Today, we'll be learning how to create a starting chain, an essential technique in crochet. This simple chain will nearly always play a major role in your crochet project.
Also, you can create friendship bracelets just using this starting chain stitch. How much fun!
We've created both a step-by-step tutorial and a video for you, so it's easy for everyone to see how to chain.
Table of Contents
Get your yarn ready, this basic crochet knot is super simple! It is good to learn it first, because it is how you start most crochet projects.
Steps to create a starting chain
Crochetting a chain will start most of your crochet projects. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1 - Make a slip knot
Begin by creating a slip knot. Slip it on your hook.
Step 2 - Hold the tail
Hold the end of the slip knot between the thumb and middle finger of your left hand.
Step 3 - Yarn Over
Bring the yarn over: bring the working yarn over the hook from back to front.
Step 4 - Pull the hook through
Pull the hook through the loop on the hook: rotate the hook slightly so the yarn gets caught in the hook throat, and then slowly pull your hook throught the loop:
Your first chain stitch is complete!
Step 5 - Repeat
To make another chain stitch, yarn over the hook and pull up another loop. Repeat this process, making as many chain stitches as your pattern calls for.
Abbreviation For Chain Stitch Crochet
The chain stitch in crochet patterns is abbreviated as ch
If the pattern instructions say ch 10, it means you'll need to make a chain of 10 chain stitches in a row.
Bonus tip: When counting how many chain stitches you've made, do not count the loop on your hook or the slip knot as a stitch.
Tips To Make Your Chain Stitch Easier
1 - Important tip: As you work, move your left-hand fingers up along the chain. For the most control, I hold the chain one or two stitches away from the hook.
2 - Did your chain stitches turn out uneven? Tension. It can take some practice to keep your tension consistent from one chain stitch to the next - so keep practicing! In time, it will be a no-brainer.
If you are a visual learner, the below video will make creating a starting chain even easier.
How To Crochet Chain Stitch Video Tutorial
And now, the video tutorial to show you making a starting chain:
Congratulations! You've successfully crochetted a chain. Now you're ready to start your crochet project by working the first row of stitches into this chain.
After you master this basic technique and the basic stitches in crochet, be sure to check out our easy crochet projects. Happy crocheting!
Here's a printable step-by-step for you, too:
Print Steps
How to start a crochet chain
How to do a chain stitch crochet with this easy tutorial for beginners. Quick step-by-step instructions for you to print!
Materials
- yarn
Tools
- crochet hook
Instructions
- Begin by creating a slip knot. Slip it on your hook.
- Hold the end of the slip knot between the thumb and middle finger of your left hand.
- Bring the yarn over: bring the working yarn over the hook from back to front.
- Pull the hook through the loop on the hook: to make it easier, rotate the hook slightly so the yarn gets caught in the hook throat.
- Now pull up, and you have just created your first chain stitch.
- Repeat 3-5: To make another chain stitch, yarn over the hook and pull up another loop. Repeat this process, making as many chain stitches as your pattern calls for.
If you're here for more crochet, test the waters with our top 10 free amigurumi toy patterns. Sweet and fun!
