The Foundation Single Crochet Row is a real game-changer for starting your crochet project the easy way, without chaining the initial chains!
How is it possible?
What is the Foundation Single Crochet?
The Foundation Single Crochet (shortened as FSC) is an all-in-one technique that combines the initial chain and the first row of single crochet!
In short, you start with a chain, make the first single crochet, and then keep adding one chain and one single crochet at each step!
Take a moment to think about it. Your initial chain and single crochet row are made at the same time. Isn’t it cool?!
You will no longer have to chain long starting chains, which very often end up being too tight and curl! Or even worse, getting to the end of the first row of single crochet only to realize that you miscounted your initial chain — ugh!
Why Should You Try the Foundation Single Crochet?
Here are my top reasons why it is worth learning the FSC:
The thing that I love the most about the FSC is that it is so extremely stretchy.
- It is stretchy
- No problem with the gauge
- No need to count endless initial chains
- Easy to add or remove stitches
- When starting your project the classical way (initial chain and single crochet row), the FSC is a quick and easy fix if you miscounted your initial chain and need to add a few more stitches!
If you have ever tried to crochet a headband, a hat, or a garment, you know how important it is to have a stretchy foundation chain. Nobody likes to wear something that is so annoyingly tight on one side!
The solution to that tight, curly, and out-of-gauge starting chain is all in the foundation single crochet!
Not Only Single Crochet
Foundation rows can be made with all basic stitches! Learn how with the tutorials below!
Grab yarn and hook, and follow me in this step-by-step tutorial on how to crochet the foundation single crochet row!
Foundation Single Crochet Video Tutorial
How To Foundation Single Crochet — Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial
Step 1. Ch 2.
Step 2. Insert your hook into the first made ch.
Step 3. Yo, draw up a loop.
Step 4. Yo.
Step 5. Draw yarn through the first loop on your hook.
Step 6. Yo and draw yarn through both loops on your hook.
If you look at the loops indicated by the arrow, you’ll see that you created a ch on the bottom of your st.
Step 7. Insert your hook under both loops created at the bottom of your first st.
Step 8. Yo and pull up a loop.
Pro-Tip
This step is crucial for a straight foundation row. Make sure that the loop you pull up here is really at the same level as the loop on your hook!
Keep repeating steps 4-8 to grow your foundation single crochet row.
FSC — Right Side vs the Wrong Side
Learning how to recognize the right side of your foundation row is important especially for projects that are worked in the round.
It is very easy to distinguish the right and wrong sides. Just take a look at the picture below!
Practice, Practice, Practice!
The FSC might seem a difficult stitch to learn at first, but it is way easier to master than you think.
With just a little practice, you’ll see your foundation row improving and you’ll never look back to the classical initial chains!
Let me know how it goes with your foundation single crochet row, and show me your projects on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #raffamusadesigns
Learn more crochet techniques with these step-by-step tutorials!
Great directions! Thank you!