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Foundation Single Crochet: How to Video + Why You Need to Learn

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December 2, 2016 Ashlea 18 Comments

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Foundation Single Crochet: You want to learn it and you want to master it.  Once you do, you’ll have a hard time convincing yourself to begin a crochet project with a normal chain ever again.  Promise!

How to Foundation Single Crochet

The foundation single crochet is useful particularly when crocheting clothing (when the intended recipient is available for measuring). This stitch is also helpful when you’re crocheting a large piece and you’re not quite sure how long to make your beginning chain. Also if you just hate chaining like me. 😛

Why Foundation Single Crochet?

With Foundation Single Crochet, you’ll continue until you’ve reached the desired length (or number of chains if you’re using a pre-written pattern) and voila! Not only is the length of the piece completed and perfect, but the first row is also completed.  You know, the row that takes three times as long to crochet because it’s tedious and annoying and then when you finally get allll the way back through, you realize it’s too short?  Yeah, that row.  The one that makes me want to throw my hook across the room and crack open a bottle of wine.  Just kidding.  Kinda.

Written instructions for Foundation Single Crochet:

*video below

1. Start with a slip knot and ch-2.

2. Insert your hook into the very first of the chains made.

3. Pull up a loop (two loops now on hook).

4. Yarn over and pull through the first loop.

5. Yarn over and pull through both loops.

First foundation single crochet (FSC) stitch completed!

To make all subsequent foundation single crochet stitches…

1. Insert your hook into the top of both loops from the last stitch made.

2. Yarn over and pull up a loop (two loops on hook).

3. Yarn over and pull through the first loop.

4. Yarn over and pull through both.

Repeat until desired chain length is reached. Yes, that really is it! See the video below if you’re a visual learner…

Foundation Single Crochet: How to Video + Why You Need to Learn

My favorite part of FSC is that as you work, you are creating the foundation row of your entire piece, and it comes out horizontally (left to right) as you go along.  If you are crocheting a sweater, wrap it around yourself to see how many more stitches you need, or if you went too far so you can frog a couple of stitches and go from there.  If you’re working on a blanket, keep going until desired length is reached and you’re done! Ready to continue on with the fun part of crocheting: the actual crocheting.

If you’re not big into written instructions (it’s cool, me neither) I’ve got a brand spankin’ NEW video tutorial for you below. Ready to give Foundation Single Crochet a try?

More crochet techniques and yarn hacks:

Use Industrial Clips for Yarn Bobbins in Crochet and Knitting
How to Add a Zipper and Lining to a Crochet Bag
Why You Need an Emergency Crochet Kit + How to Make One
How to Read a Crochet Pattern
Yarn Hacks Every Crocheter and Knitter Needs to Know
How to Make a Magic Circle for Crocheting in the Round
Why Size Matters in Crocheting and Knitting
How to Hand Sew a Purse Lining 

Foundation Single Crochet Tutorial

Crochet Tips & Tutorials, Hook, Tutorials crochet, foundation crochet, foundation single crochet, fsc, how to crochet

Comments

  1. Lynne Clark says

    February 12, 2021 at 11:05 am

    I hate those long chains too. I'm wondering: if you are working with a regular pattern, do you adjust the number of stitches? For example, it says "chain 25, turn" do you do 23 of the foundation stitches to match the length of their chain 25? If you do 25 of the foundation stitch it would be too long for the pattern, right?
    Reply
    • Heart Hook Home says

      February 17, 2021 at 7:29 pm

      Hi Lynne! I would look at how many stitches row 1 should have and foundation crochet that many stitches...so if it says to ch 25 and sc across for a total of 24 sc stitches, then you would foundation sc 24. I hope this helps!
      Reply
  2. Lisa says

    January 19, 2021 at 12:17 pm

    Can this be used when creating a chevron somehow. I too really hate that first row, especially when it's 180 stitches!
    Reply
  3. Roberta Spratley says

    May 18, 2019 at 7:23 pm

    My pattern call for 13 double crochet then FSC , please explain how this done .Thank you
    Reply
  4. Brittany says

    March 30, 2019 at 12:11 pm

    I just want to say, bless you!!! I have tried so many times to learn how to do this, and this is the only video that broke it down so we'll!! Thank you so much!!
    Reply
    • Heart Hook Home says

      April 1, 2019 at 11:40 am

      Awwww...I am so glad my video was able to help you out!
      Reply
  5. Melissa Gay says

    August 21, 2017 at 10:00 pm

    Ashlea, I think I figured out finally how to do the FSC! On one of the sleeves for the Cold Shoulder Cover-up but now I'm stuck with how to "join to first FSC"??? Help, please I'm trying to get one made for my granddaughter to wear with jeans for maybe a cute school look before it gets cold and she is comical for a visit, soon! Please please please help me! Thank you in advance! Melissa
    Reply
    • Ashlea says

      August 24, 2017 at 8:09 am

      Hey Melissa! When you join, you'll flip the work so that the tail is on the bottom and hanging to the left. Then you'll join to the top of that first stitch to make a circle. Does that help?
      Reply
      • Melissa Gay says

        August 24, 2017 at 4:38 pm

        Can't wait to try it! Thank you so much!
        Reply
  6. Cat says

    March 20, 2017 at 11:40 pm

    Stupid question, but which "side" do you use for the next row of your project? Would it be the "bottom" side as you work to the right or the "top" as the traditional way? The reason I ask, the bottom of mine looks cleaner and nicer than the top... the top looks like it has 2 stitches per 1 bottom stitch and it is tighter than the bottom. I'm sorry but I could not tell by your video.... would love to know how to start the next row.... thanks! Also, any chance to see a FDC video soon? Thanks, love your patterns and ideas and your website!
    Reply
    • Ashlea says

      June 19, 2017 at 11:58 am

      Hey Cat! Sorry I missed your comment. Yes I usually go into the bottom but that also depends on what I'm making. When I make the Aldi Quarter Keepers for instance, I like the edge to be as pretty as possible since that's my opening for the quarter. I'm working on a FDC video next! http://hearthookhome.com/aldi-quarter-keeper-free-crochet-pattern/
      Reply
  7. Diane says

    March 13, 2017 at 11:34 am

    Love it! Love it! Love it!!!
    Reply
  8. Tânia says

    March 2, 2017 at 4:43 pm

    My name is Tânia. I loved your idea. Thank you for sharing.
    Reply
    • Ashlea says

      March 7, 2017 at 6:32 pm

      I'm glad! Thank you :)
      Reply
  9. Lisa says

    February 12, 2017 at 6:51 pm

    Do you know how to do a star stitch?
    Reply
    • Ashlea says

      February 13, 2017 at 12:27 pm

      I have not done that yet but I have it on my list!
      Reply

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Welcome!

beard

Hi! I’m Ashlea, the Kansas mom, and wife, that runs this crochet, food, and heart (CHD) blog.  I am a frugal, yarn loving crochet addict that enjoys good food and fine wine – or an occasional whiskey. 😉 Read more about me here and see my favorite Amazon products here.

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