If you're learning how to crochet, the chain stitch is one of the first things you'll need to master. It's used to create the foundation chain at the beginning of many crochet projects and, while it might feel fiddly at first, it quickly becomes second nature with a little practice.
Grab your hook and yarn and I'll show you how to crochet a chain step by step.
Quick Tutorial
How to crochet a chain:
With a slip knot on your hook, yarn over by wrapping the working yarn around your hook, then pull it through the loop already on your hook. That's your first chain stitch. Repeat to create your foundation chain.
It's helpful for someone who doesn't need the full explanation and gives you a nice concise answer for search engines.
What you need:
- Crochet hook
- Yarn
Learn better by watching?
Sometimes it’s much easier when you can actually see what the yarn is supposed to be doing. Watch the full tutorial below and crochet along with me.
How to Do A Chain Stitch
1. Hold your yarn
With your slip knot on your hook, create some tension in the working yarn by winding it around your fingers, as shown in the photo. This helps you control the yarn as you crochet.
Use your thumb and index finger to gently hold the tail of the yarn just below the slip knot. This gives you a little more control while you make your first few stitches.
2. Yarn over
Wrap the working yarn around the back of your hook and catch it underneath the tip of the hook. This is called a yarn over.
3. Pull through
Turn the tip of your hook slightly towards you and pull the yarn through the loop that's already on your hook.
You've just made your first chain stitch!
4. Keep chaining
Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make more chain stitches. Each time you pull the yarn through the loop on your hook, you've made one new chain.
Continue until you have the number of chains your pattern asks for.
Beginner Tips
As one of the first stitches you'll do as a new crocheter, it can be a bit tricky to know how to hold the hook and yarn together.
Take your time and keep practicing, doing a long chain is a really good way to get used to holding the hook and yarn.
How do I count my chain stitches?
Each little 'V' shape is one chain stitch. The loop currently sitting on your hook doesn't count as a chain.
Don't make your chain too tight!
Try to keep your stitches relaxed and even. If your chain is very tight, you'll find it much harder to crochet into it on your next row.
Common Issues
My crochet chain is too tight
This is really common when you're learning to crochet. If your chain stitches are too tight, you'll struggle to get your hook into them when you start your first row.
Try relaxing your grip: Check that you're not pulling the working yarn too tightly as you crochet. Your yarn should move fairly easily through your fingers.
Don't tighten each stitch: Once you've pulled a new loop through, resist the temptation to pull the working yarn to tighten it around your hook.
Still struggling? Try making your foundation chain with a hook one size larger, then switch back to the hook your pattern recommends for your first row.
My chain stitches are all different sizes
Don't worry if your first chain looks a little wonky! Uneven stitches usually come down to tension and will improve as you get used to holding your hook and yarn.
Try making a nice long chain without worrying about turning it into anything. Concentrate on keeping your movements relaxed and your loops roughly the same size.
You’ve Got the Basics!
And that’s it, you can officially crochet a chain!
Don’t worry if your first few attempts look a little wonky. Getting comfortable holding your hook, controlling your yarn and keeping your stitches even takes a bit of practice. Making a nice long chain is actually one of the best ways to get used to how crochet feels, so keep going until it starts to feel more natural.
Once you’re happy with your chain, you’re ready to start crocheting your first proper stitches into it.
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