Changing most foundation rows into a Foundation Stitches can be done relatively easy.

A Foundation Stitch in crochet is when you create the chain and the stitch at the same time, instead of creating a chain and working into it. It creates a stitch with beginning with more stretch, and you do not have to count chains.

Starting

To start you will need to create a chain that is the equivalent of the turning chain for the stitch used, plus 1 more. Meaning if you are creating a single crochet foundation row, a single crochet typically uses a chain 1 to turn a row, so you would chain 1 + 1 more thus having a chain 2.

If you were creating a double crochet the typical turning chain is a chain 3, and then you would add 1 more chain. So to work a Foundation Double crochet chain 4.

Then begin working the stitch in the first chain created, this is the chain nearest the slip knot. After “anchoring” (yo and pull through a loop) in this chain, create a chain 1. This chain 1 is going to be the base of the stitch and where you will start working the next stitch, so I pinch this point, but inserting a stitch marker can help as you are learning to find the location again. After creating this chain 1, continue working the remaining steps for the desired stitch.

The “chain 1” that is marked or pinched, is where you will start the next stitch, insert your hook here under 2 loops for a nicer finished edge. “anchor” the stitch, and then chain 1 again, moving marker to or pinching this new chain, and finishing the stitch. Once again, this newly marker chain is where you will work the next stitch.

After you understand this concept of “anchoring”, create a chain, and finish a stitch; essentially creating the chain at the bottom of the stitch (much like an extended stitch but instead of adding height it is used as a base for the stitch), you can modify many differing foundation rows.

Creating Foundation Stitches- Single Crochet

• Chain 2
• Insert hook into 2^nd chain from hook
• Yarn over, pull up a loop
• Chain 1 (mark or pinch this chain)
• Yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook.
• *Insert hook into marked or pinched chain
• Yarn over, pull up a loop,
• Chain 1 (move marker to or pinch this chain)
• Yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook.
• Repeat from * until desired length

Foundation Double Crochet

• Chain 4
• Yarn over, insert hook into 4^th chain from hook
• Yarn over, pull up a loop
• Chain 1 (mark or pinch this chain)
• [Yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook] twice
• *Yarn over, insert hook into marked or pinched chain
• Yarn over, pull up a loop
• Chain 1 (move marker to or pinch this chain)
• [Yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook] twice
• Repeat from * until desired length