How to Foundation Single Crochet - Better than Chains

Anyone who knows the basics of crochet will tell you that you always need to start your piece with a foundation chain. Then you work your desired pattern into that. But every now and again, you come across a pattern that says, “Start with a foundation single crochet”. Now, what is that all about? Read on, and you will find out!

Foundation Single Crochet Stitch Tutorial

What is Foundation Single Crochet?

The Foundation Single Crochet (FSC) stitch is a mixture of the chain and single crochet stitches. It makes it simple to work a foundation row of single crochet stitches without first forming a large chain. FSC allows you to easily alter the length of your foundation row and is ideal for beginning a scarf, Afghan, or any large piece of crochet.

Supplies

Here is what you need for single crochet foundation chain:

• Yarn
• Crochet hook
• Stitch marker

Abbreviations for Foundation Single Crochet

All instructions are written in Us terms.

• ch = chain stitch
• sc = single crochet stitch
• FSC = foundation single crochet

More About Foundation Single Crochet (FSC)

Do you want to skip that long chain at the start of a new crochet project? Then you'll want foundation single crochet (FSC)! In these step-by-step instructions, you'll learn why chainless foundations are such a great way to start a crochet project.

When I first learned how to work the foundation single crochet (abbreviated FSC or FSC crochet and also known as a chainless foundation single crochet), it started a whole new mindset and completely transformed the way I began many of my crochet projects.

If your pattern indicates FSC and you have no idea what that means, don't worry! Just keep reading because I think you'll enjoy this technique!

Foundation Single Crochet for Beginners

Let's start with an explanation of what a single crochet foundation chain is. Most crochet patterns begin by working a long line of chain stitches to make a starting chain, then going back and working the stitches for the first row into that chain foundation.

Instead, chainless foundation stitches replace this entire process, allowing you to work your chain stitches and initial row of stitches simultaneously! (Very exciting!)

Here's an example of a short row of foundation single crochet. The top half of the stitch resembles a single crochet, while the bottom half resembles chains.

Here is a regular chain stitch with a row of single crochet.

Why Use Foundation Single Crochet Stitch?

But why bother learning a new stitch when you already know how to chain and single crochet? I'm going to explain why!

There are quite a few reasons.

• Working with FSC is easier than with a chain foundation. At first, it might be hard to understand, but once you do, you'll love it. Placing stitches into a chain foundation is a pain. Chain stitches are often worked tightly, and it can be hard to get the hook into the chain.
• Counting stitches is a lot easier. Nobody has ever said, "I enjoy counting chain stitches." When you utilize FSC, you won't have to count out 700 chain stitches twelve times to ensure you have the correct quantity. Also, if you get to the end of your second row and realize you've miscounted, you won't have to undo the first two rows of work you just spent ages on! Maybe the most appealing aspect of FSC is that, because the first two rows are virtually stitched together, you will only have to remove a few stitches if your initial count was incorrect.
• It does not coil or twist like traditional single crochet. While working single crochet into a chain foundation, it frequently does not lay flat. Although the final piece may always be blocked, the curling and twisting can be challenging to work with. With foundation single crochet, this is not an issue.
• It has the same level of tension as the rest of the project.
• Your project's edge is nice and straight.
• This chainless single crochet foundation technique is ideal for crocheting garments that need a flexible edge.

How to Crochet Foundation Single Crochet, Step by Step Instructions

Step 1 - First Stitch (How to Start a Single Crochet Chain)

• Begin with a slip knot and chain two.

• Insert hook into the second chain from the hook.
• Yarn over and pull through a stitch. (The hook should now have two loops.)

• Yarn over and draw a stitch through only the first loop - there should still be two loops on your hook.

You have now completed the chain portion of the foundation single crochet.

• Mark this chain, as this is the stitch where you will place your hook to begin the next foundation single crochet. After you have marked a few stitches you will find you no longer need to do this.

• Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook to produce a single crochet. (Your hook should only have one loop.)

This is the end of your first single crochet chains.

Step 2 - Second Stitch of Single Crochet Chain

Here is how to do a foundation single crochet:

• Put your hook into the previous stitch's chain section - between the chain and the single crochet - to make the next FSC.
• Your hook must go through BOTH loops at the top of the chain. Two strands should be on the hook's left and one loop on the hook's right.

• Yarn over and pull a stitch through. (Your hook should now have two loops.)

