Learn the Crochet Chain Stitch

If you have ever wondered how to make chains in crochet, then you have come to the right place! Below I will explain all there is to know about chains, how to start a crochet chain, how to count chains in crochet and much more!

Would you like to learn even more about crochet? Have a look at my crochet for beginners guide to getting started today.

Chain Stitches (foundation chain) in Crochet

What is a Chain?

The chain is the starting point for almost all pieces of crochet projects. It is the most basic of all crochet stitches and consists of connecting loops.

Chains usually form the foundation chain where the rest of your project will be built on. They are used with other basic stitches to create crochet stitch patterns of all kinds.

Tip: Be careful not to make a chain too tight, since you will need to be able to fit your crochet hook back into the chain.

Ready to Get Started?

Read on down for all the information you will ever need about chaining in crochet! Grab a hook and some yarn to get started. Happy Crochet Chain Making!

Crochet Chain Stitch

Skill Level: Basic

Materials

Yarn: any yarn brand or yarn weight. I used a four weight yarn called Skein Tones by Lion Brand
Crochet Hook: any brand or hook size that works with the yarn you pick. I used a 5.5 mm crochet hook from Etimo.

Notes

The crochet stitch tutorial is written in standard US terms.

How to Crochet Chain Stitches (Written)

Chain Stitch (ch):

A simple crochet stitch that often forms the foundation of what crochet stitches are worked into during projects.

Make a slip knot.
Insert hook into slip knot point first, bring yarn over the shaft of the hook from back to front and grab it with the throat of the hook.
Draw hooked yarn through slip knot and onto the hook. This movement will make one chain stitch
Repeat steps two and three until you have the desired number of stitches for a pattern. One loop will remain on hook.

How to Start a Crochet Chain

Step 1: Start with a slip knot on your crochet hook.

Step 2: Yarn over the hook

Step 3: Draw a loop of yarn back through the loop on the hook. You have completed your first ch stitch.

Step 4: Yarn over and draw a loop through the loop on the hook for each new chain stitch.

Crochet Chain Video Tutorial

Use the video tutorial below about chaining to learn this simple stitch, or keep on scrolling down to take a look at common questions about chains.

Common Questions About Chains in Crochet

What is the Crochet Abbreviation for Chain?

In crochet patterns, the word chain is abbreviated as ch.

What do the Back of Chain Stitches Look like?

The back of the foundation chain has little bumps compared to the front of a chain stitch that looks like V’s.

How Do I Count Chains in Crochet?

Each V-shaped loop on the front of the chain counts as one, except the one on the hook, which is a working stitch.

What Are Turning Chains?

In crochet, you need to work a defined number of extra chains at the beginning of every row that will bring up your yarn to the correct height for your project. This will also give your project a nice clean edge. Remember, the turning chain almost always counts as the first stitch of the next row, except for the single crochet.

Single Crochet: 1 turning chain (ch)
Half Double Crochet: 2 turning chains (ch)
Double Crochet: 2 turning chains (ch)
Triple Crochet: 3 turning chains (ch)