One of the most aggravating steps in crochet is crocheting into that thin little chain at the start - getting a beginner past that can be the hardest part of teaching! But it's a necessary evil... except when it isn't! The Foundation Single Crochet is a great way to avoid working into a long row of chains, and it's also a great way to start a project when you don't know exactly how many stitches you need - no pulling out an entire row just to get rid of one extra chain! Here's how I make the FSC!
Make as many FSC as your pattern calls for ch and sc in Row 1. Or if you need a row of dc in Row 1, you can make Foundation Double Crochet - the technique is the same, just start with a ch2, yo, work into the second ch from the hook with a ch1, ch1, yo again, and pull through 2 loops twice. (Try it step by step!)
Once the FSC row is made, then you are ready for Row 2 of your pattern. Work it just as the pattern specifies - from here on out there is no difference, The FSC is just a different way to start - and as a bonus, it's a bit stretchier than a plain chain!
I hope this has helped you understand FSC. What do you think? Will you use this technique for projects in the future?
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TamaraKelly@mooglyblog.com
jing says
cool! I'm going to try this! Thanks!!!
Jenny B says
That is so awesome! I never knew such a thing was possible! I can't wait to try this out! Thank you!
moogly says
You are very welcome Jenny! 😀 I have a video for FDC too once you've mastered this one. 😉
Kate says
This is brilliant! I have gone my entire crochet-career without knowing about this. Thanks for also giving such easy to follow instructions!
Angel Calcote says
Super easy to follow your directions. Thank you. I never knew about this either. Just this morning, I watched, learned, and used this technique. I am making a Christmas stocking cuff. Would have been 47 chains and 46 sc, but fsc was so much easier. Always hated to work in chains. I would like to see a video on how to join 2 sides together neatly. Mine was a mess. After making 11 rows of 46 sc, I had to join the ends or sides together to form a circle. That part is to be the white cuff at the top of the stocking. Would you be able to demonstrate a neat way to to that? Angel
moogly says
Good idea Angel! I'll make a video about that for sure! For now, I'll just tell you how I do it. When I start the row in FSC, I leave a good 6 inch tail of yarn at the start. Then when I get to the end, I'll slip stitch in the top of the first FSC made, making sure not to twist the stitches. Then I just proceed to work in the round normally. Once it's time to weave in ends, I'll go back and use that 6 inch tail to create a sort of seamless join (there's a video tutorial on seamless finishing here if you're unfamiliar with the technique) on the underside or "chain side" of the first and last fsc sts. Does that make sense?
Angel Calcote says
I think I understand. . . . You would not make the piece flat and turn at the end of each row. You would make the rows go round and round without turning at all. Is that right?
moogly says
Unless there was a reason I need to be working flat, yes. If I did have to work flat and then seam it, I'd use the same seaming methods as for any other crochet project. There are a few different seaming methods here: http://www.knitsimplemag.com/node/34 Perhaps this is more what you're looking for? Using the FSC for the first row shouldn't affect the actual seaming at all.
Eastin says
Thank you for this! I'm a newby to Ravelry and *liking* what I'm learning--your teaching video was very well done!!
Ginger says
Thank you so much for this video and the FDC video. What a great way to start. I am making fingerless gloves. The pattern is worked in the round but you go up each row. I would like to pull out what I have done and start over using this technique. I don't like the way it it looks now and think that the FSC will make a better first row. Do you have any tips on this for me? I know that is a pretty broad question. I am having to wing the pattern slightly because they want it to start at the elbow and the original pattern is just above the wrist. Thank you either way. Great video
moogly says
Hi Ginger! I'm glad you like it! What I'd recommend is using the same number of FSC as the pattern calls for in the first Round - not necessarily the same number of chains. Then join them to work in the round, as in the joining foundation stitches to work in the round video here, and then work the pattern as directed for Round 2 and on! Although, since you're altering the pattern further to fit on the elbow, you will likely want to add some stitches, so those are the number of stitches I'd start with.