• Yarn over and draw a stitch through only the first loop - there should still be two loops on your hook. (This is the next chain part.)
• Move the marker and mark this stitch.

• Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook to produce a single crochet. (Your hook should only have one loop.)

This is the end of your next single crochet.

Step 3 - Repeat

• Insert your hook into the chain section of the previous stitch and repeat step 2 to produce the next foundation single crochet.
• Continue until your foundation row reaches the correct number of stitches.

Now that you've completed your first single crochet foundation row of stitches, you may proceed with your pattern. Remember that what you just did counts as the first row of single crochet if your pattern doesn't specify FSC stitches.

Tips and Tricks For Working FSC (Single Crochet Chain)

Changing Hook Size

A single crochet foundation row can be more stretchy than a row of chain stitches. This can be a good thing, or it can make your project look bad if it's too loose.

Using a smaller hook for the foundation row is one way to deal with this. If the pattern says to use a 4.00mm hook for the body of the piece, you can try using a 3.5mm or 3.75mm hook for the foundation single crochet row. This will give you the amount of stretch you need without making it look too wrinkly.

Tail Position of Foundation Single Crochet Chain

Another thing to think about is whether or not your pattern cares about the right side and wrong side rows or where your beginning tail goes. When you do a row of chain stitches and then a row of single crochet back across, the tail you started with will be at the bottom left of a row that faces right. (See comparison picture at beginning of article.)

Your right side row is the second row, which is made up of single crochet stitches. Working a chainless foundation row will keep the beginning tail on the bottom right of a right-facing row, and your second row will be a wrong-side row.

Most of the time, it shouldn't matter where the tail is, but if you need it for seaming or as an accent, it will be important to know. And if you're doing work where the right side and wrong side rows are important, you'll want to be careful about how this affects your design.

Timing of FSC Crochet Stitch

It also takes longer to make FSC in crochet in general. You're basically working on two rows at the same time, and each stitch takes more steps. However, it is worth it in the long run, as you will be skipping one whole row.

When to Use Foundation Single Crochet?

A foundation single crochet row can be used when a project calls for a row of single crochet stitches in the first row of work. If you don't know your crochet gauge or need to adjust the size or fit of a design, you should probably start with an FSC. Even if the pattern calls for a specific amount of chain stitches, you can substitute foundation single crochet stitches.

How to Substitute FSC

Assume a pattern instructs you to make 30 chain stitches. Then, beginning with the second chain from your hook, make one single crochet stitch in each chain stitch across, totaling 29 single crochet stitches.

To turn that into a chainless foundation, simply make 29 FSC stitches as the foundation. Then, turn your work and complete the rest of the pattern as indicated. So, if your gauge isn't quite right, you can easily change the pattern. This gives you more control over your project.

Foundation Single Crochet FAQs

Is single crochet foundation the same as chain?

No. You can skip the first chain and work a row of single crochet (or double crochet or treble crochet), building the stitches out side by side as described before. Instead of making base chains or starting chains, you just make the number of foundation stitches required to begin your row.

Why is my single crochet foundation curling?

Too-tight stitches are one of the most common causes of crochet curling. This will also cause your crochet fabric to stiffen, resulting in curl. The best solution to this problem is to use a larger hook size.

When working in the round, how do you join a foundation stitch?

Slip stitch the first and end stitches together, just like when you are normally crocheting in the round. Then, using the yarn tail, join the bottoms of the last and first stitches together. The yarn tail is right there, and you will need to weave it in any case.

Are There Other Foundation Crochet Stitches?

There is also a foundation half double crochet stitch and a foundation double crochet stitch. They are all similar to each other and make stitches like their conventional counterparts. They are worked in exactly the same way, only substituting the taller stitches for single crochet. The tallest option would be the foundation double crochet row.

What is FSC in Crochet?

FSC in crcohet stands for foundation single crochet. It is a method of starting a crochet project that is suitable for larger items and items you want to lay flat at the edges.

Foundation Single Crochet - In Conclusion

Whether you're making a simple scarf or a complicated outfit, it's very helpful to know how to make a neat and even foundation single crochet chain. With time and practice, you can get the hang of the foundation chain stitch and use it to make neat edges faster. This method will give you a wonderful elastic, stretchy edge! No more puckering tight crochet edges! Enjoy trying it out on any crochet pattern.

More Crochet Articles

• Foundation Half Double Crochet (FHDC)
• Foundation Double Crochet (FDC)
• Foundation Chain