Crochet Foundation Stitches Explained

Have you ever asked yourself, “what are crochet foundation stitches and why the heck would I need them?” I’m here to tell you that you’ve come to the right place!

First, let’s talk about the basic concept behind foundation stitches. Traditionally, a piece of crochet begins with a certain number of chains. After that first step, then we will work the first row of the pattern into these chains. You can think of foundation stitches as the combination of those two steps because they’re worked simultaneously. Sound like magic? It really is like a little bit of crochet magic!

Common Abbreviations & Benefits

Foundation stitches are commonly single crochet (abbreviated FSC). But they can also be half double crochet (FHDC), double crochet (FDC), or even triple crochet (FTR) foundation stitches. In a pattern that instructs you to chain XX number of stitches and then work a row of single crochet into those chains, you can substitute with foundation single crochet instead. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to base your row of foundation stitches on the desired stitch count after the first row of the pattern is worked—not the number of chains it might call for.

Like any new technique, learning how to make foundation stitches might seem slow and clunky at first. But with a little practice, they’re easily mastered, and you may find yourself relying on them much more than a chain start! This technique can be worked flat or in the round. If you’re using it for a project worked in the round, simply bring the last stitch together next to the first stitch as you would with a beginning chain, and slip stitch in to the first foundation stitch to join.

In addition to saving yourself a step, there are many other benefits to using foundation stitches. Do you have a tough time keeping track of how many chains you’ve made in a beginning chain? Since foundation stitches are worked one after the other, you can easily undo or add more as you’re going, eliminating the need to start over if you’ve miscounted. A row of foundation stitches also stretches and behaves more similarly to the rest of your fabric than a beginning chain would. Because of this, it’s easier to tell if you’re on the right track size-wise. A row of foundation stitches is very neat and tidy looking. The bottom side of this row will match the final row of a project worked in the same stitch (i.e. a foundation single crochet row project that ends with a row of single crochet).

Foundation Crochet Step by Step

Let’s learn how to do the foundation single crochet stitch and compare it to a regular beginning chain with a row of single crochet.

Click the arrows to the right and left to scroll through the step-by-step photos.

Here’s our foundation chain with more stitches added.

Why Use Foundation Stitches

And here’s our foundation chain (on top) with a regular chain plus a row of single crochet (on the bottom). Notice the differences here! The regular chain is curling, making it difficult to manage, while the foundation chain is relaxed and easy to work into. The bottom edge of the foundation chain is also much tidier looking and will match the top edge of a final row of single crochet, giving a more polished look to your piece.

That extra chain in the process— this is the step that is consistently used throughout other types of foundation stitches such as half double crochet and double crochet. This chain is what forms the bottom edge of our piece, and is the secret ingredient in this magic potion!

We sure hope this article has shed some light on this very cool crochet technique. Have you tried foundation crochet? What type have you used? Do you plan to use this on any of your projects in the future? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear about it!

Originally from Iowa, Amy Gunderson lives in sunny Reno, NV. She’s been the creative director for Universal Yarn, yarn director for Jimmy Beans Wool, and all-around yarn enthusiast for over a decade. Her knit and crochet designs have appeared in most major magazines including Interweave Knits. When she’s not dreaming up a crazy sweater idea, you can find her violining, knitting at the dog park or smashing balls on the tennis court. Follower her on Instagram as @amyyounggunderson or on Ravelry as @amygunderson.