Keep reading to learn how to crochet the foundation single crochet stitch. The foundation single crochet stitch (FSC) is a great way to start a crochet project.
When you crochet the FSC, you create a chain stitch & a single crochet in the same stitch. Because of that you often find it referred to as the chainless foundation single crochet or the single crochet foundation chain.
The steps for this stitch are quite simple, and once you understand the basics, it is easy to crochet. So let’s dive into this foundation single crochet tutorial.
Find both photo, video & written instructions below.
Find more: Easy Crochet Stitches.
Table of Contents
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The steps of Foundation Single Crochet
A quick written description:
- Chain 2.
- Insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through first loop (making the chain). Yarn over and pull through both loops on the crochet hook.
- Insert hook into previous chain you made*, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through first loop (making the chain). Yarn over and pull through both loops on the crochet hook.
- Repeat step 3 until you’ve made enough stitches**.
*It should look like you go through a resemblance of a normal stitch, with 2 strands of yarn.
*2nd chain in step 1 makes 1 stitch, step 2 makes 1 stitch & every time step 3 is repeated you make 1 stitch.
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About the Foundation Single Crochet
Learn how to crochet the Foundation Single Crochet stitch. The steps for this stitch are quite simple, and once you understand the basics, it is easy to crochet.
Keep reading to learn how to crochet the foundation single crochet stitch. The foundation single crochet stitch (FSC) is a great way to start a crochet project.
Project level: Easy
Materials
Crochet Hook
Use any crochet hook size that works with your yarn.
Yarn
Use any yarn you like for this stitch.
If you’re following a crochet pattern, use the crochet hook and yarn suggested to get the correct gauge.
Abbreviations
The Foundation Single Crochet is often abbreviated FSC in crochet patterns.
Learn more about crochet abbreviations & find a complete list on our Crochet Abbreviations & Terms post.
Instructions for the Foundation Single Crochet
Step-by-step Photo Instructions
The first step of the FSC stitch is to make a slip knot. The beginning tail is on the right.
Start with 2 starting chains.
Second chain will count as a stitch, and you should work into that stitch when crocheting the next row after you finish the row of foundation stitches.
Crocheting the first foundation single crochet
Insert crochet hook in first chain and pull up a loop.
Crocheting the first foundation single crochet
Yarn over (yo) and pull through the first loop on the crochet hook. This is the chain part of the stitch.
Crocheting the first foundation single crochet
Yarn over and pull through both loops on the crochet hook. You have one loop on your hook. This is the single crochet part of the stitch. You have now finished the first stitch.
Crocheting the second foundation single crochet stitches
The next step is to identify where you should insert your crochet hook. In the middle of the picture you can see two loops looking like a “normal” stitch. This is the “chain” you should insert the crochet hook into on next step.
Crocheting the second foundation single crochet stitches
After identifying the chain, insert the crochet hook.
Crocheting the second foundation single crochet stitches
Pull up a loop.
Crocheting the second foundation single crochet stitches
Yarn over and pull through the first loop on the crochet hook. This is the chain part of the stitch.
Crocheting the second foundation single crochet stitches
Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops on the crochet hook, you have now finished the second FSC. Ready to crochet the next stitch.
Repeat step 1-5 to crochet more foundation single crochet stitches. Repeat until you have the number of stitches needed in the pattern you follow.
Foundation Single Crochet Crochet Chart Symbol
The foundation single crochet chart symbol is related to the single crochet (sc) and chain (ch) stitch chart symbols.
It is a “x” or “+”, but also has a oval circle representing the chain stitch.
It will be turned in the direction it will lay in your finished crochet work.
Photo showing the FSC crochet stitch chart symbol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an alternative to crocheting the foundation single crochet?
The alternative to crocheting the foundation single crochet is to crochet regular chains first, then crochet single crochet stitches into the foundation chain. Then you can follow the rest of the pattern as usual.
Why is the foundation single crochet stitches narrower than the following rows of single crochet stitches?
The foundation single crochet stitches often come out narrower than the following rows of single crochet stitches. To fix it, simply stretch the foundation single crochets before starting the second row. If you feel the tension or gauge is too tight, try crocheting the foundation stitches with a slightly bigger crochet hook than the other parts of the pattern.
What is a foundation SC in crochet?
The foundation SC, also called the foundation single crochet, is a crochet stitch where you crochet the base chain and the single crochet stitch at the same time.
What is the right side of a foundation single crochet?
The right side of the foundation single crochet is the side that is facing you when you crochet them.
Can you also crochet foundation stitches for the half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc) and treble crochet (tr)?
Yes, you can crochet foundation stitches for all basic stitches in crochet.
How do you replace chains with foundation single crochet?
To replace regular chains with the foundation single crochet on a project where the first row is single crochet stitches, you start the crochet project with one less foundation single crochet than the number of chains the pattern calls for as the first row. Then you continue the crochet pattern as usual on the second row.
