MASTERING FOUNDATION with

CROCHET STITCHES Marty Miller

Foundation Stitches

SUPPLIES
• Worsted-weight yarn in a color of your choice, • Crochet hook
such as: • US H-8 (5 mm) or size required for gauge
• Plymouth Fantasy Naturale, 100% mercerized
cotton 140 yards/128 m, 3.5 ounces/100 g

CHARTS
Turning chains and how many foundation stitches to make:

NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
COUNTS AS A COUNTS AS A
STITCH TURNING STITCH BEGINNING
STITCH? STITCH?
CHAINS CHAINS

sc 1 no Foundation sc 2 no
hdc 2 maybe Foundation
3 maybe
hdc
dc 3 yes
Foundation dc 4 yes
tr 4 yes
Foundation tr 5 yes

How to determine the number of foundation stitches when you know the number of chains for a regular
chain foundation and the turning chains:

CHAINS
REGULAR CHAIN NUMBER OF FOUNDATION
REGULAR FOUNDATION FOR FIRST
FOUNDATION FOR X STITCHES TO MAKE FOR X
STITCH STITCH FOUNDATION
STITCHES STITCHES
STITCH

X+1 (sc in 2nd ch from 2 (fsc in 2nd ch

Sc Fsc X
hook) from hook)
X+1 (hdc in 3rd ch from
X, if beginning ch-3 doesn't
hook) if turning ch counts
3 (fhdc in 3rd ch count as a stitch. (X - 1) if
Hdc as a stitch. X + 2 (hdc in 3rd Fhdc
from hook) beginning ch-3 counts as a
ch from hook) if turning ch
stitch and a foundation ch.
doesn't count as a stitch.
X+2 (dc in 4th ch from (X – 1) beginning ch-4
4 (fdc in 4th ch
Dc hook) Turning ch counts Fdc counts as a dc and a
from hook)
as a stitch. foundation ch
X+3 (tr in 5th ch from (X – 1) beginning ch-5
5 (ftr in 5th ch
Tr hook). Turning ch counts Ftr counts as a tr and a
from hook)
as a stitch. foundation ch

CONTINUED »

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 MASTERING FOUNDATION with
CROCHET STITCHES Marty Miller

Foundation Stitches

KEY
KEY
KEY
TO
TOTO
STITCH
STITCH
STITCH
DIAGRAMS
DIAGRAMS
DIAGRAMS DOUBLE CROCHET (DC)
Entire chain is worked first, then all of the double
= =chain
chain
= chain
(ch)
(ch)
(ch) crochet stitches are worked.
= =slip
slip
= slip
stitch
stitch
stitch
(sl(slst)
(sl
st)st) = =fdc
fdc
= fdc
increase
increase
increase
= =foundation
foundation
= foundation single
single
single
crochet
crochet
crochet
(fsc)
(fsc)
(fsc)

= =foundation
foundation
= foundation
double
double
double
crochet
crochet
crochet
(fdc)
(fdc)
(fdc) = =fdc
fdc
= fdc
double
double
double
increase
increase
increase
starts here
= =single
single
= single
crochet
crochet
crochet (sc)
(sc) (sc)
= =foundation
foundation
= foundation
double
double
FOUNDATIONdouble
crochet
crochet
crochet
DOUBLE3 3together
together
3 together (FDC)
CROCHET
= =double
double
= doublecrochet
crochet
crochet (dc)
(dc)(dc) (fdc3tog)
(fdc3tog)
(fdc3tog)
One chain is worked and then its stitch. Then thenext
chain is worked, then its stitch, etc.
= =double
double
= double
crochet
crochet
crochet
3 3together
together
3 together
(dc3tog)
(dc3tog)
(dc3tog)
= fdc increase
c)

= fdc double increase starts here

dc)
UP/DOWN PATTERN USING FOUNDATION
= foundation double crochet 3 together STITCHES
(fdc3tog) Row 1: Ch 2, work 1 fsc in 2nd ch from hook, fdc in
previous fsc, *fsc in previous fdc, fdc in previous fsc,
= double crochet 3 together (dc3tog) repeat from * for the length required. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in first fdc, dc in next fsc, *sc in next fdc, dc
in next fsc, repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in first dc, dc in next sc, *sc in next dc, dc
in next sc, repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn.
Repeat Row 3 for however many rows you want.
Up/Down Stitch

3
2

CONTINUED »

