How to Crochet Chainless Foundation Stitches Tutorial

Learning the How to Crochet Chainless Foundation Stitches is a great way to start a crochet project without the need for a starting chain. This useful technique provides a seamless foundation and is perfect for projects like garments, blankets, or anything normally starting with a chain stitch and single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, or the treble crochet

With the Chainless Foundation Stitch, you no longer have to chain a long chain hoping you didn’t miscount. Then go back and work a stitch into each of them.

In this written pattern with a video tutorial for single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet stitches. You’ll learn step-by-step how to replace the traditional base chain and normal crochet stitches with this versatile method.

How to Crochet Chainless Foundation Stitches Tutorial

What is the Chainless Foundation Crochet Stitch?

The chainless starting crochet stitch eliminates the need for a separate foundation row and starting chain. For instance, if working a double crochet, instead of working a regular double crochet into a chain stitch, you create both the foundation chain and the double crochet stitches in one go.

This technique works great for all sorts of projects such as shawls, scarves, and blankets.

Why Use the Chainless Foundation Stitch?

Flexibility. The foundation row stretches as one unit. Unlike a normal starting chain, which can pull apart. It’s ideal for wearables that need a clean finish on the first row.

Speed. Combines two steps—creating the chain and working into it—into one.

Appearance. Produces a smoother edge that matches the look of the other rows.

Perfect for All Stitches. This method works beautifully for a single crochet, as well as taller stitches like the treble crochet stitch.  

As I continue to use this method on more and more of my crochet projects, I thought it would be good to have the directions for more than the double crochet stitch.

Directions: How to Crochet Chainless Foundation Stitches Tutorial

Skill Level

Confident Beginner

Gauge

The gauge will depend upon the yarn and crochet hook used.

Size

This is great for both small and large projects.

Materials

Yarn. If this is your first time trying this stitch, I suggest using a medium weight yarn.

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If using a medium weight yarn, use a Size H 5.0 MM or Size I 5.5 MM crochet hook.

Scissors

Tapestry Needle

Tape Measure

Abbreviations

  • CH = Chain
  • DC = Double Crochet
  • HDC = Half Double Crochet
  • SC = Single Crochet
  • ST = Stitch
  • STs = Stitches
  • TC = Treble Crochet

Pattern Notes

Written in US Terms.

Use a crochet hook appropriate for your yarn to avoid overly tight stitches.

Practice to perfect the tension for the first row and ensure a consistent edge.

Find the right hand and left hand videos by each section links for our YouTube channel for a step-by-step demonstration.

Single Crochet Crochet Chainless Foundation Stitch

Single Crochet Chainless Foundation Stitch

Start with a Slip Knot. Place a slip knot on your crochet hook.

Working the first single crochet. Chain 2. Insert hook into second chain from hook. Draw up a loop (you will have 2 loops on your hook). Next, draw through only the first loop on hook.

There are still 2 loops on the hook. Complete the single crochet by yarning over and drawing through both loops on the hook.  

Working the next single crochet. Insert hook into the bottom loops of the last single crochet. Draw up a loop and pull through first loop on hook.

There are still 2 loops on the hook. Complete the single crochet by yarning over and drawing through both loops on the hook.  

Continue to Desired Length. Repeat the process until you have the number of stitches required for your pattern.

Video Tutorials Single Crochet Chainless Foundation

Right hand

Left hand

Half Double Crochet Chainless Foundation Stitch

Half Double Crochet Chainless Foundation Stitch

Start with a Slip Knot. Place a slip knot on your crochet hook.

Working the first half double crochet. Chain 2. Yarn over and insert hook into the second chain from the hook. Yarn over and draw up a loop (you will have 3 loops on your hook).

Create the CH ST by working a yarn over and drawing through only the first loop on hook. There will still be 3 loops on the hook.

Complete the half double crochet stitch by yarning over and drawing the loop through all three loops on the hook.

(This creates the first CH ST and HDC ST).

Working the next half double crochet. Yarn over and insert hook into the bottom loops of the last half double crochet. Draw up a loop and pull through first loop on hook. Yarn over and draw through all three loops on hook.

Continue to Desired Length. Repeat the process until you have the number of stitches required for your pattern.

Video Tutorials Half Double Crochet Chainless Foundation

Right hand tutorial

Left hand tutorial

Double Crochet Chainless Foundation Stitch

How to Work the Chainless Double Crochet Foundation Stitch

Start with a Slip Knot. Place a slip knot on your crochet hook.

Create the First Stitch. Chain 3 (Counts as a Double Crochet). Yarn over and insert the hook into the 3rd chain from the hook. (I put my hook through the top two loops of the chain stitch). Yarn over and pull through one loop (You will have 3 loops on hook). Yarn over again and pull through the next two loops (You will have 2 loops on hook. Now yarn over one last time and draw through the last two loops. (This creates the first CH ST and DC ST).

Work the Next Stitches. Yarn over and insert the hook into the bottom two loops (farthest from the hook). Create the CH ST by yarning over and pull through one loop. Then work the DC part by yarning over pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.

Continue to Desired Length. Repeat the process until you have the number of stitches required for your pattern.

Video Tutorials Chainless Double Crochet Foundation

right hand tutorial

left hand tutorial

Treble Crochet Chainless Foundation Stitch

Treble Crochet Chainless Foundation Stitch

Working the first treble crochet stitch. Chain 4. Yarn over twice and insert hook into the second 4th chain from the hook. Yarn over and draw up a loop (you will have 4 loops on your hook).

Create the CH ST by working a yarn over and drawing through only the first loop on hook. There will still be 4 loops on the hook.

Complete the treble crochet stitch by yarning over and drawing the loop through two loops, (3 loops on the hook). Yarn over and draw the loop through two loops (2 loops on the hook). Finally, yarn over and draw through the last two loops on the hook.

(This creates the first CH ST and TC ST).

Working the next treble crochet. Yarn over twice and insert hook into the bottom loops of the last treble crochet. Yarn over and draw up a loop (you will have 4 loops on your hook).

Create the CH ST by working a yarn over and drawing through only the first loop on hook. There will still be 4 loops on the hook.

Complete the treble crochet stitch by yarning over and drawing through two loops (3 loops on the hook). Yarn over and draw the loop through two loops (2 loops on the hook). Finally, yarn over and draw through the last two loops on the hook.

Continue to Desired Length. Repeat the process until you have the number of stitches required for your pattern.

Video Tutorials Treble Crochet Chainless Foundation

right hand tutorial

left hand tutorial

The method of starting crochet is a perfect way to elevate your finished project. Whether you’re creating a simple blanket or tackling more intricate crochet patterns. This technique reduces gaps, offers a clean finish, and opens the door to different ways of starting your projects.

Here is a free crochet pattern that uses this technique. The springtime soft shells blanket and the glorious springtime blanket.

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