Chain Stitch Crochet (Ch) Easy 4 Steps, Photo & Video

Learn how to chain stitch crochet! Besides your foundation chain, chain stitch is often used in many other crochet pattern stitches in between other stitches. It is abbreviated to “ch” in crochet patterns. Making the chain stitches is very easy. The challenge is keeping the tension correct so that you don’t have different sized loops and ‘links’ in your chain. This is something that definitely gets easier with practice!

What Is a Chain Stitch in Crochet?

The chain stitch (ch) is the foundation of almost every crochet project. It is used to create foundation chains, turning chains, and decorative chain spaces within crochet stitch patterns. Learning how to crochet a chain stitch is one of the first skills and basic crochet stitches every crocheter needs to master.

How to Crochet Chain Stitch (Step by Step)

Step 1 – Make a Slip Knot

To start chain stitch crochet you need to make your slip knot. There are several ways to do this, but it can easily be done with your crochet hook.

1. Create a loop on your hook. Yarn over.
2. Pull the yarn through the loop.
3. Pull tight and move the knot up near the hook.

Insert the hook into the loop formed by your slip knot. Pull the loop fairly tight, but loose enough to allow movement of the hook.

Step 2 – Hold the Hook and Yarn

Now you have a slip knot you need to hold your crochet hook ready to make the first chain stitch. Hold the knot between your thumb and a finger of your non-dominant hand (if you are right-handed this will be your left hand). Which finger depends upon which finger you are using to keep your yarn tension constant. If you use your forefinger to keep tension you will use your middle finger for this.

Here you can see how I hold my hands for the crocheting chain stitch. I hold the hook on top like a knife with my right hand but you can also hold it underneath like a pencil. Find a position that feels comfortable.

Step 3 – Yarn Over

Wrap the working yarn (ie. the yarn coming from the ball, not the tail end) over the hook, from back to front. You can do this using your non-dominant hand to move the yarn, or by using your dominant hand to twist the hook slightly to get the yarn wrapped around it. This is called yarn over and is written yo in crochet patterns.

Step 4 – Pull Through

Now grab that yarn wrap with the hook, and pull it through the loop already on your hook. That makes one chain stitch crochet.

Step 5 – Repeat More Chain Stitches

To make the next chain stitch, yarn over the hook again and pull it through the current loop. Keep repeating this movement until you have the required number of chain stitches. Try to keep each loop of the chain the same size.

Here is a series of chain stitches. In some crochet projects, you will be required to make a really long chain.

Counting Chain Stitches In Crochet

When counting your chain stitches, do not include the slip knot in your count, and do not include the loop on your hook.

As the length of your chain increases, keep moving your finger and thumb up the chain, keeping them close to the hook to keep your tension steady.

Using Your Chain Stitch Crochet

Once you have created your crochet chains in your desired length, you can single crochet, double crochet or treble crochet into the loops formed. Learn more about the basic crochet stitches.

As a Foundation Chain

To form a single crochet stitch: (US terminology)

1. Insert the hook 2 crochet chain stitches from the end.
2. Yarn over. Pull through the first stitch. (2 loops on hook).
3. Yarn over. Pull through the stitches, so you have one remaining stitch.

Each loop of the chain must be loose enough to insert your hook into as you work the next row. If your loops are too tight, you will struggle to form the next row of crochet stitches. If you find that your loops are forming too tightly, use a larger hook just for your foundation chain.

When you have had some practice with forming chain stitches, you will find that you develop a rhythm while making them. Once you get into this rhythm, you will be able to work fast and your tension will be even.

As a Turning Chain

Chain stitch crochet is also used to start new rows. In order to start crocheting a new row, you will need to increase the height appropriately. Without a turning chain stitch, your ends would be squashed down, and your crochet would be out of shape very quickly.

Here are the number of turning chains required for the basic crochet stitches. Most of the time the turning chain will count as your first stitch of the row unless your pattern says otherwise.

1. Single crochet – 1 chain
2. Half double crochet – 2 chains
3. Double crochet – 3 chains
4. Treble crochet – 4 chains

Why Is My Chain Stitch Too Tight?

Many beginners pull their chain stitches too tightly, making it difficult to insert the hook into the next row. If this happens, try relaxing your tension or using a crochet hook one size larger for the foundation chain.

Chain Stitch vs Foundation Chain

Here is a table showing you the difference between the crochet chain stitch and a foundation chain.

Chain Stitch	Foundation Chain
Basic crochet stitch	Starting row of chain stitches
Creates one stitch	Creates multiple chain stitches
Used throughout patterns	Usually worked at the beginning
Abbreviated ch	Often called a starting chain

Crochet Chain Stitch FAQs

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Conclusion

The chain stitch is the foundation of almost every crochet project and one of the first skills every crocheter learns. Although it is simple to make, practicing even tension and consistent stitch size will help create a neat and professional-looking foundation for your work. As well as forming foundation chains, chain stitches are used for turning chains, decorative spaces, lace patterns, and many other crochet techniques. Once you master the chain stitch, you’ll be ready to move on to basic crochet stitches such as single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet.

More Basic Crochet Stitches

• Single Crochet (sc)
• Half Double Crochet (hdc)
• Double Crochet (dc)
• Treble Crochet (tr)
• How to Crochet for Beginners
• How to Do a Slip Knot
• Slip Stitch Crochet