Art of Crochet by Teresa - Chainless Single Crochet Foundation

[secgem]

I LOVE this technique - I'm going to use it whenever I can instead of that ugly chain method. ;) Thanks for the slow mo on this too. :)

[ETxxxxx]

Sure wish I would have known about this technique sooner as I am not that fond of

doing those long start chains! I have been crocheting for longer than I care to say

and I am just running into a pattern calling for this. Thanks very much for this video.

[tjw1963]

@ETxxxxx You are welcome.

[DPorterhouse34]

Thank you so much . . . super illustration!

[tjw1963]

@DPorterhouse34 You are welcome. :)

[marlibpretty]

love you and your videos. had to watch this one twice, I was missing one step. I am making the It.s.a Hoot headband from ravelry

[teahdora3]

I am so happy I found you. i could not understand the direction in the pattern I have and you have made it simple. Thank you.

[paintrgr]

Your Video is one of the most informative out there. Very well narrated and I love that you take your time with the explanations. How do you keep your foundation chain from curling. Again this is a great video.

[JadeKitty123]

I am from Australia and I love your videos. But the techniques you use and describe are called different names here...so I get confused! :( I am just starting out...so everything is slow and I am still trying to get the hang of everything. But I have to say your videos are very useful and helpful!! Thanks

[marcysikes]

I got the term modified single crochet from caron.com The name of the pattern is Oasis Wrap. Seems to be some confusion about this term. I think this is what is meant by mod-sc. Your video's are wonderful. I am sure I will refer to them often. Thank you!

[tjw1963]

@marcysikes I did some research and found that some authors are referring to the foundation stitches as modified.

[marcysikes]

very good! Exactly what I needed to know.  Is this sometimes referred to as a modified single crochet?

[tjw1963]

@marcysikes Each person is going to have a unique terminology for crochet techniques. I have never heard of this stitch as modified single crochet. It is possible that some people are referring to this technique as modified.

[evapersaud]

LOVE it, thanks!

[tjw1963]

@evapersaud You are welcome!

[luxuri8]

Can you show this for lefties?

[tjw1963]

@luxuri8 I will send you the link for lefties. 

[xCircusLovex]

I can't get over how clear your videos are. I just love it =]

[xCircusLovex]

Why do patterns require this? Is it because when you do chains, it doesn't stretch so there's always a curve in it or a weird end?

[glad2garden]

Thank you for posting this video! Finally I can do FSC!!!

[david203]

It's a good video except that it keeps slowing down and speeding up. Maybe it's a technical problem, but I'm bot seeing up-to-speed video here. It's very hard on my eyes.

[tjw1963]

@david203 What you are seeing is slow motion. Most of my videos have slow motion, which was and still is a popular request for the learning process.

[ConcordiaColumbus]

Thanks for the excellent video - after trying it a few times, it actually seems faster than a traditional foundation chain + row 1 of sc. Can you substitute this technique for that method in a regular pattern, or is it advisable to only use this stitch when the pattern calls for it?

[tjw1963]

@ConcordiaColumbus You can substitute this technique instead of using the chain

[dianadoubt]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. You are the only person I have found who was able to explain the start of the stitch- I tried following another one and kept getting it upside down! Now I've stitched 5 in a row and they look great! I'm not an intermediate crocheter but I am not a beginner either, but I'm trying to follow an intermediate pattern! Thank you so much for your great tutorials. I am now a follower and I won't go anywhere else for my crochet needs.

[tjw1963]

@dianadoubt Thank you, I appreciate that.

[Barb515]

?-Can you include rnd 1or row1 increases in the foundation SC? I am making the sole of a slipper. The pattern calls for a chain of 24. Rnd1-SC in 2nd ch and ea ch across. 5 SC in end ch, 1SC across other side,4SC in end ch, join with sl st, ch1. Do you (Can you) do the increases in the foundation as you create it or wait for next rnd (row) ? Hope I made myself clear. I have crocheted for yrs, but love your tutorials...they are the very best.! Thanks for doing them & inspiring new crafters!

