Whether you are looking to embrace slow living or simply want a relaxing new creative outlet, learning how to crochet a chain is your very first step.
The chain stitch is the foundational building block of crochet. While it can take a little practice to get your tension right, mastering this simple motion sets the stage for everything from cozy amigurumi to beautiful garments.
In this guide, we will walk you through exactly what a chain stitch is, how to read it in a pattern, and how to crochet and count your very first stitches.
What is a Crochet Chain Stitch?
A chain stitch acts as the foundation for almost every crochet project. Depending on the pattern, you will encounter chains in two main ways:
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The Foundation Chain: Used at the very beginning of a project. It requires a slip knot and acts as the base row that your subsequent stitches will anchor into.
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Mid-Pattern Chains: Used in the middle of a project to create gaps, lace effects, colorwork, or specific shapes. Because your hook is already attached to the yarn, these do not require a slip knot.
For this tutorial, we are focusing on the Foundation Chain.
How to Read a Chain in a Crochet Pattern
Before picking up your hook, it helps to know what to look for in a written pattern or a visual crochet chart.
Written Patterns (US Terms)
In standard US crochet terminology, the abbreviation for a chain stitch is ch.
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Example 1:
Ch 20-
Meaning: Create a foundation chain of 20 stitches.
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Example 2:
5 sc, 10 ch-
Meaning: 5 single crochets, 10 chain stitches
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Crochet Charts
If you are using a visual chart, a chain stitch is universally represented by an oval symbol. A straight line of ovals represents a foundation chain row:
Ovals connected in a circle represent a loop:
Step 1: How to Tie a Slip Knot
Every foundation chain begins with a slip knot to secure the yarn to your hook.
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Create a Loop: Take the tail end of your yarn and cross it over the working yarn (the side attached to the skein) to form a circle.
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Insert Your Hook: Slide your crochet hook under the top loop.
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Grab the Yarn: Catch the straight piece of yarn sitting behind the loop with your hook.
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Pull Through: Pull that piece of yarn up through the center of the circle.
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Tighten: Pull both the tail and the working yarn to tighten the knot. Then, gently tug the working yarn to tighten the loop securely around your hook’s shaft. Note: Keep it loose enough that the hook can easily slide back and forth.
(Pro Tip: Hold your crochet hook in your dominant hand and manage the working yarn with your other hand.)
Step 2: How to Crochet a Chain Stitch
With your slip knot secure, you are ready to crochet!
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Yarn Over (yo): Wrap the working yarn over the top of your crochet hook, from back to front.
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Catch the Yarn: Use the hook's mouth to grab the yarn from underneath.
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Pull Through: Carefully pull the hooked yarn through the slip knot loop currently on your hook.
Congratulations, you have just created your first chain stitch! To continue building your foundation chain, simply repeat the yarn over and pull through motion until you reach your desired length.
How to Count Your Chain Stitches
Counting chains is a vital skill for keeping your projects even.
When you look at a completed chain, you will notice it looks like a series of interlocking "V" shapes. Every "V" counts as one single chain stitch.
Important Counting Rules:
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Do NOT count the slip knot at the beginning.
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Do NOT count the active loop currently sitting on your crochet hook.
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Only count the completed "V"s nestled between the slip knot and your hook.
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