Foundation Single Crochet: A Beginner Tutorial

Foundation single crochet is a wonderful stitch for beginner crocheters to learn! If you have trouble with crocheting your first row consistently from a base chain, then you will love the option of creating the single crochet and foundation chain at the same time. That is essentially all that you are doing in the foundation single crochet, and instead of doing that, you can use this stitch as an alternative for almost any project that starts with a row of single crochets. All beginner crocheters have to try out this chainless single crochet foundation!

I’ll be honest. I wasn’t much of a foundation stitch crocheter until I started working with more garments and larger projects that called for it in their patterns. Once I saw the difference using the chainless foundation stitches made, I was hooked. Especially on larger projects or projects with longer stitch counts, like blankets or garments, I can really see how they are helpful and create a cleaner look. Plus, then you don’t have to deal with your chain twisting up or anything. Using the foundation single crochet method can also be a little easier for beginners to get the first row of their projects a little more consistent. However, whether you are an expert or a newbie, you can use this single crochet foundation row to create so many beautiful projects!

If you are a little intimidated by foundation stitches, then the single crochet foundation stitch is the perfect place to start! It has the fewest steps to remember, and it works up quickly with a little practice. I suggest that you understand how to chain and complete the single crochet stitch well before trying out this stitch. However, if you are up for the challenge, you could watch how to crochet the foundation single crochet first stitch and second stitch in the video and then work from there. I also have the directions written out if you simply need a reminder.

With this chain-less single crochet method, you are essentially crocheting the base chain and the first row of single crochets at the same time. This allows you to save time, and it can relieve the hassle that a long chain can cause. For those crocheters who don’t like to mess with a long foundation chain, this foundation single crochet stitch might just be for you!

What is a foundation single crochet?

A foundation single crochet is a crochet stitch that creates the foundation chain and the first row of single crochet stitches at the same time. It can be an easier method of crocheting the first row than chaining and single crocheting separately. The single crochet foundation method is a great alternative to chaining!

Are there alternatives to the foundation single crochet?

If you need and alternative to the foundation single crochet, you should be able to chain the corresponding number of stitches plus one, and then you can single crochet in the second chain from the hook and across. However, be sure to look at the pattern notes or contact the designer since this may not work for all patterns. Some patterns may not work well using alternative stitches.

What do you need to know:

Before learning the foundation single crochet, I recommend that you know how to do these stitches well:

–Chain

–Single Crochet

Because these stitches are the two parts that are being put together in the foundation single crochet, it is important that you understand how to complete them. However, if you are a complete newbie or are unsure, you can check out the tutorials for both of these stitches by clicking on the links!

Supplies:

For this stitch, you really only need two basic supplies:

-Yarn &

-Crochet Hook

You can use whatever yarn and hook you choose, but I suggest starting with a combination that you are comfortable using together. If you are unsure of where to start, I used worsted weight (4 medium) yarn and a I/9 5.5mm hook. If you are following a pattern, then be sure to check the pattern requirements before starting.

Notes & Tips for Foundation Single Crochet:

-Be sure to hold the yarn with a medium tension, especially if you tend to crochet tightly. This will help you crochet not to curl.

-When you pull through the first loop, pull the loops up to an even height to ensure that the stitches are even.

-Foundation single crochet is the same as crocheting a foundation chain and then single crocheting to create the first row. It simply creates the chain and first row at the same time.

-Foundation single crochet is usually abbreviated fsc, but always check the pattern notes to see what the designer has written for confirmation.

-US Terms are used for this tutorial.

How to Foundation Single Crochet:

The steps to create the first stitch are slightly different, but the rest of the stitches will be created in the same fashion. The steps for the first stitch are as follows:

Create you slip knot, and chain 2.

Insert you hook into the first chain, yarn over, and pull through a loop. (2 loops)

Yarn over, and pull through just one loop. (2 loops)

Yarn over again, and pull through both loops. (1 loop)

The steps for creating the second stitch and so on are:

Insert your hook into the base chain of the first stitch. Yarn over, and pull through a loop. (2 loops)

Yarn over, and pull through just one loop. (2 loops)

Yarn over again, and pull through both loops. (1 loop)

Use the steps above to create each stitch until you have completed the row.

That’s all that there is to it! It may take a little practice to build up your abilities, but I know you can do it! Don’t forget to check back on your progress to ensure that the row is straight and flat. If not, check back in the notes and tips section above to get some help.

I hope this tutorial was helpful for you and answered your questions. If you have any more, please let me know in the comments section below! Give the single crochet foundation row a try, and let me know how it goes!