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Chain Stitch: step-by-step tutorial

The chain stitch is the foundation of almost every crochet project. Make a slip knot on the hook, wrap the yarn over the hook, and pull the yarn through the loop. Each pull-through creates one chain, and a row of chains forms the base for the first row of stitches.

By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Updated September 13, 2026 · Editorial policy

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How to chain stitch, step by step

Make a slip knot and place it on the hook, snug but not tight.
Hold the tail between thumb and middle finger just below the hook.
Yo from back to front so the working yarn lies over the hook.
Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook — 1 chain made.
Repeat until the chain is the length the pattern calls for, counting each V.
Count chains without the loop on the hook and without the slip knot.

How do you start a crochet chain?

A crochet chain starts with a slip knot on the hook, followed by repeated yarn-overs pulled through the single loop. The slip knot is never counted as a chain.

Keep the chains loose enough that a hook can re-enter them. A foundation chain that is too tight makes the first row pucker and is the most common beginner problem.

How do you count crochet chains?

Count crochet chains by counting the V shapes on the front of the chain, starting from the one nearest the slip knot and ending at the one below the hook. The loop on the hook is not a chain.

For long foundation chains, place a stitch marker every 20 or 25 chains so a miscount only costs a small section.

Why is my crochet chain too tight?

A tight chain usually comes from pulling the working yarn tight after each yarn-over or working on the narrow throat of the hook. Form each loop on the full-width shaft instead.

An easy fix is to make the foundation chain with a hook one or two sizes larger than the body of the project, then switch back.