Saturday 11 May 2013

Quick tutorial 1: Chainless Foundation Stitch

(Single crochet US/Double Crochet UK)

Grrrrrr. I HATE working the foundation row into a starting chain.
Sometimes it twists, or I miss a chain completely, or the tension's wrong and often it looks a bit odd.

Well not any more.

Not since discovering the Chainless Foundation Stitch.
With this stitch, you make the chain AND the first foundation row together.
I find it quicker, neater and less prone to buggering up. It also gives a good edge to your work and can be easily worked into if you want to add a border.

Saying that, it won't be suitable for everything you make, but do try it.





This stitch works on making a mock-'chain' stitch and then a mock-'single crochet' on top of it.

1. Slip stitch on hook
2. Chain 2 
3. Hook through 2nd chain from hook [see pointy finger in pic 2] making sure you hook through 2 strands. Yarn over, pull up loop. (2 loops on hook)
4. Yarn over, pull through loop ('chain' made) 
5. Yarn over, pull through loop ('single crochet' made)
6. Hook through 2 strands of previous 'chain' stitch [see pointy finger in pic 5] . Yarn over, pull up a loop. 
7. Yarn over, pull through loop ('chain' made)
8. Yarn over, pull through loop ('single crochet' made)
9. Continue from 6-8 until desired length achieved.
It takes a bit of practise to get the hang of it - there are some great video tutorials on YouTube too.





13 comments:

  1. You are awesome, love this tutorial.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  2. Brilliant, will def use this, thanks for posting
    Karen x

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  3. Looks so good .. I will definitely try it

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  4. I love this stitch and all the others that derive from it. I hated scarves or blankets being narrower and not as stretchy as the opposite ends. That problem is gone. I start baby clothes the same way and anything else I can start that way. Great tutorial :)

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  5. Yes, I love the chainless foundation too. It is stretchy and perfect :-)

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  6. as usual, you are really thoughtful with your shares!!!!
    thank you so much, xxxx Ale

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  7. great technique! Might have to give this a go next time. Thanks for sharing

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  8. I hate the first row of crochet too, must give this a go. thanks for sharing

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  9. Oh, I am very excited about this post as I also grumble when I have to get through the foundation stitch, so thank you lovely lady for sharing. How very lovely of you. xo

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  10. What a wonderful blog, really love your posts. Found you via Lesley from calmly creative. I have just started my own blog and you have given me inspiration. Thank you

    Dorothy
    :-) xxx

    crochetknittingsewing.blogspot.com

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  11. That sounds like fun. I'm going to try it on my next project. Thanks for the hint :)

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  12. Hello again just bought one of your lovely patterns, can't wait to start it.
    Thank you
    Lots of love
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxx

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  13. It's also good if you want it to be stretchy like a headband or a cowl :)
    You can do it for foundation dc as well :)

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Have a fab day.
Sarah Xx