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Sweety Dreamz
US: chUK: chBeginner

Chain Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial

The chain is the first stitch every crocheter learns. A row of chains, the foundation chain, is the starting point for most projects worked in rows, and single chains make the gaps in lace and mesh.

Turning chain
Not applicable
Height
Very short (a single loop)

Step by step

  1. 11 loop on hook

    1. Make a slip knot

    Make a loop with the tail behind, pull the working yarn through it and place the new loop on your hook. Tighten it gently.

  2. 21 loop on hook

    2. Yarn over

    Wrap the working yarn over the hook from back to front.

  3. 31 loop on hook

    3. Pull through

    Draw the yarn through the loop on the hook. You have made one chain.

  4. 41 loop on hook

    4. Repeat and count

    Repeat for as many chains as needed. To count, look at the V shapes. Do not count the loop on the hook or the slip knot.

Illustrations show the hook and the loops on it at the end of each step. Instructions use US terms (ch); in UK patterns this stitch is written as ch.

Video tutorial

The video for this stitch is being filmed

Follow the illustrated steps above in the meantime. Add the YouTube ID in the stitch data to publish it here.

Tips

  • Hold the chain just below the hook between your thumb and middle finger. Move your fingers up every few chains.
  • If your foundation chain is tighter than your stitches, use a hook one size bigger for the chain only.
  • Place a stitch marker every 20 chains when you need a long foundation, so you never have to recount.

Common mistakes

The first row is narrower than the rest.
Your chain is too tight. Chain with a bigger hook, or relax your grip on the yarn.
I keep losing count.
Mark every 10th or 20th chain with a locking stitch marker.

Questions

Does the loop on the hook count as a chain?

No. Neither the loop on the hook nor the slip knot counts.

Which side of the chain do I work into?

Most patterns work into the top loop or the back bump. Working into the back bump gives a neater bottom edge.

Practise the Chain Stitch

Patterns where this stitch plays a starring role.

Keep Learning

All stitches

Next up: Slip Stitch