Learn to Make a Foundation Chain

How To

Dec 14

One of the key elements of many amigurumi projects is the chain, but they can be frustrating to keep track of how many you’ve completed, and your tension may cause your piece to end up longer or shorter in proportion to your finished piece than a pattern may describe. A foundation chain allows you to easily make your piece longer or shorter if it doesn’t fit, without having to frog any of your stitches. Plus, you get to complete two rows at once!

Don't be intimidated! It might look a little tricky at first, but with a bit of practice and these clear, step-by-step instructions, you'll be chaining like a pro in no time.

Why is the Foundation Chain Important?

Think of the foundation chain as the sturdy base of a house. Without a good, even foundation, the rest of your project won't sit right, and your stitches might look wonky. A well-executed foundation chain sets you up for success, ensuring your first row of single crochet (or any other stitch) is neat and consistent.

Materials Needed

Yarn of your choice
Corresponding crochet hook

Learn more on the Tools & Materials page →

Single Crochet Instructions

Start a Chain

Make a slip knot and chain (ch) 2.
Insert hook into the 2nd ch from the hook (the first ch). Yarn over and draw up a loop.
Yarn over and pull up through only the first loop on the hook.This step creates your first foundation ch. Add a stitch marker to help you identify it later.
Yarn over and pull up through both loops on the hook. This completes your first single crochet.
To start your second stitch, insert your hook into the ch you created in step 3 (highlighted in image 4).
Yarn over and pull up a loop to create your second foundation ch.
Yarn over and pull through both loops to create your second single crochet.
Repeat steps 5–7 to continue your foundation ch for as long as your pattern describes.

Now you can easily undo stitches, or add more stitches to adjust the length of your ch and first row of single crochets, without having to frog the entire row of single crochets to go back and make your chain longer or shorter!

1. Make a slip knot and ch 2

2. Insert hook into the 2nd ch from the hook. Yarn over and draw up a loop. Your piece should look like this.

3. Yarn over and pull up through only the first loop on the hook. Your piece should look like this.

4. Yarn over and pull up through both loops on the hook. Your piece should look like this. Highlighted is the ch you will stitch into in step 5.

5. Insert your hook into the ch you created in step 3.

6. Yarn over and pull up a loop.

A single crochet foundation chain with 7 chains and 7 sc’s.

Coming soon: HDC and DC foundation chains!

Try a Foundation Chain On a New Project

Use a foundation chain to make a scarf, Jack’s broom, or Frederica’s sash!

Jack the Snowman

$0.00

He's ready to melt hearts, not snow! Jack the Snowman is here to bring frosty cheer to your winter decor. This intermediate pattern features fun accessories like a tiny top hat with a flower and a little broom for sweeping up snowflakes. Jack is a delightful figure that will be the centerpiece of your handmade holiday display!

Difficulty: ➀ ➁ ➌ ➃ ➄

See below for materials and techniques required to complete this pattern.

Frederica the Statue of Liberty

$0.00

Let freedom ring and hooks sing! Frederica the Statue of Liberty is an advanced intermediate pattern designed for those ready to tackle a truly monumental project. Representing liberty and light, Frederica is the ultimate centerpiece for any Fourth of July display. She’s a "torch-bearing" tribute to independence and a fantastic way to showcase your stitching skills on a grand scale. Give your collection a lady-like upgrade with this iconic symbol of American history!

Difficulty: ➀ ➁ ➂ ➍ ➄

See below for materials and techniques required to complete this pattern.