[VenusCryFlap]

Hi Teresa,

I'm trying to follow a glove pattern that begins with foundation single crochet - have sussed this thankfully. But and a huge big BUT I can't get them to join properly into a circle. The pattern calls for the dreaded spiral and I want to accomplish a seem free effect. I've googled, ravelry'd and searched every link known to hooker ;). Please can you help - a vid would be perfect, so I can see what exactly mine is suppose to look like - yours are the clearest by far. Thanks.

[tjw1963]

@VenusCryFlap I have a link I will send you for a continual round video tutorial.

[Uncoolunimportant]

I have been trying over and over again to get this to look nice, as I'm required to use it in a pattern I'm trying to follow. For a while, it looks really nice; maybe the first twenty stitches or so. But after that, it gets thin and weird and I don't know what I'm doing wrong. It just looks wrong after a while. Any advice would be very much appreciated.

[tjw1963]

@Uncoolunimportant I have found that if I miss one of the first two loops that you pull through, it will look thin. Have you looked at your work to see if it is a bit tighter as you are working? That would indicate tension so you may need to loosen up a bit. Keep practicing and you will get the hang of the technique.

[regeenaps]

Hi, this helped me a lot! Thanks!!! One question though, my row curves, is that normal? I've tryed to loosen my stitches but w/o luck.

[tjw1963]

@regeenaps If it is curving, it may be to tight at what would be the bottom of the stitch. After you insert your hook below the two loops at the bottom of the stitch, try pulling each loop after a little bit looser.

[traveligmama]

Thanks for this. I saw a chainless foundation video on another web site and couldn't see through the demonstrator's fingers. I don't know if it was because she was left-handed or because the camera was facing her. Either way, I understand it much more after watching your video!

[schadick]

This video is very helpful, but my work looks terrible! The top row is nice and maybe a little too tight, but the bottom is very loopy and loose. It coils like a spring. Any suggestions?

[tjw1963]

@schadick Keep practicing.

[psychospice74]

Can't tell what 2 loops the hook is going into at 1:13. Is there a left-handed version?

[tmhamm2002]

Thank you so much vof this video. I did not understand how to accomplish this stitch until I saw your video

[tjw1963]

@tmhamm2002 Thank you.

[Ghostnightshadows]

Is this what you did in the slipper video?

[tjw1963]

@Ghostnightshadows Yes it is used in the slipper video.

[Ghostnightshadows]

@tjw1963 Thanks! I started the slippers (haven't finished yet) and I love them! They are adorable, and comfortable! Thanks!!!!

[windey73]

this was a perfect instructional video!

[tjw1963]

@windey73 I appreciate the comment, thank you. :P)

[missykim]

I can't do this without watching your video every time! Thanks for posting it :) I've been using it to make tails for the crochet mouse video you posted as well. My cats love 'em =^.^=

I was wondering, could you use this stitch to begin the Abstract Cats Afghan instead of the chain stitch?? Thanks!

[omarakeen]

Thanks Teresa..... got it.

[DoPeNeRd96]

i'm still extremely confused. i think that's one thing from crocheting i will never be able to do

[laryg89]

thanks for the video. . .there are just some things I have to watch being done to really understand. . .have tried this once before, but it made my brain hurt! lol  Now I think I've got it!

[tjw1963]

The technique has such a practical purpose. Once you get the hang of it you will find many places to use it.

[gaillav2008]

I got it now.LOL

[meganfalcon]

Thanks for making the video available to all of us. It helps a lot.

[tjw1963]

You are welcome.

[Phaythful]

so from your explaination page, i can use this chainless foundation for any project instead of chaining and then crocheting?

[tjw1963]

Yes, you can replace the chain with the foundation crochet.

[CrazySquare49]

I have heard of this technique but didn't really understand it until I watched your video. I now can do sc, hdc, and dc. So even this old dog can learn new tricks. Thank you so much for making this video.

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. I am really fond of any of the foundation stitches over the chain.

[INDIALUCIA]

i love all of these videos!!!

wow you are a good person!!! really thank you

Your videos help me a lot!!!

Gracias!!!

[miasmama0225]

This was SO helpful. I'm no good at learning from reading patterns and your video was very clear. I expecially like the slow-mo 'follow along' part in the middle. It helped me to get the feel for the stitch! Thanks again:)

[tjw1963]

Thank you for the comment.

