Start crocheting: the chain and the first stitch
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Every crochet project begins with a starting stitch and a foundation chain . The rest of the work will grow from there. In this chapter, you'll learn how to knot the yarn, how to chain, and how to insert the hook correctly for the first few rows.
The zero point (starting knot)
To begin, we must knot the yarn onto the crochet hook . This step is also known as the zero stitch .
- Make a small loop with the thread.
- Insert the crochet hook through the loop.
- Adjust the knot so that it is firm but not too tight.
🎥 Video tutorial: How to tie the starting knot in crochet
The chain
The chain stitch is the foundation of any crochet project. Once the initial knot is tied, we continue chain stitching until we reach the desired width for our project.
Step by step to knit a chain stitch
- Yarn over: pass the yarn coming from the ball in front of the hook.
- Bring in the yarn: hook the yarn and bring it to the loop already on the needle.
- Thread: Pull it towards you, passing through the ring.
- You already have your first chain!
- Repeat these steps until you reach the length you want.
💡 Tip: Don't overtighten the chains. They should be loose so they're easier to work over later. Knitting tip: Chain the chains on a larger needle than the one you'll be knitting your project on.
🎥 Video tutorial: How to crochet a chain stitch step by step .
Where to insert the needle?
When you start crocheting using chain stitches, you may wonder where to hook .
- First row: insert the needle into the “hoops” formed by the base chains.
- Following rows: Insert the needle into the stitch from the previous row. Each stitch forms a “V” shape. Make sure to take both strands of the “V” to ensure a firm knit.
Front strand and back strand
Some patterns specify working with only one of the strands of the stitch:
- Front loop: grab only the front part of the “V”.
- Back loop: grab only the back part of the “V”.
This creates different textures and is widely used in decorative stitches or elastic.
Conclusion
With the starting knot and the chain, you already know the first two steps to begin any crochet project. Now you're ready to learn the basic stitches in the next chapter.
👉 Continued in the next chapter: Basic Crochet Stitches: The Single Crochet
👉 Return to the index of the ONLINE COURSE TO LEARN TO CROCHET