Foundation Stitches

Today I am going to bring you the first of three posts on Foundation Stitches; what they do, how to make them and where to use them.  I will also include a FREE pattern for you to practice your knew found skill on.

First I want to thank everyone that has taken the time to fill out the survey form and sign up for my email service.  I will try not to flood anyones in box with piddly little stuff and just bring you useful, informative information.

The first Foundation Stitch I want to talk about is Foundation Single Crochet, also known as "Chain Free Crochet."

Foundation Single Crochet creates a chain and a row or round of single crochet all in one stitch.  This saves time by doing two things at once!  It can also save you time if you miss count your beginning chain; you can add a stitch or two without having to frog back and begin again.

This is a great technique to use when making necklines, as it gives the starting row or round a little more stretch than a basic chain start.

Here are the steps to making a Foundation Single Crochet

1. Make a Slip Knot and Chain 2
2. Insert your hook in the 2nd chain from the hook
3. Yarn Over and pull through 1 loop, this step makes your chain st that you will be working in.
4. Yarn Over and pull through the remaining 2 loops on your hook, this makes your single crochet.
5. (This is where it can get tricky) You now are going to make your next chain.  Insert your hook under the bars of your first chain stitch; y/o and pull up a loop.  Y/o and pull off one loop, y/o and pull off remaining 2 loops.
6. Repeat step 5 until you have the number of stitches that your pattern requires.

It gets alittle tricky working the first couple of chains, it may help to turn your work sideways.  Once you get the hang of it, it is really simple to do.  I am including a couple tutorials for you to see.  Practice will really help you get the fsc stitch down pat!!  I find myself automatically doing foundations stitches now instead of chains. 

Below is a picture tutorial by Playin' Hooky Designs ~ I am also including a video tutorial by Glamour4you for those of you that prefer to watch and crochet along with the video.

Playin' Hooky Designs picture tutorial on Foundation Single Crochet

Glamour4you video tutorial of Foundation Single Crochet

I would like to thank Playin' Hooky Designs and Glamour4you for allowing me to link their tutorials for you.

Moss Stitch Dish/face cloth pattern ~ link is in the pic!

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