[Denise46000]

This is a big help! Thank you.

[ftepper]

I've been crocheting for 41 years, but have been out of the loop (pardon the pun!) I just heard about a foundation sc. Thanks for the video, it was a big help!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. I appreciate the comment.

[TOGGGAA1]

wow this looks so hard girls are talented haha

[tjw1963]

There are a lot of men that crochet too.

[arianabeads]

Oops, thought of another question! Can you use this technique insteal of a regular chain foundation?

[tjw1963]

This technique is excellent for replacing the chain. The foundation stitches are more evenly expanded and will be more likely to match your pattern stitch. The chain may control the stitches creating that dreadful narrowing at the bottom and wider at the top. I recommend using the foundation stitches when ever it will fit in with your pattern stitch.

[arianabeads]

Thanks for the excellent tutorial! Not understanding this technique was keeping me from starting several projects!! Good job!

[tjw1963]

Thank you. :)

[stekatta]

This is very clear. I appreciate you putting this video up. Thank you!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[Rabbithuette]

Thank you Teresa, you've got the technique very well explained, even for me, not very good in the English language, the tutorial was very understandable.

[tjw1963]

Thank you very much. I appreciate the comment.

[pjmma]

Most of the problem understanding the chainless crochet foundation is figuring out where to put your hook for each successive stitch. Your video makes that crucial point very clear. Good job!

[tjw1963]

Thank you very much, I appreciate the comment. This can be a challenging technique to learn but well worth it.

[hg1bbs]

For the 2nd, 3rd etc SC's are you doing them just like a regular SC or are you putting the hook through the top "v" and the new bottom "V" of the first SC? It's hard to tell thanks so much

[tjw1963]

The V part will be to the left of the crochet hook and the single strand will be to the right.

[dtandmt]

FABULOUS VIDEO...!!! Thank you so much!!!

[theluckielizard]

Thank you very much for this tutorial. All of your videos are a tremendous help to me.

[tjw1963]

Thank you very much. :)

[HYQ8]

ur the greatest

[tjw1963]

Thank you. :)

[notsobadyathink]

I can't wait to try this. The one thing I dislike about crochet is the look of the chain stitch starter row. Thanks!

[tjw1963]

Once you get the hang of this technique you will feel better about the starting foundation row.

[chickcasa]

Thank you so much for posting this!! My chains are always so uneven, this will make a huge difference!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[BethanyBytes]

Thank you so much! the slow motion really helps. I could not figure this out until I saw your video!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[aflute0509]

I have never found a clear explanation on this until now. Thank you so much for showing how easy it actually is!

I really like the slow motion parts of your videos.

:)

[tjw1963]

Thank you. :)

[mistressT]

I just couldn't figure this one out from written instructions for some reason. Thanks for the video :)

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[lindielou123]

Your video is one of the best "how to" videos I've ever seen, thank you SO MUCH! You make everything seem so clear - the way you've filmed it, the way you narrate it, the speed you work at, EVERYTHING is perfect. Wow!

[tjw1963]

Thank you very much. :)

[osmia]

I'm so glad I watched to the end!  I didn't realize that the next row was worked that way! Thanks!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[bab33tee]

YOU ROCK MY CROCHETING WORLD!! =) But anyways.. I was wondering, would it still be ok if I start the foundation with a regular chain for the scarf with the Galaxy Stitch.. in other words.. Do i HAVE to make the foundation with a chainless single crochet in order for it to work? Thank you Teresa!! =)

[tjw1963]

Thank you. You can start it with a regular chain instead.

[kindle2003]

I love all of your videos! I'm a lefty and I seem to be having a little trouble with all of the chainless foundations. I can't seem to get them to look right. Can you please explain to me how to do it left handed, or make a few videos? Thank you so much!

[tjw1963]

I sent you a link to the foundation single crochet for lefties. I will have the HDC and DC foundation for lefties up soon.

[bethjt]

Great tutorial thank you! I was wondering if there's a way to join it and do the rest crocheting in a round.

