• If your pattern mentions “turn your work,” the side you turn to is usually the WS.

• Think of the WS as the “back” view of your crochet fabric.

  
  

Why Knowing RS and WS Matters

Understanding which side is the right side and which is the wrong side helps you:

• Follow crochet patterns accurately, especially when they instruct you to work on a specific side.

• Create projects with a neat, finished look.

• Make reversible items where both sides are attractive.

• Avoid confusion when joining pieces or adding borders.

  
  

For example, if a pattern says to slip stitch along the RS, you’ll know to work on the front side of your fabric. If it says to change colors on the WS, you’ll know to do it on the back side.

Examples of RS and WS in Common Stitches

Here are some examples to help you recognize the right side and wrong side in popular crochet stitches:

• Single Crochet (sc): The RS shows tight, uniform “V” shapes. The WS shows bumps or horizontal bars.

• Double Crochet (dc): The RS displays tall “V” shapes stacked neatly. The WS shows horizontal bars and loops.

• Shell Stitch: The RS shows the fan or shell shapes clearly. The WS looks like rows of bumps or ridges.

• Granny Squares: The RS shows the colorful clusters of stitches. The WS shows the connecting chains and backs of clusters.

  
  
  
  

Eye-level view of a crochet granny square showing both right side and wrong side

Eye-level view of a crochet granny square showing the right side with colorful clusters and the wrong side with connecting chains

Tips for Working with Right Side and Wrong Side

• When starting a new project, decide which side you want to be the RS.

• Mark the RS with a stitch marker or a small piece of yarn to avoid confusion.

• Pay attention to pattern instructions about RS and WS, especially when working in rows.

• For projects worked in the round, the RS usually faces outward.

• Practice identifying RS and WS on small swatches to build confidence.