HELP! I HATE FOUNDATION CHAINS!
Brush up on your technique with our simple guide…
No matter how experienced you are, working into a foundation chain is one of the hardest bits of crochet. First you need to work the right number of chains, with an even tension, and don’t twist it – no easy task if it’s a really long first row! Then you have to insert the hook in the right part of the chain, without accidentally skipping any, and keep your stitches neat while trying to hold onto almost nothing.
In my experience, it’s only the projects you really want to make that get past that tricky first row. But there are alternatives – my favourite is foundation rows, also known as chain-free or chainless crochet. This is where you make the foundation chain and the first row of stitches at the same time. It’s easier on your counting and tension – the starting edge is neat and stretchy rather than cinched in or loose.