The foundation chain is the starting point for most crochet projects. It creates the base row that your stitches will be worked into.
In this beginner-friendly tutorial, I’ll show you how to crochet a foundation chain step-by-step so you can start your first project with confidence.
Just starting your crochet journey? Save this tutorial so you can easily come back later.
What You'll Need
Before you begin, you only need a few simple supplies:
- some yarn
- a crochet hook
- a slip knot on your hook (see below if you need help)
- a little bit of patience while your hands get used to the movement
If you’re not sure how to make a slip knot yet, you can follow my step-by-step tutorial here:
👉 How to Make a Slip Knot for Crochet
How To Crochet A Foundation Chain
In this tutorial, I’m showing you a simple, beginner-friendly way to make a foundation chain that you can use as the starting point for most crochet projects. Take your time with this step, it’s the base of your work, and getting comfortable here will make everything that follows feel much easier.
Step 1: Wrap the Yarn to Create Tension
Start by wrapping the yarn over your little finger, then bring it up and over your index finger. This helps you control the yarn as you crochet and creates a gentle tension.
Don’t worry if this feels a bit awkward at first. Holding the yarn is one of those things that becomes easier with practice, so just aim for a relaxed hold rather than gripping too tightly.
Step 2: Hold the Slip Knot
Hold the slip knot with your thumb and middle finger to keep it steady on the hook. Your index finger should be slightly lifted so it can guide the working yarn.
If you need more yarn, gently move your index finger up to allow the working yarn to feed through. Try to keep your hand relaxed so the yarn can move smoothly.
Step 3: Yarn Over
Move your hook underneath the working yarn, then turn the hook slightly downwards so it can catch the yarn.
This movement is called a yarn over. Bring the hook tip back towards your thumb while keeping hold of the slip knot with your other fingers.
Step 4: Pull Through the Loop
Now gently pull the hook tip, with the working yarn caught on it, through the loop that is already on your hook.
Try not to pull too tightly. The loop should slide through smoothly, leaving you with a new loop on your hook.
Step 5: Make Your First Chain
You have now completed your first chain stitch. If you look closely, you should see a small V shape underneath your hook.
The slip knot sits below this first chain, but it is not counted as a chain stitch.
Step 6: Continue Your Foundation Chain
Repeat the same movement: yarn over, then pull the yarn through the loop on your hook. Each time you do this, you create another chain stitch.
Continue until you have the number of chains you need for your project. Each chain should look like a little V shape. When counting your foundation chain, count the V shapes and do not count the slip knot.
Watch The Full Foundation Chain Tutorial
🎥 Prefer to watch on YouTube?
👉 Watch the full step-by-step tutorial here
You’ve Made Your First Foundation Chain 🎉
You’ve now completed your first foundation chain! Well done!
If it didn’t feel perfect the first time, don’t worry. Try it again a few times until the movement starts to feel more natural in your hands. Your chains don’t need to be perfect, just aim for calm, steady stitches.
If your chain looks a little uneven or twists as you work, that’s completely normal when you’re learning. With a bit of practise, your tension will improve and your stitches will start to look more even.
Want the printable version of this tutorial?
Inside the Crochet Clare Learning Library you'll find beginner practise guides, printable tutorials and resources that support my YouTube lessons.
Join the Learning Library to download the Foundation Chain printable guide and other beginner resources.
Ready for the next step?
Now that you've learned how to crochet a foundation chain, the next skill is completing your first row.