What is a Chain in Crochet? Beginner Friendly Tips

Do you need to learn how to do the chain stitch in crochet? What is a chain in crochet anyway?

A Chain in crochet is the most fundamental knowledge in crochet. It is the key starter for beginning any new project. They are one of the top stitches every beginner should know. 

 

What is a Chain stitch?

A chain stitch is where you take the yarn after creating a slip knot, wrapping it around the crochet hook, and pulling up a loop. This is what makes a chain in crochet.

 

Repeating this process will inevitably create a longer chain, depending on how long you need it. You can use it as shoe laces, string for tying packages, or stay as chains alone.

 

Crochet chains can also be made throughout a project to create spaces in designs. They are also used as turning chains that help you start a new row.

 

Tools/Materials You’ll Need:

• Yarn
• Hook size (Appropriate)

 

Slip Knot

We want to start the majority of our crochet projects with the slipknot. This is where you wrap the yarn around your pointer and middle finger. Place your crochet hook facing you inside the loop. Grab the yarn drawn from the skein, pull it through the loop, and pull tightly.

 

Creating the chain

We then want to do a yarn over also abbreviated as YO. A yarn over is where you wrap the yarn around the shaft of the crochet hook. Once you yarn over, we want to pull up the loop already on the crochet hook. Continuing this pattern will create a long enough chain to start a project.

 

Tips on Creating a Chain

 

Counting

Remember to count every chain to get into a good habit. You start counting after creating your slip knot, the first chain would be one. Never count the loop on the hook.

 

Tension

Tension is important in crochet. So you want to make sure the chains are even. If they aren’t, it will come with practice. By creating chains a practice, you can start perfecting your tension one chain at a time.

 

You can adjust the hook size to compensate for tight/loose tension. If your chains are very loose, decrease the hook size. And vice versa if your chains are tight.

 

This post was all about how to create a chain in crochet.