Foundation Single Crochet (fsc)

How do you make foundation single crochet stitches?

How do you work the foundation single crochet stitch? Let me show you! This is a fantastic stitch that allows you to work both the chain and the first row of single crochet at the same time. There are several advantages to this technique. Using my video and photo tutorials, I think you'll get the hang of it in no time.

Terms

All of my patterns and tutorials use U.S. terms.

Abbreviation

The abbreviation for foundation single crochet stitches is "fsc".

Skills Needed

• Chain (ch)
• Single crochet (sc)

Advantages of Foundation Single Crochet

First off, this technique saves so much time. Especially when you're working with extremely long chains. There's nothing worse than working up a chain, and then realizing at the end of row one that you didn't count your chains properly. We've all been there! Because you're working the chan and the first row at the same time, the foundation stitches eliminate the grief in that. I work with a lot of vintage patterns and these are notorious for beginning with chains reaching into to the 200's. So much time is saved by working this method!

The second advantage, and perhaps the primary advantage, is that they are so much more stretchy! A row of chains just doesn't have a lot of give. My first wearable, was a shirt that was not so wearable, because the neckline was awkwardly tight compared to the rest of the fabric in the piece. So frustrating! Foundation chains have twice as much stretch. This makes them perfect for any garment, as well as hats!

Let's take a look at how they're made.

Photo Tutorial