Often, there are certain necessary tasks that are a part of crochet but are … well, not as appealing as others.
Maybe for you, weaving in ends is the worst. Do you avoid projects with color changes because of it? No shaming from me, I’ve done that more than a few times. Loathe seams? It’s okay, you’re not alone.
How ’bout this one: Do you love the idea of making blankets but never create them because working the first row of eleventy-billion single crochets into the foundation chain is too tedious to even consider?
Ding! Ding! Ding!
🏆 I found the winner!
This is actually very common. Many, many, many crocheters do not enjoy the first row of a project. Have you ever been stitching along only to realize that your first row has a curve? Yep, that’s from a chain that was just a little too tight. It can be a point of frustration for new, beginner crocheters, as well as the seasoned veteran.
If working the first row of a crochet project is something you dread, read on!
the details
Foundation Single Crochet.
Yep, it is exactly what it claims to be. A single crochet that is worked with it’s foundation chain, at the same time. Let me say that again- At The Same Time!
the best part
Not only are you freeing yourself from the boredom of the foundation chain, you’ve just ended the frustration of a too tight edge. As well as auto-magically creating stitches the same size as your next row (not too tight), the Fsc is fairly stretchy.
So, if you’ve not made that really cool beanie because it is stitched from the brim up and you’re worried about it being tight and not having enough give to it, get your hook ready, because this is the stitch you’ve been looking for!
Not only are you freeing yourself from the boredom of the foundation chain, you’ve just ended the frustration of a too tight edge. As well as auto-magically creating stitches the same size as your next row (not too tight), the Fsc is fairly stretchy.
So, if you’ve not made that really cool beanie because it is stitched from the brim up and you’re worried about it being tight and not having enough give to it, get your hook ready, because this is the stitch you’ve been looking for!
the tricky bits
When making the fsc, it might seem to take a long time, especially when it is new to you. Just keep in mind that you are actually making 2 stitches at once and don’t get frustrated.
When placing your hook, you have options (2 strand & 1 strand), and they look very different from one another. So, whichever you choose, you must remain consistent throughout the chain. I’ve written the tutorial for my preferred method (2 strands), but I’ve also added the alternative (1 strand) below.
Foundation Single Crochet Tutorial
Learn this great option and add a stretchy, clean edge to your next crochet project.
tutorial
foundation single crochet
A stitchtorial, by Rebecca Velasquez
Ch 1,
insert hook into back ridge {gold arrow; pic above} of ch, pull up a loop,
yo, draw through 1 loop (1 chain made),
yo, draw through 2 loops on hook (first foundation single crochet made).
(Shifting work, notice chain on bottom [yellow] with sc on top [pink]);
*insert hook in space above ch just made {gold arrow; pic above}, making certain to have 2 new yarn strands on front of hook (3 loops total on hook). {See below tutorial for 1 strand alternative.}
pull up a loop,
yo, draw through 1 loop (chain made),
yo, draw through 2 loops on hook (second foundation single crochet made).
Rep from * to create number of fsc as instructed in pattern
1 strand alternative
Personally, I like the finished look of inserting the hook in the space above the “chain”, which results in 2 new strands on the hook. I realize this takes a bit more focus and maybe even a little fidgeting with the stitches to find the correct placement, adding time to your stitching. If you’d rather, you can insert your hook under the uppermost loop of the “chain” just created {see below}. The resulting stitch has a more open look than the 2 strand option.
Choose whichever works best for you or the one that will look the most fabulous on your project.
Hook placement after first fsc is complete.
*Insert hook in under the uppermost loop of the “chain” just created {gold arrow; pic above}, (2 loops on hook)
Stitches to left of gold line were created with 2 strand method; stitches to the right of gold line were created with 1 strand (alternative) method.
You can see that the stitches to the right have a more typical single crochet look, while the stitches to the left have a slant to them.
Another difference to take note of is the edging.
Stitches made with the 2 loop method have a more solid base, while stitches made with 1 loop have an open look.
Again, this is personal preference, both stitches function equally.
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Get stitchin!
Are you ready to take your new skill out for a spin?
Here are a few of my free patterns to get you going.
Support
Do you have further questions about this stitch? Post in the comments or join the Facebook group, this will usually get faster replies, either by me or one of the other wonderful members.
Is there something specific you are wanting to learn? Please leave a comment and tell me. Hearing from you helps to guide me in what I should do next. – or – Join the Facebook group and catch up with me, there. I’d love to chat about possible tutorials and teaching topics!
About the yarn
If you, like me, tend to avoid bulky yarn because of the stiffness and heaviness that is often the result, I recommend you give hue + me a try.
This yarn is produced by Lion Brand, but is designed by Alexandra Tavel, a lovely knit and crochet designer. The blend of 80% Acrylic 20% Wool is wash & dryable.
shown right: Love Song & Werewolf
Lion Brand hue + me
Keep learning
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Stitch & Share
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Other free patterns you may like
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