How To Foundation Single Crochet (FSC) And Ditch The Chain

The foundation single crochet stitch (FSC) is a total game changer. Gone are the days of creating long chains and then going back and working into the chain before you start the first row — with FSC, you cut straight to the chase, working the chain and your first row of single crochets in one step.

There are so many reasons to love foundation single crochet. Missing stitches (which is all too common with a long chain) is nearly impossible, the stitches are easy to see and FSC has the same tension as the rest of your project for a super-stretchy edge.

Pro Tip: You can use the FSC stitch in any pattern, even one that doesn't call for it. Just do away with the chain and begin with the first row, creating the same number of foundation stitches as the row calls for. So, for instance, if the first row calls for 100 single crochet stitches, skip the chain and make 100 FSCs instead.

An FSC is a bit like a Tunisian edge stitch, if you know how to Tunisian crochet. You'll be working vertically instead of horizontally for the first part of the project. The chain will be on the left side of the vertical strip (if you're right-handed) and the first row of single crochet will appear on the right side. Got it? Let's do this!

Foundation Single Crochet

Level: Easy

What You Need

Yarn

Crochet hook

Stitch marker

Instructions

1. Begin with a slip knot on your crochet hook, then chain two.

2. Insert your hook into the first chain stitch.

3. Yarn over and pull up one loop. You should have two loops on the hook when you complete this step.

4. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the first loop on your hook. The yarn you just pulled through is actually a chain stitch. Go ahead and add a removable stitch marker to this chain stitch so you don't forget.

5. Yarn over and pull through both of the loops on your hook to make a single crochet. You should have one loop on the hook when you complete this step. You've just finished your first foundation crochet stitch.

6. Remember how you made a chain in Step 4? That's the chain you'll now be working into next. Insert your crochet hook into the space between the chain and the single crochet.

7. Yarn over and pull up one loop. You should have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the first loop on your hook. You've just made your next chain stitch. Now's a good time to move the stitch marker and place it around this chain stitch (as in the photo above).

8. To finish the second foundation crochet stitch, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.

9. Repeat steps 6 through 8 until you have the number of stitches you need for your project.

When you've completed the first row, give yourself a high five and turn your work. You're ready to move onto the second row, whatever that may be.

Interested in more crochet tutorials? We've got tons of articles and classes on Craftsy to help you out!

Make Edges Neater With the Reverse Single Crochet Stitch What's an Extended Single Crochet? Next-Level Crochet Stitches You'll Love Mastering Foundation Crochet Stitches Next Steps in Tunisian Crochet Stitch Mastery Startup Library: Crochet Tunisian Crochet for Beginners

We also have some helpful information from our friends at Creative Crochet Corner

Foundation Single Crochet My Three Favorite Foundation Stitches

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