First of all.... I just finished my penguin ami and the next thing I know...   One of the puppy's is carting it around in his mouth...  guess it's a dog toy now. 

I'm going to have to start over on a new one. It's for my son's gf. But that's ok... it was my first one anyway. 

My question is....   I have looked at several instructions.  When you start a single crochet, there is the V.  Do you put the hook under the two loops of the V?  Or do you put it through just the back loop of the V?  Or through the back loop of the V AND the bottom loop??

Unless the directions specify otherwise, you put the hook through both the front and back loops at the top of the V.

thanks... not sure why there are different variations. 

I you go under just one -either- the stitch is not as tightly woven.  It is a stronger crochet with both threads of the stitch being used.  You use just one in some lacey patterns or for a different look.  Like Linda said, unless stated always go under both. 

Frances

My first attempt at double crochet I didnt go through both loops and every time I turned went through the same one -think it was the back..and it made ridges..pretty cool!

Yes, the different methods are used to achieve different effects.

Ok  that makes sense!  That's been puzzling me for about a year or so when i first started.