Crochet Basics: Making a Foundation Chain

The number of stitches in your foundation chain depends on how wide your work will be. Most patterns advise how many foundation chains to make.

Despite the term “yarn round hook” (or “yarn over”), you actually move the hook anticlockwise around the yarn from the ball.

Turn the hook downwards so the yarn catches under the lip, then pull it smoothly through the loop on the hook.

Keep your chain stitches even and not too tight by forming a rhythm as you chain, always working into the loop on the hook.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you have as many chain stitches as you need. Aim to make stitches neat, even, and not too loose.

The front of a foundation chain shows a row of flat Vs, while the back is simply a row of raised bumps.

Crochet requires you to count stitches often to ensure you are following the pattern correctly. Always count your chain stitches before you start to crochet your first row. If you don’t have the
right number of foundation chains, you won’t have room to complete the stitches properly. Look at the front of the chain, and count the V shapes. Remember: the slip knot at the start and the loop on your hook do not count.