Foundation Stitches

Foundation crochet stitches are a way of forming the beginning chains (or foundation chains) at the same time as the first row of crochet stitches. This is also referred to as chainless crochet. You can create foundation crochet stitches for any of the basic stitches. You can substitute them for the foundation chain and first row of any pattern that calls for the first row to be made up completely of basic stitches. Foundation crochet stitches produce a nice clean edge that gives your crochet fabric a professional look. They are great to use on garment edges because they are more stretchy than a starting chain. You can also use them when you are crocheting something without a pattern and you are unsure of how many chains to begin the project with. Just work foundation crochet stitches until you have the width you want.

The first stitch of each foundation stitch is created a bit differently than the rest of the stitches. Therefore, the first stitch of each kind of foundation stitch is given its own video and explanation. Follow those instructions, then follow next foundation stitch instructions for the remainder of the stitches needed.

First Foundation Single Crochet (abbreviated first foundation sc)

Chain 2, insert the hook into the 2nd chain from the hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 1 loop on the hook (A—chain-1 has been completed), yarn over, pull through all of the loops on the hook (B and C —single crochet has been completed).

Next Foundation Single Crochet (abbreviated next foundation sc)

*Insert the hook in the last chain-1 made (A), yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 1 loop on the hook (B —chain-1 has been completed), yarn over, pull through all of the loops on the hook (C and D—single crochet has been completed). repeat from * as indicated.

First Foundation Half Double Crochet (abbreviated first foundation hdc)

Chain 2, yarn over, insert the hook into the 2nd chain from the hook (A), yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 1 loop on hook (B—chain-1 has been completed), yarn over, pull through all of the loops on the hook (C and D—half double crochet has been completed).

Next Foundation Half Double Crochet (abbreviated next foundation hdc)

*Yarn over, insert the hook in the last chain-1 made (A), yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 1 loop on the hook (B—chain-1 has been completed), yarn over, pull through all of the loops on the hook (C and D—half double crochet has been completed), repeat from * as indicated.

First Foundation Double Crochet (abbreviated first foundation dc)

Chain 3, yarn over, insert the hook into the 3rd chain from the hook (A), yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 1 loop on hook (B—chain-1 has been completed), [yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook] twice (C–E—double crochet has been completed).

Next Foundation Double Crochet (abbreviated next foundation dc)

Chain 3, yarn over, insert the hook into the 3rd chain from the hook (A), yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 1 loop on hook (B—chain-1 has been completed), [yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook] twice (C–E—double crochet has been completed).