Shannon & Jason's Blog

Technique Tuesday - Foundation Single Crochet

7/29/2014

Technique

Foundation Single Crochet (Fsc)

What is it?

This technique simultaneously creates a row of "chain" stitches AND a row of single crochet stitches (abbreviated sc) without making two passes. Basically, it takes the place of two rows of stitches: the "chain" row that makes up the beginning base and the next row of single crochet that is worked into that row of chains.

The Foundation Single Crochet stitch technique (abbreviated Fsc) is an alternative to the instructions at the beginning of a crochet pattern that tell you to chain a certain number of stitches.

Oh… you might be wondering why we keep using " " around the word chain. It's because this isn't REALLY a chain stitch but it LOOKS like one so that's what's important. We use the word chain because it is familiar visually to all of us crocheters and, when learning and understanding a new technique, we all need to have familiar imagery and language to base our learning and understanding on.

So, for this tutorial, the stitch we are creating is a "chain" (read: faux chain) with a sc on top of it.

Hey… new crochet term: Faux Chain (abbreviated FxCh). No? Maybe… hhmmmm… this one might show up again in another Foundation Stitch tutorial. Yup… that's probably going to happen…

Foundation Single Crochet Tutorial by Shibaguyz Designz

For this Technique Tuesday we are specifically talking about the Foundation Single Crochet stitch… look for other Foundation stitches in the coming weeks.

Why use the Foundation Single Crochet?

The primary reason we use foundation stitches like the Foundation Single Crochet in our work is the elasticity or, more accurately, the consistent stitch tension, it provides at a hem, cuff, or any beginning section of crochet stitches.

Elasticity and Consistent Tension

A row of chains at the beginning of a section of crochet tightens up significantly once the next row of stitches is worked into it. This is because the loops of the chain are, naturally, connected to one another and pulling on one of the loops by inserting a hook into the chain and making a stitch there tightens the neighboring loops. The result is a chain that is significantly shorter than we probably need and a fabric edge with little or no elasticity at all. And, unfortunately, even the almighty fix-all techniques in Blocking will only get you so far… fibers only stretch so much before they are ruined or "killed" zapping them of all bounce and elasticity.

Don't be a fiber killer… just say no, kids…

This unfortunate tightening of stitches doesn't happen when using the Foundation Stitch technique since the "chains" we make are connected to the Single Crochet (or Half Double Crochet, Double, Treble, etc…) we create simultaneously on top of the "chain" (see fabulously drawn illustration).

Remember what we said above: "chain" = FxCh. This isn't a real chain but just looks like one. It is created differently but looks like a row of chains. The next "chain" we make is created using more of a Duplicate Stitch technique (sorta kinda… but more on that COOL technique later) and does not affect the tension of the preceding or following "chains."

With a little practice, the result of using this technique is a consistent tension that maintains itself without having to fuss and cuss our way through making a row of stitches into a row of chains only to end up with a tight hem, armhole, cuff, or neckline that we can't really use because it is suddenly three or four inches too tight and we just about rip off our ears trying to get it over our head or nearly lose a hand from cutting off the circulation in our wrist. And don't get us started on pinchy bottom hems… GAH!!

A Better Fix

But aren't there other ways of fixing this issue of tight chains without learning a new technique? Sure… there are a couple… none that we like nearly as much.

Usually when a crocheter encounters a tight row of chains that doesn't fit the given gauge for a pattern, they resort to going up a size in hooks. Makes logical sense and it's what we are told to do in patterns… to adjust our hook size to achieve gauge. The problem with that is the rest of the stitch pattern might look better with the smaller hook size as indicated in the pattern. But, because a regular chain row can end up tight enough to play the Prelude of J.S. Bach's Suite for Solo Cello no. 1 in G major on, we go up a hook size to make it. This might fix the elasticity issue of a chain row but the rest of the fabric is now being worked at the wrong tension and, at best, just doesn't look quite right or, at worst, sags and bags like an elephant's behind (oh stop… you know exactly what I'm talking about because we've all done it!).

The other fix is using a larger hook for the chain row THEN going back to the smaller hook for the rest of the fabric stitches. This MIGHT do the trick but… more often it results in a wobbly looking (dare we say wonky?) beginning chain that we can just hope nobody will look at very closely. And, being a details kinda designer, that just isn't going to fly.

In addition to the obvious advantage of elasticity and consistent stitch tension, the Foundation Stitch also looks professional and polished with a neat and tidy row of "chain" loops on the bottom of the work that matches the top loops of a regular row of stitches.

FAB Starts Lead to FAB Finishes

Foundation Stitches at exposed edges like hems, cuffs, and necklines have a clean, polished look. If you are going to work to create a custom, handmade piece, why not start it with symmetry and polish. Start Like a Pro, Finish Like a Pro!

Break It Down

So here it is… the Foundation Single Crochet broken down for you step by step with lovely photos by Shibaguyz Photography for those all-important visual cues.

Step 1: Chain 2, insert your hook in the second chain from the hook, yarn over and draw up a loop

Step 2: Yarn over and draw through 1 loop. You have made your first "chain."

Step 3: Yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook. Now you have made your first single crochet.

Step 4: Insert hook under 2 loops of the "chain" you just made in Step 2

NOTE: It is SO important that you insert your hook under both loops of the "chain" made in Step 2 exactly as shown in the Step 4 photo. The most common goof we encounter in teaching this technique is only inserting the hook under one loop of the "chain." The result is very different. Not horrible… it won't bring on the zombie apocalypse or anything… but it's not what we are going for.

Step 5: Yarn over and draw up a loop

Step 6: Yarn over and draw through 1 loop ("chain" made)

Step 7: Yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook. Single crochet made!

Step 8: Repeat from Step 4 until you have the desired number of Foundation Single Crochet stitches.

NOTE: If you are substituting Foundation Stitches for the first row of a pattern that states to chain XX number of stitches, you will make the same number of Fsc as you would chains.

TAADAA!!

Like any new skill, this might take a few times to get your stitches to line up all nice and pretty like in the pictures. Just be patient with yourself and give yourself permission to learn

Make sure you bookmark this post for future reference and download a free copy of the Foundation Single Crocht tutorial for your own personal use from our online store by clicking the photo of our infographic style tutorial below.

Thanks for stopping by for Tutorial Tuesday! Check back for more tutorials, patterns, and inside info from the studios of Shibaguyz Designz.

Stitch On!
S&J

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