Knitwear designer Karelle Levy teaches beginners how to start a crochet chain from the slipknot to the chain stitch, in order to make crochet shoe laces!
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The crochet chain is the most basic and essential stitch to learn in crochet for beginners. The slipknot is often the first, and chain the second instruction in a pattern.
Chains create foundations from which entire projects are crocheted. They are also used to fill in spaces to finish off rows and rounds when other stitches are too bulky.
It is a great stitch to practice in order to get comfortable holding the hook and maintaining consistent tension.
CROCHET CHAIN STEP-BY-STEP
- Wrap the yarn around your hand, crossing it over your open palm.
- Insert the hook under the first strand and over the second strand. Pull the second under the first to create a loop. When you see the loop is on your hook, you can remove your hand from the circle you’ve created!
- In order to create a slipknot, continue to tighten the circle around your hook.
- Hold the slipknot between your thumb and middle finger. Let the yarn rest over your index finger and into the grip of your hand.
- With the opposite hand, insert the hook under the strand, then over the strand. Pull the strand through the loop on the hook. Bam – there’s your first chain!
Repeat step 5 for as many chains as your pattern designates, or as your heart desires.
Make sure to move your thumb and middle finger up the chain as you make more stitches. This creates tension to secure the yarn on the hook.
TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND:
- When counting chains, do not include the slipknot or the loop on the hook.
- If your chain is too tight to work new stitches into, try crocheting the chain with a slightly larger hook. Then switch to the hook you’ll use for the rest of the project.
- Holding the hook like a pencil or like a knife are the two most commonly used grips in crochet. Feel free to be unique and invent your own grip if it works for you!
Aside from being the foundation of many other stitches, there are also some projects you can make just using the chain stitch on its own.
For instance, headbands with one or several chains tied together, bracelets, rings, keychains, and shoelaces. The most versatile is mesh, which can be used to construct entire garments like vests, scarves, cowls, and hats.
To take it a step further, learn to yarn over and the single crochet will be a cinch.
When working into the foundation chain, you can even use alternative ways to insert the hook and get different looking stitches. Working into the back loop leaves the most clean finished edge.
Bear in mind that practice is key to learning any new skill. Yes, it comes easier to some than others. But with patience and persistence, crocheting can become your favorite and most productive new hobby or business.
Remember you can watch the instructional video at half-speed to really see what’s happening, and follow along with yarn and hook in hand! Share your experience with the chain stitch in the comments section.
Want a free tool to illuminate your work and see details better when you crochet? click here to learn more now
I wish I could get some patterns
I have lived in an assisted living facility for about six months, I love to crochet and enjoy the compliments I get from non crocheters! Several of the residents here have said they would enjoy trying to learn to crochet. These instructions are extremely helpful. I tried to teach a good friend to crochet and she has had a tough time starting and working a chain. This will be very helpful with my friend and others that want to learn! Thank you for posting these patterns and instructions.
Crotching Blackets
Thanks so very much for all the help.
I’m left handed. I would love love some lefty patterns. All of my crocheting is backwards and have to make the left side then right side, etc. Thank you!
I love to crochet. I use to crochet stuffed toys of all kinds, animals, dolls, and anything I thought was cute. A friend of mine would take them to work with her and sell them for me. I only charged what it cost to make the toy and that helped me keep crocheting. That was a long time ago but I loved it. They always wanted more they bought them for Christmas presents, birthday etc. I’m wanting to start again. 😊
My problem is trying to chain in a circle? I think it’s called. I have been crocheting for a while and have never heard of it. I have always chained so many and then slipped together to make a circle to do something round. This ‘new’ thing is confusing. I suffered a brain injury fruition a car accident and am having problems understanding this new technique.
I can’t find the pattern for the slippers. I would love to make them
I am trying to exercise my brain after extreme chemo, so I started to crochet again . It’s awesome because I read the pattern and then work it with my hands ! It’s just helping my brain wake up.
My problem is…my 11 yr old granddaughter want to learn ,but she’s left handed. how can I teach her ? do you have videos for left handers ?
Thank you .. I also had a brain injury Debbie Mills Harris, brain stem aneurysm. Anyway my memory is horrible now.. And these reminders are super .. I appreciate it very much .. Thank you
I’m left handed hard to find patterns
Thank you for the invitation I have been crocheting since I was a young girl.
I have been crocheting my whole life, I was passed from my moms to my grandma to my great grandma with a crochet needle In hand . I made my first blanket ant 8 or 9 ,lol.. I love to crochet
Very helpful and I’m learning a new skill
Thank you x
I knit a lot and my mum taught me to crochet when I was about 9 I’m very rusty and these very clear instructions are great .
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