[tjw1963]

Yes, you can connect the foundation single crochet with a slip stitch at the top. The bottom part will need to be sewn to the opposite bottom with the leftover tail to complete the connection.

[bethjt]

Awesome, thanks so much. :)

[mhonnyks]

you are my crochet hero!!

[tjw1963]

Thank you. Write any time you have a question or need help. :)

[tjw1963]

Thank you but what I am doing is working very well. :)

[chula603]

this is good slow motion an di can see better....thank you very much hope i learn it now

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[hutt5]

This is the best video for this I've seen so far! It's Great! Thanks so much for all your videos.

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[muscidae]

Thank you for taking the time of making this great tutorial and posting it.

This is a great technique, and I've been trying to learn it for a while. I watched your video once and I got it. Very well done.

[tjw1963]

Thank you. :)

[scottiex4]

WOW! This is great! I'm going to love this trick!

Thanks!!

[OuijaGurl]

please help me Teressa i got lost after the first single crochet where do you put the hook???

[tjw1963]

I would suggest watching the video again.

[thaniakou]

Quite good lesson.I didn't know to do it till now

[tjw1963]

Thank you. :)

[BabyDoll822611]

I just write to you on Ivillage on the knitting and Crichet board. I just wanted to thank you again for all your work and tutorials. you have taught me everything I know!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. I have been in Ivilliage but I didn't know they had message forums until today.

[Grancie48]

It is SOOO helpful to have a video closeup. Written directions and diagrams are totally confusing to the novice. Thanks.

[INDIALUCIA]

thank you i always hope a video like this!!!

Gracias!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Simukaura]

Thank you so much. It's so exciting to learn something new. I really was having a hard time understanding how to do this just by reading the instructions in a book.  Now I can proceed and work on the jute filet bag featured in the book Uncommon Crochet. I really appreciate it.

[Jenny1954]

I'm sorry, but what is the reason for using this method?

[tjw1963]

It eliminates the chain all together. It is another variation for a foundation row.

[Tyzue]

I rather like this idea. When I do large blankets (all double crochets), it's a pain to mess with the 200 chains in the beginning.

Speaking of which, can I do this for double chrochets too?

[tjw1963]

Yes you can. I have a video tutorial for the double crochet and half-double crochet.

[Nalora]

Love your teaching videos, so clear, concise and your voice is perfect tone and softness! Thanks for these!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[desertskynm2]

If you just wanted to do a bunch of chainless rows, how would you make the next row?

Ps- THANK YOU for all you have taught us.. Seeing you do it helps me make sense of what my grandmother tried to show me for years. Just in time to finish a shawl for her 90th birthday!

[tjw1963]

If you watch the end of the video, it shows how to do the next row. The next row is done the same as it regularly would be done. The foundation is the only part that is chainless

[desertskynm2]

Ok, so it only works for the first row.

Oh well, still a really attractive stitch and I am sure I will use it.

Again, thank you.

[tjw1963]

The purpose of the chainless foundation is for the foundation row, like the chain is for the foundation. You only use the chain foundation once. You are replacing the chain foundation with the chainless foundation. After that you crochet the same as you would if you had made a chain.

[Denise46000]

Love all your work you have helped me learn so much thank you so very much, So tell me whats your most favorite stitch you like making..?

[tjw1963]

My favorite stitch is the star stitch and my favorite edging is the reverse single crochet.

[belantww]

I taught myself how to crochet from books, but this technique always escaped me. Thanks for making it so clear and easy to understand! I hate making long chains and will definitely be trying this.

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[alwaysbella]

i have seen your vid about 5 times and im still tring to make the first line to go to the second....will get this soon...thanks

[beatlejn]

so chainless just means without having to chain how ever amount of chains first then going into the pattern? correct me if i am wrong. Thanks!

[tjw1963]

It just means you don't need to chain but you will still need to adjust according to your pattern stitch for the future rows. If you are just doing single crochet you don't need to do anything but single crochet. It is up to you how exact you want to be anyway. I have had chains look like garbage and this way is nice and neat. You are getting a foundation to chain in on either side.

[melissag2779]

Thank you for sharing!  I have never seen anything like this.

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. I have had several requests for this technique