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 MASTERING FOUNDATION
CROCHET STITCHES
TRIPLE RIPPLE FOUNDATION STITCH PATTERN
Foundation Double Crochet Increase
Work one fdc, yo, insert hook in foundation ch of
this fdc, yo and pull up (3 lps on hook), (yo and pull
through 2 lps) twice. (You are working one fdc, then
working one regular dc in the foundation ch of the
fdc just worked.)
Foundation Double Crochet Double Increase
Work one fdc, *yo, insert hook in foundation ch of
this fdc, yo and pull up (3 lps on hook), (yo and pull
through 2 lps) twice, repeat from * one more time.
(You are working one fdc, then working 2 regular dc
in the foundation ch of the fdc just worked.)
Foundation Double Crochet 3 Stitches Together
*Yo, insert hook in previous fdc, yo and pull up, yo
and pull through 1 lp on hook, yo and pull through 2
lps, repeat from * 2 more times, yo and pull through
all 4 lps on hook.
Foundation Row
Ch 4 (counts as first fdc), dc in 4th ch from hook,
*work 3 fdc, fdc3tog, 3 fdc, fdc double increase, repeat
from * to end. At end (when foundation row is as long
as you want it) work fdc increase.
Triple Ripple Pattern
1
Foundation
Row
FILET MESH FOUNDATION SWATCH
Foundation Row: Ch 5 (counts as fdc, ch-1), yo twice,
insert hook in 5th ch from hook, yo and pull through,
yo and pull through 2 lps (this is your skipped founda-
tion ch), ch 1, (yo and pull through 2 lps) twice to fin-
ish your dc, *ch 1, yo twice, insert hook in foundation
ch of previous fdc, yo and pull through, yo and pull
through 2 lps, ch 1, (yo and pull through 2 lps) twice.
Repeat from * as many times as needed.
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with
Marty Miller
Foundation Stitches
Filet-Mesh Foundation
start here
V-STITCH FOUNDATION
Foundation Row: Ch 5 (counts as fdc, ch-1), dc in
5th ch from hook (first V-st complete), *yo 3 times,
insert hook in same foundation ch as dc just made,
yo and pull through (5 lps on hook), (yo, pull through
2 lps) twice (for base chains between V-sts) (3 lps left
on hook), ch 1, (this becomes the foundation ch), (yo,
pull through 2 lps) twice (to finish first dc of V-st), ch
1, dc into foundation ch just made (V-st completed),
repeat from *.
V-st Foundation
V-STITCH FOUNDATION VARIATION
Foundation Row: Ch 4 (counts as fdc), dc in 4th ch
from hook (first V-st complete), *ch 1, yo 3 times, insert
hook in same foundation ch as dc just made, yo and pull
through (5 lps on hook), (yo, pull through 2 lps) twice
(for base chains between V-sts) (3 lps left on hook), ch 1,
(this becomes the foundation ch), (yo, pull through 2 lps)
twice (to finish first dc of V-st), dc in foundation ch just
made (V-st completed), repeat from *.
Follow the stitch diagram for the rest of the rows.
V-st Foundation Variation
3
2
1
CONTINUED »
3
 MASTERING FOUNDATION with
CROCHET STITCHES Marty Miller

Foundation Stitches

SHELL PATTERNS
1: Shell Pattern With DC Eyelet Foundation Row: Work 5 dc eyelets (see above). Ch 3.
Special Stitches
Row 1: Working over the dc post in each eyelet, work
Double Crochet Eyelet (dc eyelet): Ch 3, dc in 3rd
Shell (see above) in each eyelet sp across. Ch 3, turn.
ch from hook, *ch 5, dc in 3rd ch from hook. Repeat
from * the required number of times. Row 2: Shell in ch-1 sp of first shell, *Shell in ch-1 sp
of next shell. Repeat from * across. Ch 3, turn.
Shell: (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same sp
Rows 3 and beyond: Repeat Row 2.
Shell Pattern with dc eyelets

2
1

2: Shell Stitch Foundation With DC Eyelets Note: Work each Shell over post of dc of each dc eyelet.
Special Stitches
Row 1: Ch 4. Dc in 2nd ch from hook. (one beg dc
Double Crochet Eyelet (dc eyelet): Ch 5, dc in 2nd ch
eyelet), *ch 5, dc in 2nd ch from hook, forming a dc
from hook.
eyelet sp. Repeat from * as many times as needed,
Beginning Double Crochet Eyelet (beg dc eyelet): Ch ending with ch 3.
4, dc in 2nd ch from hook.
Row 2: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *in next eyelet sp, work
Shell: (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same space. Shell (see above) over the post of the dc. Skip 1 ch, sc in
next ch. Repeat from *, ending with sc in last ch.
Shell Foundation with dc Eyelets

