Chain: How to Do It Step by Step
Chain (ch in US patterns) is a beginner-level crochet stitch that makes foundation row, turning height, and open spaces. Stitchers use it for foundation chains, turning chains, mesh and lace. To start, make a slip knot, yarn over and pull through the loop on the hook. It is usually learned alongside slip stitch (crochet).
Chain is a beginner-level crochet stitch that makes foundation row, turning height, and open spaces. Patterns abbreviate it as ch, in both US and UK terms. Makers use it for foundation chains, turning chains, mesh and lace.
The table below sums up chain in one place: craft, abbreviation, difficulty and the projects it suits best.
| Craft | Crochet |
|---|---|
| US abbreviation | ch |
| UK abbreviation | ch |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Look and feel | Foundation row, turning height, and open spaces |
| Best for | Foundation chains, Turning chains, Mesh and lace |
How do you work chain?
- Make a slip knot and place it on the hook.
- Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front (yarn over).
- Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook.
- Repeat, keeping each chain the same size.
- Count chains by the Vs, not including the loop on the hook.
Chain is one of the stitches covered in crochet for beginners. When you are ready to plan a project in it, the crochet chain calculator will work out a starting chain for any width.
What are the most common chain mistakes?
- Chaining too tightly, which puckers the first row
- Counting the loop on the hook as a chain
- Twisting the chain before joining a ring
Practice on a swatch
Work a small sample before starting a project. It shows how the stitch looks in your chosen yarn or thread, and it is far easier to unpick a swatch than a finished piece.
Where does chain lead next? Corner to Corner (C2C) is the natural step up: corner to corner blankets are built from chain-6 tiles, so the chain is the unit of the whole design.
Which stitches are related to chain?
The 3 stitches below are the closest relatives of chain, with the abbreviation and difficulty of each.
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Difficulty | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slip Stitch (Crochet) | sl st | Beginner | Almost no height; dense and firm |
| Single Crochet | sc | Beginner | Short, dense, firm, little drape |
| Magic Ring | MR | Intermediate | Starts a round with no center hole |
What other beginner crochet stitches should you learn?
- Slip Stitch (Crochet): joining rounds, moving across stitches
- Single Crochet: amigurumi, bags
- Half Double Crochet: hats, blankets
- Double Crochet: granny squares, blankets
- V-Stitch: shawls, summer tops
- Moss Stitch: blankets, scarves
- Extended Single Crochet: blankets, garments
Tools for crochet
Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set, 10 sizes
Under $50Soft-grip hooks in the sizes most patterns use, gentle on the hands for long sessions.
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Clover Quick Locking Stitch Marker Set
Under $25Mark the first stitch of a round or row so counts stay right.
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Tulip Etimo Rose Crochet Hook Set
Under $250A premium ergonomic hook set with smooth heads that glide through dense stitches.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is chain?
Chain is a crochet stitch that makes foundation row, turning height, and open spaces. Makers reach for it for foundation chains, turning chains, mesh and lace. It is rated beginner here, so it is a good stitch to learn early and practice on a small swatch before a real project.
How do you do chain step by step?
1. Make a slip knot and place it on the hook. 2. Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front (yarn over). 3. Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook. 4. Repeat, keeping each chain the same size. 5. Count chains by the Vs, not including the loop on the hook. Work slowly for the first few repeats, keep your tension even, and check the result against the steps before continuing across a whole row or motif.
What is the abbreviation for chain?
US patterns abbreviate chain as ch. UK patterns use the same abbreviation, ch, so this one reads the same on both sides of the Atlantic. Pattern keys list every abbreviation used, usually near the materials list.
What projects use chain?
Chain suits foundation chains, turning chains, mesh and lace. To size a project before you start, the crochet chain calculator will work out a starting chain for any width, and crochet for beginners walks through a full project from the beginning.
What are common mistakes with chain?
The most common problems are: chaining too tightly, which puckers the first row; counting the loop on the hook as a chain; twisting the chain before joining a ring. Most are easy to spot if you pause after a few repeats and compare your work with the steps. Good light helps a great deal, especially with dark yarn or thread.
What should you learn after chain?
Corner to Corner (C2C) is the usual next step, because corner to corner blankets are built from chain-6 tiles, so the chain is the unit of the whole design. It is rated intermediate here, against beginner for chain. Its own step-by-step page is at corner to corner (c2c).
What stitches are similar to chain?
Stitches closely related to chain include Slip Stitch (Crochet), Single Crochet, Magic Ring. Learning them together makes patterns easier to read, because many designs switch between related stitches to change texture, height or line. Each has its own step-by-step page in the stitch dictionary.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
