How to Crochet Chain Stitch

The essence of crochet lies in its patterns made up of crochet stitches. It allows one to transform strands of yarn into any type of design. A crochet chain stitch is typically one of the first stitches you learn among the basic crochet stitches.

The first chain is made after a slip knot and serves as the foundation for row and round crochet patterns. A series of chain stitches form the base of your project, whereas a single chain stitch serves as a turning chain or a space between stitches.

Join us as we begin a collection of lessons on basic crochet stitches such as slip stitch (sl st), single crochet stitch (sc), half double crochet stitch (hdc), double crochet stitch (dc), and treble crochet stitch (tr). Also, learn how to make a “magic ring” to get a circle project with no gaps in the middle.

In the meantime, please read the Crochet For Beginners Guide for a comprehensive overview of this lovely yarn craft. Whether you’re bookmarking this tutorial for future reference or just starting to learn new skills, we’ve got you covered!

What You Will Learn in This Chain Stitch Tutorial:

1. Understand the Anatomy of a Chain Stitch
2. The Front Side of the Chain Stitches
3. The Back Side of the Chain Stitches
4. Abbreviation and Chart Symbol for Chain Stitch
5. Step by Step Tutorial on How to Chain Stitch

Let’s start with a detailed understanding of the anatomy of a chain stitch before moving on to the step-by-step how to crochet.

Anatomy of Chain Stitch

The image above depicts a foundation chain, which is made up of a series of chain stitches, each of which is a small sideways V!

Here is a picture of the front of the foundation chain, which shows the front loop and back loop.

• The front loop is the loop closest to you, regardless of whether you are working on the right or wrong side of your crochet piece.
• The back loop, on the other hand, is the loop that is furthest away from you.

When you flip the foundation chain over, you’ll see another loop into which you can work. This is known as the back bump or back bar.

You can work into either of these three loops to achieve a different effect and texture to the foundation edging. We will explore more about this foundation edging in our future foundation chain tutorial.

Abbreviation & Chart Symbol

Chain stitch is abbreviated as “ch” in both US and UK terminologies.

In a chart pattern, a chain stitch is represented by an oval shape.

[Note: All of our patterns and terms are based on the US letter and number system. This guide is shown using the right hand.]

How to Crochet A Chain Stitch

Let’s take a look at this how to crochet a chain stitch crochet tutorial. Once you make a slip knot and figure out the best way to hold your yarn and hook, it’s time to make your first chain stitch. Here is an illustration to demonstrate the chain stitch in crochet. All it takes is two simple steps!

How to crochet a chain stitch: With a loop on your crochet hook, yarn over and pull the yarn through the loop.

Then, repeat the same steps to crochet more chain stitches. We’re going to break this down in detail for you to understand this stitch better.

Step-By-Step Tutorial With Pictures

Grab your yarn and crochet hook to get started, it only takes a few simple steps!

1. Use your crochet hook to make a slip knot. Hold the working yarn in your non-dominant hand and the crochet hook in your dominant hand.

2. Lightly pinch the slip knot with your thumb and middle finger to hold it in place. Yarn over by bringing the working yarn from back to front and then over the top of the crochet hook.;

3. Turn the hook slightly downward, letting the curve of the hook catch the working yarn. The yarn should rest in the groove of the hook. Pull to draw the yarn through the loop; 

4. You’ve made your first crochet chain stitch!

5. Repeat steps 2-4 to make as many chain stitches as requested in the pattern.

Maintain a relaxed grip on the crochet hook and yarn as you work, allowing the yarn to slide smoothly over the surface of the hook. Practice and experience will help you develop the right amount of tension and control to create even and consistent stitches.

How To Count Chain Stitches

When you finish a row of crochet chains, they will look like sideways V shapes stacked on top of each other. Every V represents a chain stitch.

How Chain Stitches Are Used

As A Base

Most crochet projects begin with a series of chain stitches known as the foundation chain. Learning how to do the chain stitch is essential because it serves as the base for the rest of the stitches in your pattern.

The foundation chain may appear in a straight line for crocheting in rows or in a ring for crocheting in rounds.

As A Turning Chain

When used as a turning chain, a chain stitch raises the height of the yarn on a new row so that the next stitch can be made at the correct height.

The number of turning chain stitches required is determined by the type of crochet stitches used; for example, the turning chain for single crochet is one chain stitch.

Form Holes

A chain space (ch sp) creates a gap or hole in your crochet piece. It can be for both decorative or functional purposes. You’ll notice this in a granny square pattern, lacy doilies, or in crochet clothing, as some examples.

What’s next after making a chain stitch? 

Although it is uncommon for chain stitches to be used alone to create a project without combining it with other crochet stitches, it is not unheard of. We’ve found two projects that only use chain stitches for you to try. Check out the patterns for the Crochet Chain Stitch Beaded Necklace or Chain Braided Belt.

Happy Crocheting!