2
1

#3: Shell Stitch Foundation With Foundation DC & Foundation SC

Shell Pattern with fdc and fsc

Row 1: Ch 4 (counts as fdc), dc in 4th ch from hook, *yo, insert hook in same ch as dc just made, yo and pull
through, (3 lps on hook), yo and pull through 2 lps (for the skipped ch), work fsc, yo twice, insert hook in foundation
ch of fsc, yo and pull through (4 lps on hook), yo and pull through 2 lps (for the skipped ch), work fdc, 2 dc in foun-
dation ch of fdc, repeat from * for as many shells as required, ending with 1 fdc and 1 dc in foundation ch of fdc.

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 MASTERING FOUNDATION with
CROCHET STITCHES Marty Miller

Circular Basket With Handles Pattern

Skill Level: easy PATTERN NOTES

• You will be working on the RS of the basket. Do not
Finished Measurements: approximately 6" diameter
turn at the end of the rounds. Place marker (PM) at
by 4.75" tall (with the handles)
the end of first round, and move up with each round.
MATERIALS • To start the handles, insert hook into same stitch as
• Yarn last sc worked. Work your first fsc from that stitch.
• Plymouth Fantasy Naturale, 100% mercerized • To join handles to last row worked on bag, insert
cotton 140 yards/128 m, 3.5 ounces/100 hook into foundation ch of last fsc, yo and pull
grams, 1 skein, color #5421 through (2 lps on hook), insert hook into stitch
• Crochet Hook where you want to join, yo and pull through stitch
• US H-8 (5mm) or size required for gauge and first lp on hook (2 lps left on hook), yo and
• Extras pull through both lps on hook.
• Yarn needle, stitch marker
INSTRUCTIONS
GAUGE Ch 2.
• 4 rounds = approximately 1" Rnd 1: Work 6 sc in first ch. Do not join – place
• 14 sc = approximately 4" marker (PM) after last sc. (6 sc)
• Gauge is not critical for this project. However,
Rnd 2: 2 sc in next sc and in each sc around. PM. (12 sc)
if your gauge is not the same, your yarn
requirements may change. Rnd 3: 2 sc in first sc, sc in next sc, *2 sc in next sc, sc
in next sc. Repeat from * around. PM. (18 sc)
ABBREVIATIONS
Rnd 4: 2 sc in first sc, sc in each of next 2 sc, *2 sc in
ch chain
next sc, sc in each of next 2 sc. Repeat from * around.
fsc foundation single crochet
PM. (24 sc)
lp(s) loop(s)
PM place marker Rnd 5: 2 sc in first sc, sc in each of next 3 sc, *2 sc in
rnd(s) round(s) next sc, sc in each of next 3 sc. Repeat from * around.
RS right side PM. (30 sc).
sc single crochet
Rnds 6 – 12: Continue in the same manner on each
st stitch
rnd, working one more sc between each increase. At
yo yarn over
the end of Rnd 12 you will have 72 sc.
SPECIAL STITCH Rnds 13 - 28: Sc in each sc around.
Foundation Single Crochet (fsc)
PMs in 9th, 28th, 45th, and 64th sc.
Ch 2, insert hook into first ch, yo, draw hook through
st, ch 1, yo, draw hook through 2 lps to finish the sc. Rnd 29: Sc in each of first 9 sc (up to and including
One foundation single crochet made. first marked sc), work 20 fsc, skip next 18 sc, join to
28th sc (next marked sc – see Notes), sc in each of
Forthe second fsc: Insert hook into the ch stitch that
next 17 sc (up to and including next marked sc), work
you made working the first fsc. Yo, draw hook through
20 fsc, skip next 18 sc, join to 64th sc (next marked
st, ch 1, yo, draw hook through 2 lps. You just made
sc), sc in each of next 8 sc. (36 sc, 40 fsc)
another foundation single crochet! Continue in this
manner until you have the necessary number of fsc. Rnd 30: Sc in each sc and fsc around. (76 sc)
Fasten off. Weave in ends.

