Foundation Crochet Stitches

UNDERSTANDING FOUNDATION CROCHET STITCHES

A traditional crochet pattern calls for you to create a chain of a certain length before you begin your first row of the work. Foundation crochet stitches combine these two steps into one, creating the chain at the same time that you create the first row. That's why these stitches are sometimes called "chainless crochet." There are several benefits to this approach:

• Some people find it tedious to work their first row into a very long chain, sometimes causing them to miss stitches. This is not an issue with foundation crochet.
• Some yarn types don't lend themselves well to working into a base chain because the stitches are tougher to see (novelty yarns are often like this); it's easier to work directly into the first row.
• Many people complain that their starting chain has a different tension than the rest of the project. This problem is eliminated with foundation stitches.
• Foundation stitches have a little bit of give to them, making them a great choice for projects such as garments where you want a little bit of stretch.

Some patterns specifically call for foundation crochet or chainless foundation to begin a project. However, you can use this technique with any pattern.

Simple eliminate the chain from the equation and begin with the first row, creating the same number of foundation stitches as the row calls for. For example, if the first row in your pattern calls for 100 single crochet stitches, you will skip the chain and make 100 foundation single crochet stitches instead.