Jessica Cooper Foundation rows are AMAZING! Once you have mastered the basic crochet stitches, you may be ready to enhance your skills. And foundation rows are the next best thing to learn!
A foundation row is where you crochet the beginning chain and stitch of the first row TOGETHER! You would use the technique when working a pattern that uses back and forth (flat) rows, like a blanket or clothing.
You may notice that when you make a long chain and go back to work your stitches in to that chain for your first row, the chain doesn’t stretch as well as the stitches do. It also makes your work look uneven. Since with a foundation row you are making a chain and stitch at the same time, the stitch stretches just like the rest of your work.
Making the Stitch
Work the Foundation Double Crochet using any yarn weight and hook. Chain 3, yarn over and insert hook in the first chain. Yarn over and pull off 1 loop (this makes the “chain”). Yarn over and pull off 2 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull off the last 2 loops. Repeat by inserting hook in to the “chain’ area.
A foundation row can be used with any basic crochet stitch! Like slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, or treble crochet. The video below is of working the Foundation Double Crochet (FDC) row.
I use this technique for many patterns, like the Peaceful Poncho, the Cooper Cardigan, the Braided Cable Throw Pillow, and many more patterns found on CrochetItCreations.com
Check out Crochet It Creations Textured Fun Square Sampler Blanket Crochet Along (CAL) that was released fall 2019! It used the Foundation Double Crochet Stitch in each of the 6 Textured Fun Squares! The squares are composed of beautiful textured crochet stitch techniques.
Hi, I’m using this for your Ana fingerless gloves pattern, and I will admit I’m confused at the very start: How do you join it with a slip stitch to form the round without leaving a gap? Just doing a slip stitch at the top is leaving a gap because the bottom isn’t connected, and I’m not seeing that in any of your pictures. Thanks!
Use the tail and sew the gap close when you weave in the end.
Thank for showing how to make a foundation chain.