Introduction to Crochet: How to Make a Foundation Chain

To begin crocheting, you'll need something for your stitches to attach to, so most patters (except ones beginning with a magic circle) begin with a foundation chain.  Here are some photos to take you step-by-step through the process:  

 Step 1: Start with a slip knot (click here)- it will be a bit easier if you move it up closer to the hook end of your crochet hook than pictured here.

 Step 2: Wrap the attached end of the yarn around you hook from underneath and over the top.

Step 3: Grab the wrapped yarn with the hook and pull it through the slip knot. 

Step 4: Now you have two chains (can you see them?).  Continue to wrap the yarn from back to front and pull it through the most recent loop to make new ones.  Your pattern will tell you how many chains to "cast on".   

Step 5: Every crocheter finds a way to hold the yarn and hook that is comfortable to him/her.  I am right handed, and I like to hold the hook in my right hand with the working end of the yarn wrapped over the index finger of my left hand and pinching the free tail of the yarn (near the slip knot) with the thumb and middle finger of my left hand.  It helps me to keep the tension of my chains even.  This might or might not work for you- you'll find a way that feels natural to you. 

Step 6: Here is a finished crochet chain, and now I'm ready to head back from right to left and begin the first row of stitches.  Check out the other tutorials for joining a chain in the round as well as for basic crochet stitches.

Have fun and happy crocheting!

Lots of love,

~Mersydotes