Basic Crochet Stitches. Part 1: The Foundation Chain

The foundation Chain.

The foundation chain is the very first row of stitches in most crochet projects. It’s created by making a series of chain stitches (CH) and it forms the base that everything else is built on.

Think of the foundation chain as the spine of your work. The stitches you add next will be worked into this chain, so its length, tension, and consistency all matter.

A foundation chain can serve different purposes depending on the pattern:

• It may determine the width of a project, such as a scarf or blanket

• It can act as the starting edge for garments, toys, or accessories

• In some patterns, it also helps set the shape of the finished piece

Because the foundation chain supports the entire project, it’s worth taking your time with it. A chain that is too tight can make the first row difficult to work into, while a very loose chain can cause uneven edges.

The good news? This is something that improves quickly with practice. Even experienced crocheters still pay close attention to their foundation chain — it’s a small step that makes a big difference.

How to Make a Foundation Chain

Slip knot.

• Make a loopLay the yarn across your hand or table and cross the yarn over itself to form a loop.

• Pull a loop throughReach through the loop and pull up a small loop of yarn (this is not the yarn end—use the working yarn).

• Place it on your hookSlide the loop onto your crochet hook.

• Tighten gentlyPull the yarn ends until the loop fits snugly around the hook.It should move easily on the hook, not be tight.

Place the slip knot on your crochet hook and hold the hook in your dominant hand. The loop should sit comfortably on the hook—snug, but able to move.

1. Yarn over by wrapping the yarn over your hook from back to front.

2. Pull the yarn through the loop already on your hook.

You’ve just made your first chain stitch.

To continue the foundation chain, repeat these two steps:

• Yarn over

• Pull through the loop on your hook

Each time you pull a new loop through, you create one chain stitch. The loop on your hook does not count as a stitch.

Continue chaining until you reach the number of stitches your pattern calls for.

Helpful Tips as You Chain

• Keep your movements steady and relaxed rather than tight

• Try to make each chain the same size as the one before

• If the chain feels difficult to work into later, you may be chaining too tightly

If you notice your chain getting smaller or tighter as you go, pause, relax your grip, and continue at a comfortable pace.

You’re Off to a Good Start

The foundation chain may feel simple, but it’s an important step—and one worth practicing. If your chains aren’t perfectly even yet, that’s completely normal. Every crocheter, no matter how experienced, started exactly here.

Take a little time to make a few practice chains. Try different yarns, relax your hands, and notice how your tension changes. The more comfortable your foundation chain becomes, the easier every stitch after it will feel.

In the next post, we’ll build directly on this skill by learning Single Crochet (SC)—your first working stitch. For now, enjoy the rhythm of chaining and the quiet satisfaction of watching those little “V”s form, one by one.

Happy crocheting,A.W. Nicholson