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 MASTERING FOUNDATION with
CROCHET STITCHES Marty Miller

Granny Rectangle Tote Bag Pattern

Skill Level: easy

Finished Measurements: approximately 14" wide at
bottom of bag, 10" high (without the handles)

MATERIALS
• Yarn
• Plymouth Fantasy Naturale 100% mercerized
cotton, 140 yads/128 m, 3.5 ounces/100
grams, 4 skeins color #9992
• Crochet Hook
• US H-8 (5mm) or size required for gauge
• Extras
• Yarn needle

GAUGE
• 12 rounds of the Granny Rectangle measure fsc foundation single crochet
approximately 14.5" x 28". lp(s) loop(s)
Gauge is not critical for this pattern. However, if PM place marker
your gauge is not the same, your yarn requirements rnd(s) round(s)
may change. RS right side
sc(s) single crochet(s)
ABBREVIATIONS sl st slip stitch
beg begin(ning) sp(s) space(s)
ch chain st stitch
dc double crochet yo yarn over

Granny Rectangle

4
3

2
1

CONTINUED »

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 MASTERING FOUNDATION
CROCHET STITCHES
SPECIAL STITCHES
Foundation Double Crochet Eyelet
Ch 3, dc in 3rd ch from hook. Repeat as many times
as required.
Beginning Corner Shell
(Sl st, ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc, ch 1) in same sp
Corner Shell
(3 dc, ch 1) twice in same sp
Shell
(3 dc, ch 1) in same sp
Foundation Single Crochet
Ch 2, insert hook into first ch, yo, draw hook through
st, ch 1, yo, draw hook through 2 lps to finish the sc.
One foundation single crochet made.
For the second fsc: Insert hook into the ch stitch that
you made working the first fsc. Yo, draw hook through
st, ch 1, yo, draw hook through 2 lps. You just made
another foundation single crochet! Continue in this
manner until you have the necessary number of fsc.
PATTERN NOTES
• You will be working on the RS of the Granny
Rectangle. Do not turn at the end of the rounds
unless instructed.
• To start the handles, insert hook into same stitch as
last stitch worked. Work your first fsc from that stitch.
• To join handles to last row worked on bag, insert
hook into foundation ch of last fsc, yo and pull
through (2 lps on hook), insert hook into stitch
where you want to join, yo and pull through stitch
and first lp on hook (2 lps left on hook), yo and
pull through both lps on hook.
• If you will be changing colors on each round, end
each round with the sl st to join, end off old color.
Join new color at next ch-1 corner space.
INSTRUCTIONS
Foundation Row: Work 12 Foundation dc eyelets (see
Special Stitches.
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Marty Miller
Granny Rectangle Tote Bag Pattern
Rnd 1: Beginning Corner Shell in first eyelet sp, (see
Special Stitches). Shell (see Special Stitches) in each eye-
let sp to the last eyelet sp. Shell 3 times in the last eyelet
sp. Working now on the opposite side of the eyelet sps
from where you worked the first part of the round, and
skipping the last eyelet sp you worked in, Shell in the
next eyelet sp and in each eyelet sp to the last eyelet
sp. Shell in the last eyelet sp, join with sl st to top of beg
ch-3. (26 Shells)
Sl st in each st to next ch-1 sp.
Rnd 2: Beginning Corner Shell in same ch-1 sp, *Shell
in each ch-1 sp to next corner ch-1 sp, (Corner Shell
in corner ch-1 sp) twice. Repeat from * around, end-
ing with Corner Shell in corner ch-1 sp, join with sl st
to top of beg ch-3. (30 Shells)
Sl st in each st to next ch-1 sp.
Rnd 3: Beginning Corner Shell in same ch-1 sp, *Shell
in each ch-1 sp to next corner ch-1 sp, Corner Shell
in next ch-1 sp, Shell in next ch-1 sp, Corner Shell in
next ch-1 sp, Repeat from * around, ending with Cor-
ner Shell in corner ch-1 sp, Shell in next ch-1 sp, join
with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (34 Shells)
Sl st in each st to next ch-1 sp.
Rnds 4 – 12: Continue in same pattern, working a
Beginning Corner Shell in first corner, Shell in each
ch-1 sp to next corner, Corner Shell in corner ch-1
sp, Shell in each ch-1 sp to next corner, Corner Shell
in corner ch-1 sp, Shell in each ch-1 sp to next cor-
ner, Corner Shell in corner ch-1 sp, Shell in each ch-1
sp to end of round. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3.
Sl st in each st to next ch-1 sp.
Note: At the end of Rnd 12, you will have 4 corner
ch-1 sps. The short sides of the Rectangle will have 12
Shells on each side, the long sides will have 23 Shells
on each side.
CONTINUED »
7
 MASTERING FOUNDATION
CROCHET STITCHES
Rnd 13: Ch 1. Sc in same ch-1 sp. *Sc in each dc
around (skipping the ch-1 sps on the sides of the
rectangle) to the next corner ch-1 sp. Sc in corner
ch-1 sp. Repeat from * around to first sc. Join with sl
st to first sc. (214 sc)
Rnd 14: Ch 1. (Sc2tog) in first 2 scs, *(sc2tog) in next
2 scs. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st to first sc.
(107 sc)
Rnd 15: Ch 1. Sc in each sc around. Join with sl st to
first sc.
Rnd 16: (Handles) PM in 1st sc, 36th sc, 55th sc, and
90th sc. Ch 1. Sc in first sc and in each sc up to and
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with
Marty Miller
Granny Rectangle Tote Bag Pattern
including 36th sc. Work 54 fsc (see Notes). Join to
the 55th sc (see Notes). Sc in each sc up to and in-
cluding 90th sc. Work 54 fsc. Join with a sl st to first
sc of round. (72 sc, 108 fsc)
Rnd 17: Ch 1. Sc in each sc and fsc around. At the
beginning and end of each handle, where it joins the
edge of the tote, sc2tog. At the end of the round, join
with a sl st to the first sc.
Rnds 18 – 20: Ch 1, sc in each sc around.
At the end of Rnd 20, fasten off.
Weave in all ends, and enjoy your new tote!
8
 MASTERING FOUNDATION with
CROCHET STITCHES Marty Miller

