You begin with a Chain in the number your pattern states, sl st in 1st Chain, ch-1, and begin working your stitch in each Chain across, sl st top beg st, ch-1, turn. Simple right? Not if you twist the Chain while you’re making your stitches.
Believe it or not, but there are two distinct sides when you Chain. In the first photo the Chains all look like V’s that have been inserted one into the other. The second photo the Chains look like loops with a line in the middle of them.
When beginning your project with a Chain circle you need to take the time to make sure you are always working in the same side of the Chain.