To start a crochet chain, make a slip knot and put it on your hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook (a yarn over), then pull it through the loop on your hook. That makes your first chain stitch. Repeat until your chain is the length you need.
Every crochet project begins with a chain. Scarves, blankets, hats and granny squares all start the same way. Once you can chain, you can start almost any pattern.
This guide walks you through every step, with tips to keep your chain neat, a way to work out how many chains you need and fixes for the most common problems.
What Is a Crochet Chain?
A crochet chain, also called the chain stitch, is a row of connected loops. In patterns it’s written as ch.
It’s the simplest stitch in crochet. Most projects begin with a “starting chain” or “foundation chain”, and you build your first row onto it.
What You Need to Start a Crochet Chain
You only need two things:
- Yarn: Choose a smooth worsted weight yarn in a light color. Light yarn makes it easier to see your stitches.
- Crochet hook: A 5 mm (size H-8) hook is a good size for practice.
Avoid fuzzy, dark or very thin yarn at first. It’s harder to see where your hook goes.
How to Start a Crochet Chain (Slip Knot to First Chain)
Take your time with this first part. Everything else builds on it.
Step 1: Make a slip knot
Leave a tail of about 4 to 6 inches. Make a loop, pull the working yarn through it to form a second loop, then tighten the knot. You should be left with a loop that slides on the yarn.
Step 2: Put the loop on your hook
Slide the loop onto your hook and pull the working yarn gently to snug it. It should be firm enough to stay put, but loose enough to slide along the hook.
Step 3: Hold your hook and yarn
Hold the hook like a pencil in your dominant hand. In your other hand, hold the slip knot between your thumb and middle finger. Let the working yarn run over your index finger. This helps you control your tension.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through
Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front (a yarn over). Then pull the hook, with the yarn, back through the loop on your hook. You now have a new loop on the hook, and your first chain stitch is done.
How to Chain Crochet (Making Chain Stitches)
After your first chain, you simply repeat the same move. Here’s how to do it well.
How to crochet a chain, one stitch at a time
- Yarn over.
- Pull through the loop on your hook.
- Repeat.
Each time, move your fingers up the chain so you’re holding it close to the hook. This keeps the stitches even.
How to make a chain in crochet with even tension
Tension is how tight or loose your stitches are. Here are a few tips:
- Relax your grip. Squeezing the hook makes tight stitches.
- Pinch the chain just below the hook with your free hand.
- Practice. Your first 20 chains will look uneven. That’s normal.
- Aim for each loop to be the same size.
How to count chain stitches
Counting trips up many beginners. These rules help:
- Don’t count the slip knot.
- Don’t count the loop on your hook.
- Count the “V” shapes on the front of the chain.
- Place a stitch marker every 10 chains to keep track.
If you lose count, it’s fine to start again. A short chain is quick to redo.
How to Crochet a Starting Chain for a Project
A starting chain is the chain you build your first row on. Here’s how to get the length right.
How long should your starting chain be?
Your pattern will usually tell you. If you’re making your own design, use this method:
- Make a small swatch and measure how many stitches fit in 4 inches. This is your gauge.
- Decide how wide your project should be.
- Multiply the stitches per inch by the width.
- Add your turning chain.
Worked example: Your gauge is 14 double crochet stitches over 4 inches, which is 3.5 stitches per inch. You want a 12-inch-wide scarf.
- 3.5 × 12 = 42 stitches
- Add 3 for the turning chain
- Starting chain: 45
Turning chains and where to put your hook
The extra chains at the start of a row lift your yarn to the right height. Here’s the common rule of thumb in US terms. Always follow your pattern if it says something different.
| Stitch | Extra chains | Insert your hook into… |
|---|---|---|
| Single crochet (sc) | 1 | 2nd chain from the hook |
| Half double crochet (hdc) | 2 | 3rd chain from the hook |
| Double crochet (dc) | 3 | 4th chain from the hook |
| Treble crochet (tr) | 4 | 5th chain from the hook |
For most stitches except single crochet, the turning chain counts as your first stitch.
Where exactly does the hook go?
Look at the back of your chain. You’ll see a row of small bumps. You can work into:
- The top loop only (the “V”). This is the easiest to see for beginners.
- The back bump. This gives a neater edge that looks like a finished row.
Both are fine. Pick the one your pattern asks for, or the one that’s easiest for you.
How to Chain Stitch Crochet: Common Mistakes and Fixes
| Problem | Why it happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Chain is too tight | Gripping the yarn or hook too hard | Relax your hand, or use a hook one or two sizes larger for the chain |
| Chain is too loose or uneven | Inconsistent tension | Pinch the chain near the hook and keep loops the same size |
| Twisted chain | The chain rolled while you worked | Lay it flat and check all the bumps face the same way before the first row |
| Lost count | Counting the loop on the hook or skipping stitches | Count the Vs and use a stitch marker every 10 chains |
| Splitting the yarn | Hook catches the strands | Use smooth yarn and a rounded hook, and go slowly |
| Slip knot comes loose | Knot wasn’t tightened | Pull the tail and the working yarn to tighten it |
A good habit: if the chain feels tight to work into, make it a little longer than needed or go up a hook size just for the chain.
Left-Handed Crochet Chain
The steps are the same, only mirrored. Hold the hook in your left hand and the yarn in your right. Everything else works in the same order. A mirror or a left-handed video can help you see it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you start a crochet chain?
Make a slip knot, put it on your hook, then yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook. That’s your first chain. Repeat to build the chain.
How many chains should I start with?
It depends on your pattern. For practice, 10 to 20 chains is plenty. For a project, work it out from your gauge and add the turning chain.
Why is my crochet chain so tight?
Usually, you’re gripping too hard. Relax your hands, or use a larger hook for the chain.
Do you count the loop on the hook as a chain?
No. Never count the loop on the hook, and don’t count the slip knot.
What is the difference between a chain and a slip knot?
A slip knot is the first loop that holds your yarn on the hook. A chain stitch is each loop you make after that.
Can you start a crochet chain without a slip knot?
Yes. A “chainless” start works by draping the yarn over the hook and pulling through to begin. A slip knot is easier for most beginners, so start there.
Final Thoughts
Starting a crochet chain takes four simple steps: make a slip knot, put it on your hook, yarn over and pull through. Practice a few rows of chain, count carefully and keep your tension relaxed.
Once your chain feels comfortable, move on to your first row of single crochet, then try a simple scarf or a granny square.