Crocheting foundation double crochet: Starting without a chain
· Paula Matos
Back to the overview: Learn to crochet
Would you like to start a row of double crochet stitches without crocheting a long chain first? The foundation double crochet, also known as the chainless crochet foundation, is designed for this.
The foundation and the double crochet stitches are created in one continuous process. This is practical, for example, for longer projects as blankets or scarves. Here, I will show you this technique with double crochet stitches.
You should already be able to crochet regular double crochet stitches confidently. You can find the basics in the lesson Half Double Crochet, Double Crochet, and Treble Crochet.
1. Start with three chain stitches
Crochet three chain stitches. These form the beginning of your row and count as a replacement for the first double crochet stitch in my method.
2. Insert into the bottom chain stitch
Place a loop on the hook and insert it into the bottom of the three chain stitches.
Pull the yarn through the chain stitch. Now there are three loops on the hook.
3. Form the foundation for the next double crochet
Pull the yarn and pull it only through the first loop on the hook. You are crocheting a chain stitch as a foundation. The number of loops on the hook remains three.
4. Finish crocheting the double crochet
Now crochet the double crochet stitch as usual: Pull the yarn and pull it through the first two loops on the hook. Two loops remain.
Pull the yarn one last time and pull it through the two remaining loops.
Together with the three initial chain stitches as a replacement for the first double crochet stitch, you now have two stitches.
5. Form a new foundation and continue crocheting
Place a loop on the hook. For the next double crochet stitch, insert through the foundation of the double crochet stitch that was just created. Make sure to catch both loops of the stitch, as shown in the following photo.
Pull the yarn and pull it through the insertion point. There are again three loops on the hook.
Pull the yarn again and pull it only through the first loop. This creates the next foundation chain stitch.
Then finish the double crochet stitch as usual: Pull the yarn and pull it through two loops, then pull the yarn again and pull it through the last two loops.
Repeat this sequence: one loop, insert through both legs of the foundation, pull the yarn through, form a foundation chain stitch, and finish crocheting the double crochet stitch. This creates a first row of double crochet stitches of any length.
A little exercise
Crochet a short row of ten stitches in total. Count the three initial chain stitches together as the first stitch and work nine double crochet stitches with it. Make sure not to forget the foundation chain stitch before finishing each double crochet stitch.
Then compare the result with a row of double crochet stitches normally built on a chain. This way you can feel the different elasticity of the cast-on edge yourself.
When is this technique suitable for a pattern?
For a straight cast-on of double crochet stitches, the foundation single crochet can be a practical alternative. For patterns with skipped chain stitches or special pattern sequences, the beginning cannot easily be replaced. Therefore, always check the specific pattern start.
For this technique, I deliberately recommend no specific purchase project: The deciding factor is whether this method fits the respective pattern.
Back to Lesson 4: Standing Stitches and Invisible Round Finish