FREE CROCHET PATTERNS FREE CROCHET TUTORIALS FREE CROCHET CHEAT SHEETS GRANNY SQUARES 101 CROCHET QUIZ!

What is a Crochet Chain Space? A Beginner’s Guide

Janne Kleivset
By
Last Updated
Disclosure. Most pages on this website contain affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you click-through & purchase (no additional cost to you). Read the affiliate disclosure..
Pinterest Hidden Image

A crochet chain space are used in a variety of crochet projects, but what are they?

Crochet is a popular craft that involves creating fabric from yarn or thread using a crochet hook. One of the most basic techniques in crochet is the chain stitch, which are used to create a foundation chains and turning chain(s) for most crochet projects. Crochet chains are also used to create chain spaces, also known as ch-sp, and are another essential element of crochet that allow the creation of open spaces in the crochet fabric.

A chain space is created by crocheting chain(s) in the middle of a row or round. In many cases you also skipping a certain number of stitches on the previous row or round before you crochet into the next stitch.

Chain spaces are commonly used to create airy lace stitch patterns in crochet. Chain spaces also creates spaces for other stitches to be worked into. Chain spaces can be used in a variety of different crochet projects, from crochet blankets and shawls to clothing and accessories.

Learning how to create and work with chain spaces is an important skill for any crocheter, as it opens up a world of possibilities for creating unique and beautiful designs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crocheter, understanding the basics of a crochet chain space is essential for creating a wide range of crochet projects.

What is a Crochet Chain Space? A Beginner's Guide

What are Crochet Chain Spaces?

A crochet chain space, also known as ch-sp, are an essential part of many crochet patterns. They are created by making one or multiple crochet chain stitch(es) to essentially create a hole in the crochet fabric. After crocheting the chains you either work into the next stitch or skip (sk) a certain number of stitches to create an empty space. The chain space can then be crocheted into on the next row or round.

Chain spaces can be found in a variety of crochet patterns, from simple to complex. They are often used to create lace patterns. They can also be used to create a space for a button or to create a buttonhole.

When reading a crochet pattern, the chain space may be abbreviated as “sp” or “ch-sp” (learn more about crochet abbreviations). They can also be abbreviated with a specific number of chains to create the chain space, like ch-1-sp, ch-2-sp, ch-3-sp ect. Indicating you should crochet 1, 2, 3 chains to create the chain space.

It is important to pay attention to the pattern instructions to determine how many stitches to skip to after crocheting the chains to create the chain space. It is also important to note how many stitches to work into the chain space in the next row or round, as it may not be equal to the number of chains used to create the chain space.

What is a Crochet Chain Space? A Beginner's Guide

Crochet Stitches Commonly Used To Create A Crochet Chain Space

The most essential stitch used is of course the chain(ch).

But you will also need to crochet stitches before & after the given number of chains to create the spaces.

The basic crochet stitches are most common (including linked photo tutorial & video tutorials):

What is a Crochet Chain Space? A Beginner's Guide

How to Create Chain Spaces

A crochet chain space are created by making chains in between stitches. Here’s how to create chain spaces:

  • On the row or round you make a chain space: Chain and skip the number of stitches indicated.
  • On the row or round you work into the chain space: Insert the crochet hook into the chain space to pull up a loop to crochet into the chain space.
what is a crochet chain space pinterest graphic

Example: Create a ch-3-sp:

Your pattern says to “work 1 single crochet (sc) in the next stitch, ch 3, skip 3 stitches, sc 1 in next st” you would:

  1. Work 1 sc in the next stitch.
  2. Chain 3.
  3. Skip the next 3 stitches.
  4. Work your next sc stitch into the next stitch.

You have now created a chain 3 space.

Example: Work into a chain space:

Your pattern says “sc 3 in the next ch-3-sp”.

  1. Pull yarn up to crochet the stitch by inserting the crochet hook in the open space created by chains, instead of into the stitch.
  2. Repeat on all 3 single crochet stitches.