Triple Ripple Dishcloth

This pattern is an easy one – you just have to count SPECIAL STITCHES
to 3 – 3 going down the "hill," 3 together, 3 going up Double Crochet 3 Stitches Together
the "hill," 3 dcs in one. Then, begin again with the 3 *Yo, insert hook in next st, yo and pull up, yo and pull
going down the "hill." Just remember, the first and the through 2 lps, repeat from * 2 more times, yo and pull
last increase, at the beginning and end of each row, through all 4 lps on hook.
are just 2 dcs, instead of 3 dcs, in one stitch.
Foundation Double Crochet
Skill Level: easy Yo, insert hook in foundation ch of previous st, yo and
pull up (3 lps on hook), yo and pull through 1 lp to make
Finished Measurements: approximately 7" x 8"
your foundation ch, (yo and pull through 2 lps) twice.
MATERIALS Foundation Double Crochet Increase
• Yarn Work one fdc, yo, insert hook in foundation ch of this
• Plymouth Fantasy Naturale 100% mercerized fdc, yo and pull up (3 lps on hook), (yo and pull through
cotton, 140 yards/128 m, 3.5oz/100gms, 1 skein 2 lps) twice. (You are working one fdc, then working one
color #9994 (for dishcloth #1), 1 skein each regular dc in the foundation ch of the fdc just worked.)
colors #8001, #8017, #8019 (for dishcloth #2)
Foundation Double Crochet Double Increase
• Crochet Hook
Work one fdc, *yo, insert hook in foundation ch of
• US H-8/(5mm) or size required for gauge
this fdc, yo and pull up (3 lps on hook), (yo and pull
• Extras
through 2 lps) twice, repeat from * one more time.
• Yarn needle
(You are working one fdc, then working 2 regular dc
GAUGE in the foundation ch of the fdc just worked.)
• 3 dc = approximately 1" Foundation Double Crochet 3 Stitches Together
• 1 ripple pattern = approximately 3.5" *Yo, insert hook in previous fdc, yo and pull up, yo
• 7 rows = approximately 4" and pull through 1 lp on hook, yo and pull through 2
Gauge is not critical for this pattern. However, if lps, repeat from * 2 more times, yo and pull through
your gauge is not the same, your yarn requirements all 4 lps on hook.
may change.
INSTRUCTIONS
ABBREVIATIONS For One-Color Dishcloth
ch chain Foundation Row: Ch 4 (counts as first fdc), dc in 4th
dc(s) double crochet(s) ch from hook, work 3 fdc, fdc3tog, 3 fdc, fdc double
fdc foundation double crochet increase, 3 fdc, fdc3tog, 3 fdc, fdc increase. Ch 3, turn.
lp(s) loop(s) Row 1: Dc in first dc, dc in each of next 3 dc, dc3tog
st stitch in next 3 dc, dc in each of next 3 dc, 3 dc in next dc,
yo yarn over dc in each of next 3 dc, dc3tog, dc in each of next 3
Triple Ripple Pattern dc, 2 dc in last dc. Ch 3, turn. (21 dc)
Rows 2 – 11: Repeat Row 2.
1
At the end of Row 11, end off. Weave in ends.
Foundation For Three-Color Dishcloth
Row Repeat instructions for one-color dishcloth, changing
colors every 4 rows.

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