How to Foundation Single Crochet (FSC) +Video

Foundation single crochet (FSC) is a crochet technique that combines the foundation chain and the first row of single crochet into one step. Instead of making a long chain and then working back into it, foundation single crochet creates both the chain and the stitch simultaneously. FSC creates a stretchy, flexible edge that is ideal for scarves, blankets, garments, and other projects that begin with a row of single crochet stitches. It is also easier to count, easier to adjust, and often more comfortable to work than crocheting into a long foundation chain. This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to foundation single crochet, when to use it, and why many crocheters prefer it over a traditional chain foundation.

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.

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.

How to Foundation Single Crochet (Step by Step)

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.

1. First FSC Stitch

• 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.Y
• 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.

2. Second Stitch

Here is how to do a foundation single crochet second stitch:

• 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 foundation single crochet stitch.

3. Repeat the Foundation Single Crochet Pattern

• 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 single crochet 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

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. One way to deal with this is to use a smaller hook for the foundation row.

Tail Position – Another thing to consider is whether 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.

Timing – 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.

Foundation Single Crochet Troubleshooting

Here is a table outlining common problems when crocheting FSC and how to fix them.

Problem	Cause	Solution
Edge curls	Tension too tight	Use a larger hook
Stitches uneven	Inconsistent tension	Pull loops evenly
Can’t find insertion point	Missing chain section	Mark first few stitches
Foundation too loose	Loops pulled too high	Tighten tension slightly
Wrong stitch count	Missed a stitch	Count regularly

Foundation Single Crochet vs Foundation Chain

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.

Foundation Single Crochet	Foundation Chain
Chain and stitch worked together	Chain worked first
Stretchy edge	Can be tight
Easy to adjust length	Harder to adjust
Easier stitch counting	Requires counting chains
Less curling	More likely to twist

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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• This chainless single crochet foundation technique is ideal for crocheting garments that need a flexible edge.

Foundation Single Crochet FAQs

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Foundation Single Crochet – In Conclusion

When I first learned how to work the foundation single crochet, it started a whole new mindset and completely transformed the way I began many of my crochet projects. 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 and borders!

More Crochet Articles

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