Ginger says
Thank you! I am sitting here practicing...=) I noticed you had a print friendly button. It doesn't actually print the step by step instructions as I was hoping. I sat here and wrote each step as you said it in the video. This way I can have the written instructions with me in case I get stuck...=\
Thank you for the great videos. I have enjoyed watching them all. I now have written instructions for the FSC and FDC...=)
moogly says
Ah yes, the Print Friendly button is more for the free patterns, not the videos, sorry. I'm glad you like the videos though!
Amy says
wow! this such a fantastic technique! thankyou, i love crocheting apart from the chaining at the start and now i can jump ahead to the fun part hooray! 😀 .. and the result is so much neater as well x
Tracey McDowell says
Thank you so much for posting this video. I have never done this stitch before and it is really easy and lays so well. I am making the Ultimate Universal Electronics Cozy and I can't wait to see how it turns out. Thanks!!
Shelley Lee says
Thank you so much for this great tutorial on FSC!! I am going to make some leg warmers for my granddaughter and I know how hard chain in the round can be for such an application when trying to pull an item over wiggly little feet. This method makes a perfect stretchy beginning to any type project, and your video made it so easy to learn!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Glad to hear it Shelley, thank you!
Crystal says
I'm new to crochet ( about 9 months) and the only part I don't enjoy is the whole stitching into chain thing. Thank you!
Phyllis says
I LOVE what you've shared here! Thank you.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you!
CindyF says
Just wondering if it would be possible to start a foundation row for a ripple using this technique. You know, with increases and decreases? Trying to wrap my head around how that could be done... anyone ever try it?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Cindy! You absolutely can! Click here for the tutorial! It's shown with fdc, but it's the same idea, just don't yo first. 🙂
CindyF says
Ah, wonderful! Thanks so much for pointing me in the right direction. Cannot wait to try this.
akosua says
Very nicely illustrated, thank you.
work of Hart says
This is terrific, thank you thank you. I hate doing the first 2 rows starting a project.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thanks Work of Hart - me too! 😛
Helen says
perfect. I love it! the starting 'chain' looks so much better now 🙂 thanks so much for this tutorial.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 So glad to hear it Helen! Thank you!
Debra says
Tamara,
Thanks for your blog and video tutorials.
I'm struggling with FSC. Mine curves so much. I think the bottom is too tight. Any suggestions?
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you Debra! The key is to pull the first loop - the one that represents the chain of each stitch - up a bit higher than the other loops. 🙂
Marcia Loftin says
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR GOING THROUGH THE INSTRUCTIONS SLOWLY , I AM A OLDER BEGININNER I HAVE TROUBLE WHEN PEOPLE GO FAST, I HAVE KNITTED FOR 60 YEARS BUT JUST LEARNED TO CROCHET LAST YEAR. a BIRTHDAY PRESENT TO MY SELF. I LOVE IT!!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I'm so glad to hear it Marcia! Thank you!
Fiona says
This has transformed my crochet items. Fsc is stretchy and so easy to use. Thanks!
Fiona
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I'm so glad to hear it! Thank you Fiona!
Julie says
how do you do a fhdc?
Tamara Kelly says
Click here for the tutorial! 🙂
Julie says
Great video on foundation single crochet! It was so confusing until you showed how simple it really is.
Tamara Kelly says
🙂 Thank you Julie! I think breaking it down into it's parts helps people visualize and remember the steps.
Natasja says
I'm practicing this stitch for your pattern snow drops reversible cowl. But if i make the foundation chain how do i count how many i have. Do i count the top stiches or the bottom?
Tamara Kelly says
Hello Natasja! You would count them the same way you would a row of sc, from the top. 🙂
Natasja says
Thanks do you count the chain 2 in the beginning aswell or not?
Chris L-B says
Aha! I had only written instructions for fsc and though I got through the first stitch all right, I couldn't understand where I was supposed to insert the hook for the following stitch. Now I got it, thanks! 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I'm so glad the video helped, thank you Chris!
Sarah says
I am having a lot of trouble finding your videos for Foundation Single Crochet also. Were the videos taking off your website or is there something wrong with the internet? Please I need some assistance. I have never done a foundation stitch of any kind before in my life. I really would like to learn. Thank you for your time and patience with me.
Tamara Kelly says
It sounds like something is wrong with your connection right now that the videos aren't loading, I can see them fine. Your connection might be too slow right now.
