How to Crochet a Foundation Chain (Beginner Tutorial)

Crochet is most often started with a foundation chain, rather than ‘casting on’ as you would do when knitting. This crochet foundation chain is also known as a base chain or a starting chain. You can create a basic crochet foundation chain or combine the first row of stitches by completing a foundation single crochet chain. This tutorial will show you how to do a foundation chain step by step.

What is a Crochet Foundation Chain?

The crochet foundation chain is made up of a row of interlinked loops, which look a bit like an actual metal chain. Each individual loop is one chain stitch. The chain can be arranged in a long row or in a crochet circle. The circle is for when you plan to crochet circles or squares, and the long line of chain stitches is for when you plan to crochet back and forth.

If you are new to learning crochet, read my article on how to crochet for beginners.

How to Crochet Foundation Chain

You will need yarn and a crochet hook suitable for that thickness of the yarn. Check the ball band of the yarn for recommended size of crochet hook.

Step 1 – Make a Slip Knot

To make a foundation chain, start with a slip knot. The part of the yarn closest to the ball is called the working yarn, and the loose end is called the tail end.

1. Wrap the yarn around the hook once.
2. Yarn over from back to front.
3. Pull the yarn through the loop.
4. Tighten the knot.

This is your slip knot. It should be able to ‘slip’ looser and tighter as required!

Step 2 – Create the First Chain

Here are the starting chain crochet instructions (how to ch):

• Now wrap the working yarn around the hook.

It must go around the back of the hook, then down over the front and up around the back again. This wrap should be to the left of the slip knot. (If you are right-handed.) Hold the tail end of the yarn between the thumb and a finger of the non-dominant hand.

• Pull that loop of yarn through the slip knot.
• Tighten this stitch by pulling the working yarn gently. 

This is your first chain stitch. Do not make each stitch too tight, because you will need to work future stitches into these chain stitches. Leave them slightly loose.

Step 3 – Repeat for More Foundation Chains

Repeat the motion, wrapping the yarn around the hook, to the back, and then over the front, then pull the loop through every time. This is your crochet starting stitch. This repetition will form a long strand of chain stitches. Your string of chain stitches must be the length you require for the base of your crochet fabric. If you are following a pattern, and it says chain 30, you must have 30 loops in your strand.

❤️ BEGINNER TIP: Keep your foundation chain slightly loose so future rows are easier to crochet into.

As you continue making the crochet foundation chain, keep pulling (gently!) the string of stitches you have formed, using your non-dominant hand. Keep that ‘pulling’ hand close to the crochet hook. This will help regulate the tension of the foundation chain.

Working into the Foundation Chain

When your crochet foundation chain is complete, you will turn your work and work into these chain loops. Your pattern may require that you use single crochet, double crochet or half double crochet into the chain loops. (Or any combination of these!)

When you start that first row of actual crochet stitches, you can choose to work into just one strand or two strands of the chain loops. Whichever you choose, they will form an even bottom edge for your fabric.

How to Count Foundation Chain Stitches

Your pattern will tell you to start with ch (X no.) of stitches. Invariably, someone will call you, ask you a question, or the cat will start playing with your yarn while you are doing this, and you will lose count! If you need to check how many chain stitches you have done, do not count the original slip stitch as a stitch, nor the loop on the hook. So start with the first chain stitch you made after the slip stitch, and end with the last chain stitch before the hook.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Solution
Tight chain	Tight tension	Use larger hook
Loose chain	Loose tension	Use smaller hook
Curved edge	Uneven tension	Keep chains even
Hard to count stitches	Counting slip knot	Ignore slip knot and hook loop
Twisted chain	Turning chain repeatedly	Keep chain facing same direction

Crochet Foundation Chain Tight

Sometimes, when working the foundation chain, crocheters seem to work this tighter than the rest of their crochet stitches. This results in a narrower or curved bottom of the fabric, which is not ideal. To counteract this problem, try using a hook one size larger for the foundation chain. If you do this, it will also be easier to insert your hook into the foundation chain for the next row of stitches. It may be a good idea to make a tension swatch before you start the actual project, to see if you need to do this.

Crochet Foundation Chain Too Loose

If your foundation chain is too loose, you will end up with a curve at the top of the fabric. A bit like a smile! Solve this by using a smaller crochet hook for the chain and then switching to your recommended size. Otherwise, try to do your chain stitches a little tighter. Try to keep all the chain stitches the same size and tension. This takes a bit of practice at first, but the more you crochet and get your hands into a comfortable rhythm, the easier it gets.

Other Foundation Chain Methods

Foundation single crochet (FSC) combines the starting chain and the first row of single crochet into one step. This creates a stretchier edge and avoids the tightness that sometimes happens with traditional foundation chains. Many crocheters prefer foundation single crochet for garments, blankets, and projects that need extra flexibility.

Learn the full method in the separate foundation single crochet tutorial.

Foundation Chain FAQs

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In Conclusion

The crochet foundation chain is one of the most important beginner crochet skills because it forms the starting point for many crochet projects. Once you learn how to keep your chain stitches even and maintain consistent tension, you will be ready to begin blankets, scarves, garments, granny squares, and many other crochet patterns.

Although foundation chains can feel awkward at first, the movement quickly becomes easier with practice. Before long, creating smooth even chains will become second nature and the perfect starting point for all your future crochet projects.