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CROCHET » CROCHET STITCHES Co-authored by:

Suzi Quillen
How to Foundation Single Crochet Knitting and Crochet Expert

(FSC) for Beginners Click a star to vote

Co-authors: 9

Updated: January 16,

Learn this beginner-friendly stitch for your next crochet project Download Article 2024
Views: 77,193
Co-authored by Suzi Quillen
Last Updated: January 16, 2024

First Stitch Tutorial | Foundation Row Tutorial | Advantages of FSC | Expert Interview | Expert Q&A Jane Eyre
Sep 17, 2021
| Tips | Things You'll Need
"For beginners the pictures were terrific and
Foundation single crochet (FSC) is a stitch that combines the chain row and the first single so easy to follow. Thank you very much. You
did not have to speak..." more
crochet row. Using FSC instead of separate rows of chain and single crochet can simplify the
beginning of a crochet project—best of all, it's really easy to learn. With the help of this guide, Share yours!

you'll start the stitch using basic crochet techniques then work the rest of the row using a
A D V E RT I S E M E N T
different sequence. In no time at all, you can use FSC to start your next crochet project and
save yourself a little time.

A D V E RT I S E M E N T

First Stitch Tutorial Download Article

1 Make a slipknot.
Before you can start the foundation single crochet row, you need to make a slipknot.
Begin by wrapping yarn around your finger twice then pull one loop through the other to
make a loop with a knot on the end. Slide the slipknot onto your hook and tug the yarn to
secure it.[1]

2 Chain two.
Next, chain two stitches. To do this, loop the yarn over the hook in front of your
slipknot. Pull the new yarn through the slipknot to make one chain. Then, yarn over and pull
it through again to make the second chain.[2]
A D V E RT I S E M E N T

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3 Insert hook into the first chain and yarn over.

Identify the first chain made and insert the hook into this chain. Loop yarn over hook
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and pull it through the chain. At this point, you will have two loops on your hook.[3] Take Quiz Take Quiz

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A D V E RT I S E M E N T

4 Loop yarn over and pull through.

Next, loop yarn over hook and pull it through the first loop on the hook. This will make
a chain of one and you should still have two loops on your hook.[4]

5 Loop yarn over and pull through both loops.

To complete the stitch, yarn over your hook again and pull yarn through both loops on
the hook. You will have one loop on the hook and you are now ready to continue the row.[5]

6 Mark your first stitch with a stitch marker.

It can be helpful to mark the first stitch in the row with a stitch marker. You may want
to do this the first few times that you use the foundation single crochet stitch. Place the
stitch marker through the first single crochet stitch.[6]
A D V E RT I S E M E N T

Foundation Row Tutorial Download Article

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A D V E RT I S E M E N T

1 Insert your hook into the stitch just made.

To continue the row, you will follow a shorter sequence than what you used to create
the first row. Start by inserting your hook into the stitch just made. If you placed a stitch
marker here, it should be easy to locate.[7]

2 Loop yarn over and pull through the stitch.

Next, loop yarn over hook and pull it through the stitch. You now have two loops on
your hook.[8]

3 Yarn over again and pull through one loop.

Loop yarn over hook again and pull it through the first loop on your hook to make a
chain. You will have two loops on your hook at this point.[9]

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4 Do one more yarn over and pull through both loops.

To complete the stitch, loop yarn over hook again and pull it through both loops on
your hook. This will leave you with one loop on your hook again and you will be ready to How to
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A D V E RT I S E M E N T

5 Repeat the sequence to the end of the row.

Continue the sequence for this stitch until you have the desired number of stitches in
your row. You can then continue your project.[11]

Advantages of the FSC Stitch Download Article

Checking the gauge of your yarn

You cannot get an accurate gauge of your yarn by crocheting a chain. However, the FSC
stitch is a good way to quickly check the gauge of your yarn.[12] Make a 4” row of FSC
stitches and count them to determine the gauge of your yarn and hook. This could be a
huge time saver if you are trying to determine your gauge for a project.

Crocheting into the top and bottom of the row

Another great advantage of the FSC stitch is that the top and bottom rows look the same.
This means that you can work into the top and bottom rows and get the same results.[13]
Therefore, the FSC stitch is a good option if you want to work on both sides of your
foundation row. It is ideal for crocheting ovals like the sole of a slipper or baby bootie. Trending Articles

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A D V E RT I S E M E N T

Not needing to redo the first row

It is common to miscount the links in your chain when crocheting a large piece, and it can
be a time consuming error. You may end up having to start over if you don’t notice the error
until working the first row of your project. By using the FSC stitch, you can count the
stitches easily as you go and you will be less likely to make a mistake with the number of
stitches.[14]

Achieving a neater look

The FSC stitch produces a neater looking first row than by making a chain and crocheting
into it. If you have noticed that your projects tend to look a little sloppy when you start them
with a chain, try switching to the FSC stitch for your next project. This will give better results
once you master the stitch.[15]

Expert Q&A

Question

Can you suggest an easy crochet pattern to get started with?

Suzi Quillen
Knitting and Crochet Expert
Expert Answer

I recommend starting your crochet journey with simple projects such as scarves and pot
holders. Their simplicity ensures that even if your work isn't perfect, these items remain
practical. However, if you're inclined to take on more substantial projects from the beginning,
consider higher-end items like scarves, shawls, and wraps. These projects often incorporate
basic geometric patterns, providing both a learning experience and the satisfaction of
creating functional items, even if the final result isn't flawless.
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Crochet hook appropriate for the yarn type that is used. Check the yarn label for the correct
size to use.
A D V E RT I S E M E N T

Stitch markers

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