Foundation Single Crochet (FSC): The Chainless Start, Step by Step
Foundation single crochet makes the chain and the first row of stitches at the same time, giving a stretchy edge and ending the pain of working into a long chain. Learn FSC, then foundation half double and double.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Easy
- Yarn
- Worsted (#4) yarn, about 10 yd to practise
- Hook
- 5 mm (H-8)
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Finished size
- Practice strip of 20 stitches
You'll need
- Worsted (#4) yarn — about 10 yd
- 5 mm (H-8) hook
In this post
Foundation single crochet (FSC) creates a chain and a row of single crochet in one step. Each stitch has a "chain" at the bottom and a single crochet on top, and you work the next stitch into that chain. The result is a first row that stretches as much as the rest of the fabric — no tight, puckered starting edge — and no counting a 200-stitch chain only to find you're one short.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
How to work foundation single crochet
- Start: Ch 2. Insert the hook into the 2nd ch from the hook. Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
- Make the "chain": Yarn over and pull through 1 loop only (2 loops still on the hook). This little chain is the base you'll work into next.
- Make the sc: Yarn over and pull through both loops. That's your first FSC.
- Next stitch: Insert the hook under the two loops of the "chain" you made in step 2 (at the bottom left of the stitch). Yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops).
- Repeat steps 2–4 for each stitch: pull through 1 (chain), pull through 2 (sc), insert into the new chain.
- Count: Count the tops — each one is a stitch. Make 20 for practice.
Pinch the last stitch made with your thumb and finger so you can see the chain loops at its base.
Foundation half double and double crochet
| Stitch | Start | Each stitch |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation hdc (fhdc) | Ch 3, yo, insert in 3rd ch | Yo, insert in chain, pull up (3 loops); yo through 1; yo through all 3 |
| Foundation dc (fdc) | Ch 3, yo, insert in 3rd ch | Yo, insert in chain, pull up (3 loops); yo through 1; (yo through 2) twice |
Use the foundation version of the stitch your first row would be: fhdc for an hdc project, fdc for dc.
When to use a foundation row
| Project | Why |
|---|---|
| Hats and cuffs worked in the round | The edge stretches over the head |
| Blankets with long chains | No miscounting; edge doesn't pull in |
| Garments | Hems hang straight |
| Adding stitches at the end of a row | Make sleeves or a jersey wider without chaining |
New to the basics? Start with the slip knot and single crochet.
Common questions
What is foundation single crochet?
A way to start crochet without a separate chain: each stitch makes its own chain at the base and a single crochet on top, so the foundation and first row are worked together.
Why use foundation single crochet instead of a chain?
The edge is as stretchy as the rest of the fabric, and you can't miscount a long chain. It's especially useful for hats, cuffs and big blankets.
How do I convert a pattern to FSC?
If the pattern says "ch 21, sc in the 2nd ch and across (20)", work 20 FSC instead and continue with Row 2.
Will you ever go back to long chains? 🔗
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