That way you have crocheted into the ch-sp.

aprilis lace shrug free crochet pattern

Common Uses of Chain Spaces in Crochet

A crochet chain space are a fundamental element in crochet, and they have a variety of uses. Here are some of the most common uses of ch-sp in crochet:

  • Creating Openwork or Lace: One of the most popular uses of chain spaces is to create openwork in crochet. By chaining a certain number of stitches and skipping a certain number of stitches, you can create a lace-like effect that adds texture and visual interest to your crochet projects.
  • Filet Crochet: The use of ch-sp are essential in filet crochet. What’s special about filet crochet is the fact that you can create intricate shapes and patterns by spacing the gaps carefully while crocheting a flat piece.
  • Increasing and Decreasing: Chain spaces can also be used to increase or decrease the number of stitches in a row. By working into a chain space instead of a regular stitch, you can in some cases add or subtract stitches. Like when you increase stitches by working multiple stitches into the gaps on granny squares.
  • Creating Shells: Shells are a popular stitch pattern in crochet that are created by working multiple stitches into a space. This creates a fan-like shape that can be used to interest to your projects.
  • Creating Picots: Picots are small loops that are used to add a decorative edge to crochet projects. They are created by chaining a certain number of stitches and then slip stitching back into the same stitch. These also create small spaces, but are usually not crocheted into like regular ch-sp.
What is a Crochet Chain Space? A Beginner's Guide

Tips for Working with Chain Spaces

Working with chain spaces can be tricky, but with a few tips and tricks, you can master this technique:

  • Always read the pattern carefully to determine whether you are supposed to work into the chain or the chain space. Look for instructions that say “work into a crochet chain space” or “work into chain-3 space” to know when to use this technique.
  • When working into a chain space, insert hook under the entire chain space, not just the top loop.
  • Be mindful of tension when working into chain spaces. It’s easy to accidentally work too tightly or too loosely, which can affect the overall look of your project. Practice working into chain spaces on a swatch to get a feel for the right tension.
  • If you’re having trouble working into a chain space, try using a larger hook size. This can help create more space to work into and make the process easier.

By following these tips, you can work with chain spaces like a pro and create beautiful crochet projects with ease.

What is a Crochet Chain Space? A Beginner's Guide

Free Patterns That Includes Chain Spaces

There are a lot of great lace patterns that includes one or multiple ch-sp. The most commonly know is the granny square, but here are a list of other crochet patterns & stitch patterns with crochet tutorials:

  1. How to crochet the granny square
  2. Triangle Granny Square Garland
  3. V Stitch
  4. Granny Square Sweater
  5. One Piece Crochet Cardigan
  6. Lace Star Flower Stitch
  7. Crochet Pullover Sweater
  8. Crochet Shoulder Bag
  9. Crochet Lace Shawl
  10. Spider Lace Stitch
  11. Lace Crochet Scarf
What is a Crochet Chain Space? A Beginner's Guide

Crochet Chain Space Summary

In conclusion, crochet chain space(s) are an essential element of crochet that allow for the creation of intricate and delicate designs. A chain space is created by chaining a given number of chains, and then in most cases skipping stitches to create a gap or hole in the fabric.

These spaces can be used to create a variety of different stitch patterns, including granny squares and lacy designs.

Through the use of chain spaces in crochet, crocheters can create a wide range of different lace patterns. By varying the number of chains and the number of stitches skipped, it is possible to create a virtually endless variety of patterns and designs.

While chain spaces in theory are quite simple, they are actually a fundamental element of crochet that may require skill and practice to master. With patience and dedication, however, anyone can learn to create beautiful, intricate lace designs using chain spaces.

Overall, chain spaces are an important and versatile tool for any crocheter, and they are an essential element of many different crochet patterns and designs. By understanding how to create and use chains to crochet gaps, crocheters can unlock a world of creative possibilities and create stunning, one-of-a-kind works of art.

Janne Kleivset

Janne Kleivset

Founder, Crochet Pattern Designer & Owner of Joy of Motion Crochet.

Janne has helped millions of crocheters find their next crochet project with more than 250 free crochet patterns and 110 crochet tutorials on her blog.

With more than two decades of crochet experience, and crochet designing since 2011, she's been featured on multiple prominent sites such as Lion Brand Yarn, in crochet magazines and the OML "Make" book.

Learn more about Janne.



GRAB CROCHET CHEAT SHEETS

Sheets included: Hook sizes, Yarn weights, Crochet Hook for Yarn Weight, US vs UK Terms, Crochet Chart Symbols

Grab your copy now 👇