How To Start A Crochet Chain

Crochet Chain stitches are needed for every crochet pattern, so this is something that as a beginner you need to learn how to do.

Normally the very first step in a crochet pattern is to create a slip knot.

Then you will create a chain of stitches from which to start working.

This is an essential part of learning how to crochet.

What Does Chain Mean In Crochet?

Most crochet projects begin with a slip knot and then a chain of stitches which forms the foundation of your work.

This means that you will start to build your project, using these first stitches.

Other than this first foundation chain, crochet projects often have chain stitches used in the rest of the pattern as well.

The chain stitches are connected to the other stitches to build the shape of whatever you are making.

Keeping your gauge (tension) correct can take some practice for beginners, but it is easy enough to learn and get started.

Once you have the slip knot and chain knowledge, you can move on to learn how to single crochet.

Please note – I am right-handed, so the images and video tutorial will show a right-handed view of things!

If you are left-handed, you can flip the way things are done.

How Do You Crochet A Chain For Beginners?

Learn how to make a crochet chain, this is a basic foundation for any project and it’s very easy to make.

It looks very similar to a braid and involves building stitches from a single piece of yarn, as with all crochet.

Once you have your chain you can use it to make many other projects.

Crochet Slip Knot

Step 1 – is to learn how to create a slip knot.

Twist the yarn right over the left, then take the continuous thread to the back of the loop and insert the hook under the yarn.

Draw the yarn through the loop, forming a loop on the hook. 

Finally, pull the end of the thread to form a slipknot at the base of the loop on the hook.

With the slip knot on the crochet hook, hold the knot with your left hand and the knot should be looking towards you.

The length of yarn that is connected to the ball should be over your index finger.

Use your other fingers and thumb to hold the knot and to pull a little to keep the correct tension, as you start to work.

Creating The First Chain Stitch

Step 2 – When you hold the crochet hook, hold it comfortably and place it facing upwards.

When you start to create the chain stitches, the hook should rotate, going in and out of the stitches.

You can see this in more detail in the video tutorial in this post.

While your crochet hook is insides of the slip knot, loop the working yarn over the hook from back to front.

Hold the knot with your left hand to help the yarn to pass through the stitch you have created.

You should turn your crochet hook, as you loop the yarn to hook it through the stitch.

After you have hooked the yarn, pull it through the slip knot (first loop) and you will have created one stitch.

This means that you can move on to creating more chain stitches, in the same way.

Creating More Chain Stitches

To continue to make chain stitches, hook another loop and pull it through the previous stitch.

Repeat this as many times as needed (it will say in your pattern to ch 6 for example).

As you work, use your thumb and index finger on your left hand to keep the chain taught and pulling downwards, which will allow you to easily put the hook in and out of the stitches.

As you keep going, you will start to easily move the crochet hook as you hook the yarn and pull it through to create new stitches.

Top Tips For Crocheting A Chain

• Count – make sure you count the number of stitches you are creating in the chain if the pattern says 6 or 166, count them up as you go. Begin the counting with the very first stitch you create.
• Tension – Practice until you have the right tension, not too tight and not too loose, the stitches should be smooth and easy to work into in the next step when you start to work into them again.
• Find your rhythm – Be comfortable in the way that you hold your hook and work the yarn, the way that I crochet may not be the way that is comfortable for you, as many people do it differently. So experiment with the way you hold the hook and work with the yarn.
• Work with different hooks – Try out using different hooks to see what is comfortable for you, many people use wooden hooks, casein or easy grip. It is important you find a hook you like to work with and makes the task easier for you. You can also change hook size if you feel like that size is not working well with your yarn choice. I often do this if I have cotton for example and it might work up a bit tight, so I change my hook from a 5mm (US 8/H) to a 5.5mm (US 9/I).