How to Foundation Single Crochet Video & Photo Tutorial
Learn how to crochet the foundation single crochet stitch. Create a chain and single crochet in one motion to begin your crochet project without a long chain. Chainless single crochet will save you from working back into a long chain.
When I first learned the foundation single crochet stitch {fsc} I wondered where it had been all my crochet life? Just like the magic circle, I thought why don’t I know this already?
I’ve been doing it the hard way all this time. If you haven’t learned the magic circle yet, go and do it now {well, right after you get this one down}!
This post contains affiliate links, I may earn a fee. Read more disclosure policy.
Join the ChristaCoDesign Newsletter
Never miss a pattern!
I must confess that when I was first learning to crochet I had to look up these chainless foundations {yes, you can use it for hdc and dc too} up repeatedly, until I finally remembered. So I thought it might be a useful tool for you to have under your belt too.
I’ve included a short video tutorial demonstrating the fsc or foundation single crochet otherwise known as chainless foundation single crochet. The step by step written instructions and photo tutorial is below as well.
I know I can’t always stop to watch a video so often I prefer photos. But then there are those techniques that just require more visual aide than a still photo can lend, so I’ve included both here for you.
Pin It
You might also like these crochet tutorials
Some crochet patterns that start with Foundation Single Crochets
The Finestra Scarf Wrap is light weight and lacy. The foundation sc stitch makes it easy to get started.
Starting a blanket is easier with foundations stitches, you can practice on the Eileen Blanket.
Materials
- any weight yarn, for this tutorial I’m using Joann’s Big Twist in Light Rose.
- appropriate size crochet hook for your yarn, I’m using my Clover Amour hook 5mm size H*.
I love my yarn bowl*, you can get yours here.
Photo Tutorial
Foundation Single Crochet
Learn how to crochet the foundation single crochet stitch. This is a great way to start those large crochet projects so you don't have to crochet into a chain.
Materials
- any weight yarn, for this tutorial I’m using Joann’s Big Twist in Light Rose.
Tools
- Appropriate size crochet hook for your yarn, I’m using my Clover Amour hook size 5MM-US/8 H.
Instructions
First begin with a slip stitch on your hook.
Next insert your hook in the 2nd chain from your hook. I’ve marked it here with the yarn needle.
Then yarn over (yo) and pull up a loop. Now you’ll have 2 loops on your hook.- YO and pull through the 1st loop on your hook, you’ll have 2 loops left on your hook.
This essentially creates our first “chain.” We’ll be crocheting into this spot on our 2nd fsc. It is helpful to hold on to this spot so you know where to insert your hook for step 6, but let’s finish this one first. - YO and pull through both loops on your hook. You have now completed 1 fsc.
We’re basically creating our “chain” as we go along. - Now the tricky part (in my opinion), where to insert your hook next. We’ll be crocheting into the “chain” we made on step 4. I’ve marked it with my green yarn needle. The 1st picture is the front view
and the second one is the bottom view. 
It gets easier to see where to put your hook as you go. Insert your hook in the same spot marked by the green yarn needle, below the single crochet stitch into the “chain” we created in step 4. 
YO and pull up a loop, 2 loops on your hook. 
YO and pull through the 1st loop on your hook, 2 loops on your hook.- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook. Your second fsc is made. Keep going to really get the hang of it!
The green yarn needle shows where to insert your hook for the next fsc. 
Insert your hook into the “chain” made below the last fsc made.
YO and pull up a loop.
YO again and pull through one loop. YO and pull through 2 loops to complete the 3rd fsc. 
Keep repeating steps 10-12 until you’ve reached the number of fsc your pattern calls for or you’ve reached the length you want.
In this photo I’ve turned, ch 1 and worked a sc into each fsc. Such a nice looking start to your project!
Video Tutorial
If you enjoy learning through crochet videos be sure to subscribe to my channel, I plan to create many more videos this year!
Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions, I know learning some of these techniques can be challenging at first {from experience 😉 }. Keep at it!
Pin it:
thank you for this simple and clear tutorial!!!
Thanks for this tutorial!
I have the hardest time remembering how to do this stitch, so glad to have a video to refer to.
I can relate! I’m glad it’s helpful!
I’ve been crocheting for over 40 years and have never done this stitch. One of my goals this summer is to learn this. Thank you for this tutorial.
It’s tricky one! Good luck and you’re quite welcome!