Squares and rectangles in crochet usually start with a line of chains plus a turning chain. A turning chain is an extra chain or two at the end of the row that adds height to the row.
For single crochet, if we want the first row to be 10 stitches, we are going to make 10 chains plus an additional one. When you add your single crochets, you are going to start by placing your hook in the second chain from the hook (and a lot of patterns phrase it like this). When you finish crocheting your row, add 1 chain (the turning chain) and flip your piece around so you work in the other direction.
Number of Turning Chains for Each Stitch:
single crochet – 1 turning chain
half double crochet – 2 turning chains
double crochet – 3 turning chains
Lousy Llama 