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Chain Stitch

Basic beginners guide on crochet chain stitch

Chain Stitch

By Stoutomaster

The chain stitch may seem simple, but it’s crucial to get it right before moving on to other stitches. Mastering even tension and counting chains accurately will make your crochet journey much smoother. Once you feel comfortable, you can start combining chain stitches with single crochet, double crochet, and more to create beautiful patterns.

Download PDF Stitch Tutorial

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Chain Crochet Stitch (US: CH, UK: CH)

The chain stitch is the very foundation of crochet, forming the base for nearly every project. In both US and UK terminology, it is referred to as CH. It’s simple to work but essential for beginners to master, as it establishes the length of rows, spaces for other stitches, and even decorative loops. Proper tension in your chain stitch ensures that subsequent stitches are consistent and your fabric lays flat.

Beginner Tips

  1. Keep your loops even not too tight or too loose.
  2. Count your chains carefully to maintain correct stitch count for your project.
  3. Practice making longer chains in one go to build comfort with yarn tension.

Common Mistakes:

  • Making loops too tight, making it hard to insert the hook in future rows.
  • Making loops too loose, causing uneven stitches in later rows.
  • Losing track of stitch count.
  • Twisting the chain accidentally.

Abbreviation

  • US - Chain Stitch : ch
  • UK - chain : ch
  • AFR- ketting steek: ks

Crochet Stitch Method

Make a slipknot, yo, pull through loop. Repeat for desired chains.

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Step by Step

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Make a slip knot and place it on your hook.
  2. Yarn over (wrap the yarn from back to front over your hook).
  3. Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook.
  4. Repeat the yarn over and pull through loop motion until you reach the desired number of chains.

UK Equivalent: The chain stitch is the same in the UK: CH.

Practice Swatch Exercise

Make a slip knot.

Work 20 chains in one piece of scrap yarn.

Observe that loops are even and the chain lies flat.

Try making multiple chains of the same length to practice consistency.

Tip: Use a slightly larger hook than recommended for beginners to make it easier to manipulate the yarn.

Feel free to explore the additional sections of our website for even more crochet patterns, helpful tutorials, and creative inspiration.

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