WHIRLINGDERVISH says
Just perfect tutorial. I will practice. Thank you.
Ellie says
Is the row of FSC considered the RS? If that is the case, seems like the 'tail' would be on the right side rather than the left side as is the case when you work into the chain. Is that correct?
Thanks for the great patterns and tutorials.. I have made a couple of scarves and a tote and love them all! I am a beginner and your website is my go-to when I want to figure something out.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Ellie! It just depends on the pattern whether it will be the RS or WS - but you're right, it does change which side the tail is on! 🙂 Thank you so much!
Ellie says
Thanks for the quick reply!
The pattern says the first row is the RS but uses a traditional chain and SC. Would it still be the RS if I use the FSC? This is my first pattern where RS/WS matters, so it is all new to me.
Laura says
I am so looking forward to trying out this method of beginning a crochet project: I totally dislike that part and did not know there was another way (and I am no spring chicken!) Thank you
Tamara Kelly says
🙂 I hope you like it!
Sherri says
Your blog has improved my crocheting 1000% and it is where i tell people who are just leanring to crochet to go for the best help and hints.
I love chainless foundations but have a quesiton abou tthe other end...that last row. If i'm not putting a boarding on a piece is there a stitch i can use for the last row that looks like a foundation single crochet and has a similar amount of stretch?
Tamara Kelly says
Oh my gosh, thank you so much for saying so, Sherri!
I hear what you're asking (I hope!), and it's something I often find myself trying to do within a pattern too. It depends a lot on the individual pattern, but if the end row and first row are close enough to see that the foundation row is just that little bit taller, then switching to taller stitch for the last row can even it out. For example, to balance foundation single crochet, I might end a project in hdc.
As for mimicking the look, there's not really a perfect option. But when you work a border all the way around, it ends up looking just like a row of stitches worked into a standard chain. 🙂
I hope that helps!
Mary says
Today is Thursday, May 24, 2018. I just want to let Tamara know that the videos for Foundation Single Crochet are NOT working. Thanks.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you for letting us know, we're fixing it now! 🙂
Tracy says
I have a question about your Greek Alphabet patterns. I am trying to crochet the Delta letter and Row 12 says to sc in each stitch (which are 3 stitches) then do 11 FSC for a total of 14 stitches, but I am confused as to where to go once I have finished the 3rd sc. Your video above shows how to start with FSC but where do I go for the next stitch if I already have done the 3 sc? Very confused
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Tracy! I think this might help: https://www.mooglyblog.com/extending-rows-fsc/
Tracy says
Yes that is what I needed!! Thanks Tamara!
Tracy says
Now I am stuck on Row 15. I finished Row 14, turned and did the ch 1 but for where I am now (at the point where the V meets) moving to the bottom of Rows 12-14 doesn't seem to be working for me - what am I doing wrong? I apologize for being confused LOL.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Tracy! You want to work into the sides of the rows here - not the bottom. Does that make sense?
Tracy says
I think I figured it out. I must have done an extra row of sc which put me in the wrong position to do Row 15. I will work it out. Thanks for your responses and assistance.
Simone says
Thank you so much for this video! You explained everything so well.... that I would like to link your explanation 😀
I am using FSC in my free and super basic baby cardigan pattern, but many seem not to know this technique. As you already made such a good video and post, I hope it is ok if I link you (and my spoken English is so bad - not native - that a video is no option for me :-D)
Ou can see the pattern here
http://www.blissandblisters.com/no-grey-mouse-crochet-pattern-for-a-baby-cardigan/
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you Simone! Please feel free to link it as needed. 🙂 That sweater is super cute!
Simone says
Jippiii and thank you <3
Sandy T says
I love the foundation single crochet, especially for large items. I'm beginning a ripple blanket and was wondering how to do the FSC with skipped chains.
Tamara Kelly says
I will have to ponder that one, I'm afraid!
kath says
Howdy! As a left handed crocheter, I was perplexed for awhile- reversed top/bottom of fsc.
Perhaps make a note of that for the southpaws wandering into your site.
Thanks so much for including left handed tutorials- you are the only consistent one I've found so far!
Very grateful for all you have published & helped for us yarn fiddlers 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you, Kath!