The all-important chain stitch
Most of the time we start a piece of crochet with a foundation chain. So, chain stitch is usually the first thing you learn.
This is a beginner’s tutorial for crocheting left-handed, that is, you hold your hook in your left hand. Here is the tutorial for crocheting right-handed.
One chain at a time
Make a slipknot and place it on the crochet hook.
Slide the slipknot onto the shaft of the hook.
Starting with the hook in front of the yarn, move it back under the yarn, …
… then forward over it, …
… so the yarn is round the hook.
Grab the yarn by rotating the hook towards you and at the same time gently pull the hook away from the stitch to open the loop slightly.
Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook, …
… thus creating a new stitch.
Continue to make new chain stitches, in the same way, until you have the desired number.
What to do if your stitches are too loose
- Slide the stitch onto the shaft of the hook.
- Use your index finger to give the yarn a gentle tug.
What to do if your stitches are too tight
- Slide the stitch onto the shaft of the hook before you try to pull the yarn through it.
- Move your index finger towards the hook to loosen the tension.
- Use your thumb and middle finger to pull the chain away from the hook, to open the loop slightly.
As you practise your stitches will become nice and even.
Make something using chain stitch
Chain stitch is the only stitch you need to know to make a Sparkly Crochet Necklace.
It doesn’t matter if your stitches are a bit uneven; the weight of the beads stretches them out. Most people will so be impressed by your necklace that they won’t notice any uneven stitches anyway.
Buy a Sparkly Crochet Necklace kit; you can choose from 10 lovely colours!
