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Knowing how to start a crochet chain is one of the first techniques every beginners should learn, as crochet chains play a part in almost every crochet project.
While they are often called a crochet chain stitch, they aren’t technically a stitch in the traditional sense of the word.
Crochet chain stitches are used to set the width of project, as well as setting the height of a row when used as a turning chain at the start of a row. They can also be used in a variety of ways to create lacy stitch effects.
When you make a chain you’ll see that it looks like a plait – in this guide we’ll often refer to crochet chains looking like little V shapes.
When learning how to crochet you’ll want your crochet chain this way round. It’s a lot simpler to work your first row of stitches into the V shape as well as making it easier to count your crochet stitches.
Before you learn how to start a crochet chain, you will need to know how to make a slipknot so that you can attach your yarn to your hook.
It’s also worth taking a look at our guide on how to hold your hook and yarn, as this will help you to feel more comfortable when making your crochet chains, and will also help you to control your tension better which will give you a neater result.
If you’re completely new to crochet, you can find loads of helpful information and resources in our crochet guide for beginners!
Become a chain stitch expert!
In this chain stitch crochet guide, we’ll cover the following topics:
- How to start a crochet chain
- How to count your chains and stitches
- How to crochet into the bump of the chain
- Alternative chain stitch crochet technique
How to crochet chain stitch
Below you’ll find our step-by-step picture guide on how to start a crochet chain, or you can also check out our handy video too!
How to start a crochet chain
