Updated: 18 September 2026 by Sylwia (MyCrochetory)
Foundation chain crochet felt like a genuine discovery the first time I tried it, honestly the kind of thing you just want to show everyone.
I’d been starting projects the regular way for years, chain a bunch of stitches, then work your first row into that chain. Then I found this foundation chain crochet technique that builds the chain and the first row at the same time, and I remember thinking, why did nobody tell me about this sooner.
It’s a small change, but it fixes a few annoying things at once. No more miscounted chains. No more tight, floppy starting edge that never quite matches the rest of your project.
Below, you’ll find exactly how to do it, step by step, plus a few variations once you’ve got the basic version down.
What is a Single Crochet Foundation Chain?
Foundation single crochet (Fsc) is genuinely one of the best techniques you can learn as a crocheter. It’s become my go-to way to start almost every project now, no separate starting chain needed.
Instead of chaining first and then working a row of single crochet into that chain, you build the chain and the single crochet stitch together, one at a time. Some people call it the chainless single crochet foundation for exactly that reason.
Why Crocheters Love Foundation Chain Crochet
A few real reasons this one’s worth learning.
- Great for long starting rows. Blankets, afghans, rugs, table runners, scarves, anything with a long chain benefits here.
- No more miscounted stitches. Add or remove stitches as you go instead of guessing your chain count upfront.
- Same tension throughout. No starting chain that ends up tighter or looser than the rest of your project.
- A neat, straight edge. No wavy or twisted starting row to deal with later.
- A flexible, stretchy edge. Especially handy for garments.
Once foundation chain crochet clicks for you, going back to a regular starting chain feels like a step backward.
Crochet Patterns Using Single Crochet Foundation Chain
Want to see foundation chain crochet in action? These patterns all start this way instead of a regular chain:
Tips for Mastering Foundation Chain Crochet
Mark the chain part every time, not just at the start. It’s tempting to stop once you’ve got the hang of it, but that’s exactly when people lose track of which loop is the chain and which is the stitch.
Go up a hook size if you’re new to this. A slightly bigger hook makes the chain part easier to see while you’re still figuring out where your hook goes next.
Count your stitches every few rows, not just at the end. You’re building the chain and the stitch together, so a mistake early on adds up fast. Catching it at row 3 beats catching it at row 15.
If your foundation row looks wobbly, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Tension gets better with practice. Nobody’s first try looks like the tutorial photos, mine sure didn’t.
Watch the Video Tutorial
If you’d rather see foundation chain crochet in motion, the video below walks through the whole thing step by step.
Quick tip: if the video won’t load right, try turning off your ad blocker.
Single Crochet Foundation Chain – PICTURE TUTORIAL
Materials Needed
- Yarn of your choice
- Appropriate crochet hook for your yarn
- Stitch markers (optional)
Want to nail your tension from the get‑go? Check out my Slip Knot for three foolproof ways to start.
Step-by-Step Instructions
2. Insert hook in the 2nd chain from hook.
3. Yarn over and pull a stitch through. You should have now 2 loops on the hook.
4. Yarn over and pull a stitch through the first loop only – you should have still two loops on your hook. You have now created the chain part of Fsc – mark this chain if needed, because this is the first chain where you will insert your hook starting the next foundation single crochet.
5. Next, yarn over again and pull through both of the loops on your hook to make a single crochet. You should have only one loop on your hook. This completes your first single crochet.
6. To make the next Fsc, insert your hook into the chain part of the previous stitch (refer to point 2) – between the chain and the single crochet. There should be two strands on the left of the hook and one loop on the right of the hook.
7. Yarn over and pull a stitch through. You should have now 2 loops on the hook.
8. Yarn over and pull a stitch through the first loop only – you should have still two loops on your hook.
9. Next, yarn over again and pull through both of the loops on your hook to make a single crochet. You should have only one loop on your hook. This completes your next single crochet.
To make the next foundation single crochet, insert your hook into the chain part of the previous stitch and repeat instruction from steps 3- 5.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
A few things trip people up when they’re learning foundation chain crochet.
Not marking the chain part of each stitch. Without a marker, it’s genuinely hard to tell where your hook goes for the next one. A stitch marker, or even a scrap of contrasting yarn, fixes this fast.
Uneven tension. Your stitches end up too tight or too loose, and the whole foundation row starts looking messy. Try to keep your hands relaxed as you work, a tight grip usually means tight stitches.
Putting the hook in the wrong spot. For each new stitch, your hook needs to go into the chain part of the previous stitch, specifically between the chain and the single crochet. Get this wrong and it throws off the whole row.
Watch for these three and your foundation row should come out strong and even pretty fast.
Advanced Techniques and Variations
Once you’re comfortable with basic foundation single crochet, these variations open up more options.
Foundation Half Double Crochet (Fhdc)
Same idea as Fsc, just swap in the half double crochet stitch instead.
Foundation Double Crochet (Fdc)
Start with a slip knot and chain 3. Insert your hook into the third chain from the hook, yarn over, and pull through a loop. Yarn over and pull through the first loop only. Yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops. Repeat for as many foundation double crochet stitches as you need.
Foundation Treble Crochet (Ftc)
Start with a slip knot and chain 4. Insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook, then follow the same steps as Fsc, just using treble crochet instead.
FAQs About Foundation Chain Crochet
What is a single crochet foundation chain (Fsc)?
It’s a technique where you build the foundation chain and the first row of single crochet at the same time. The result is a flexible, stretchy edge, no separate starting chain needed.
Why use foundation chain crochet instead of a regular starting chain?
It skips the separate starting chain entirely, and your stitch count stays accurate the whole way through. It’s especially useful for projects with a long starting row, like blankets or scarves. For a closer look at how Fsc compares to Fdc and Fhdc, check out the foundation techniques roundup.
Can I use Fsc for any crochet project?
Yes, for most projects. It’s especially useful for anything that needs a stretchy edge, like garments or accessories.
How do I make the first Fsc stitch?
Start with a slip knot and chain 2. Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, and pull a loop through. Yarn over again and pull through the first loop only. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.
How do I continue after the first stitch?
Insert your hook into the chain part of the previous stitch, yarn over, and pull a loop through. Yarn over again and pull through the first loop only. Yarn over again and pull through both loops. Repeat for each stitch after that.
Can I use this technique for double crochet too?
Yes, that’s foundation double crochet (Fdc), it follows a similar process but builds double crochet stitches instead.
MORE CROCHET TUTORIALS
If you found this foundation chain crochet tutorial helpful, you might also like:
- Free Crochet Tutorials for Beginners
- How to crochet an I-cord
- How to double crochet 2 row at once
- How to make a slip knot – 3 Easy Ways
- How to crochet standing stitches
- How to crochet ribbing
- Mattress stitch join tutorial
Don’t forget to save this Pin for easy reference: 📌
Made something using foundation chain crochet? I’d love to see it, drop a photo in the comments or tag me on Pinterest.
Got a question about the technique? Ask away, I read every comment.
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Love the pictures. I can’t find the video link. Did find a Polish singer with your name and a wonderful voice!
I have watched a dozen videos if not more trying to learn how to do this stitch and I stumble across yours and low and hold after the first try I finally can do this. Thank YOU!!!!
do you have printable instructions?
Hi!
I wanted to say thank you for teaching me how to make a foundation chain. Ive tried before but just couldn’t get it right. Well, I just finished 42 FSC! This is going to make a huge impact on my projects. Thank you so much!