Are you wondering how to create a chain for crochet? You've come to the right person! I am a Craft Yarn Council Certified Instructor. Rest assured that I want you to learn the easiest, and most accurate, method possible.
Completing the chain stitch is almost certainly the first thing you will learn to do as someone who is just starting out with crochet. Projects typically begin with a chain stitch. The chain establishes a base for the subsequent stitches, and fabric, to be worked into. Moreover, it's a stitch that you'll find used at the beginning (or end) of rows and rounds. It can also be used with the stitch repeat to create effects within the pattern.
Down the road you'll learn about some alternatives to beginning projects. These include the magic circle (for projects worked in the round) and foundation stitches. I recommend beginning with a chain if you're new to crochet. Working up chains is easier and it will allow you to get a feel for what your tension is like.
Jump to:
📖 About the tutorial
Difficulty:
Beginner
Skills needed:
Terms:
U.S. Terms
Abbreviation:
The abbreviation for the chain stitch is: ch
🧺 Supplies
For my beginner tutorials I'll be using the same chunky yarn: Wool and the Gang's Crazy Sexy Wool. I am not an affiliate for this company - I am using this yarn because I think that it does the best job of making what I'm doing clearly visible.
✏️ A note about tension
Tension is a common issue for a lot of beginners. When I first got started, I struggled with it the same as nearly everybody else. You'll know you're keeping good tension if your chain lies flat, with minimal curling at the edges.
The chain should look similar to a braid. If it looks warped, or if the stitches are puckered, you're likely keeping too tight of tension. This could be because you're pulling on the working yarn too forcefully (which is what my issue used to be). It could also be because you have your yarn too close to the top of the hook. The yarn should be kept along the shaft (or shank) of the hook, which is above the throat.
Finally, it's important to note that your mood can change your tension. I'm not kidding! Crochet something when you're angry and then something when you're tired. There will almost certainly be a noticeable difference.
Now let's get to it and look at how to chain!
🧶 Step-by-step photo tutorial
Chain for Crochet
This tutorial details how to create a crochet chain. The majority of projects will begin with a chain. Rows and rounds almost always begin with a chain. It is also used within patterns to create various effects.
Materials
- Any yarn
Tools
- Corresponding crochet hook
- Scissors
Instructions
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 5:
Step 6:
Notes
A chain is the most common way to begin a crochet project. Other methods include the magic circle, and foundation stitches.
🎥 Video tutorial
📈 Chart symbol
📓 Written tutorial
- Create a slip knot
- Insert your hook into the loop
- Hold the slip knot between your middle finger and your thumb
- Adjust the tension of the yarn to fit the hook
- Yarn over (hit the yarn with the back of the hook and wrap it over to the front of the hook)
- Pull yarn through loop
💭 Top tip
Creating a chain is the most common way to begin a crochet project. But did you know that there are other methods?
Foundation stitches, such as the foundation single crochet, can be used when working in rows. And if you're working in the round, you can begin with a magic circle.
I hope you've found this tutorial helpful! I'm always happy to answer questions, so please feel free to comment below.
Katie Soukup says
Hi Elissa, Aunt Katie here. I really want to learn to crochet. Do you recommend a beginners crochet hook? I have a hook that’s all metal and the stitches just seem to slip and I have a hard time making each stitch look the same. The yarn just seems to slip when I’m bringing it through the loop. Any suggestions?
Elissa Jenkins says
Hi there, Aunt Katie! I recommend Clover Amour Crochet Hooks for beginners. They're affordable, they've got a sturdy thumb grove, and the throat is deep enough to actually hook the yarn. I'd also begin with the biggest, cheapest yarn you can find. Working with finer yarns is more difficult because they're so slippery. As for the stitches not looking the same, that definitely happens in the beginning. I promise that if you keep at it, you'll look back on your early projects (and likely many mistakes) fondly. I know I do!
Victoria de Vega Esteban says
Deseo que si eres tan amable de mandarme el patrón para hacerlo. Un saludo. Gracias