Crocheted Beginnings: A Quick Guide to the Chain Stitch (Ch)

Ah, the chain stitch! It’s the very foundation of crochet—a bit like the first step in a dance. Let’s pick up our hooks and start creating magic!

What You’ll Need:

• Yarn: Any yarn will do, but start with a 4-ply, medium-weight yarn.

• Crochet Hook: Use the size recommended for your yarn. For beginners, a 5.5mm (I-9) hook works well.

• A comfy spot and maybe a cup of tea!

Crochet Instructions:

Step 1: Make a Slip Knot

To learn how to make your slip knot, check out Hooked on Beginnings: A Quick Guide to Making a Slip Knot.

Step 2: Learn the Motion

Hold your hook in your dominant hand like a pencil or knife—whichever feels natural. With your other hand, guide the yarn over your fingers for tension. (Don’t overthink this, darling. It’s all about what feels right for you!) To learn more about hold and tension, check out Dancing with the Yarn: A Quick Guide to Hold and Tension.

Step 3: Start Chaining

1. Yarn Over: Wrap the yarn from back to front over your hook.

   

   Crochet a chain stitch

   
   

2. Pull Through: Gently pull the hook through the loop on your hook. Voilà! You’ve made your first chain!

   

   Yarn over and pull through the slip knot

Step 4: Keep Going

Repeat the yarn over and pull-through steps until you’ve made a lovely string of chains. Each loop you make counts as one chain stitch. Remember to keep a relaxed grip—tight stitches are no fun to work with later.

The foundation chain

Granny’s Tips:

• Consistency is Key: Try to make your stitches the same size by keeping even tension. See Dancing with the Yarn: A Quick Guide to Hold and Tension.

• Mistakes Happen: If you mess up, don’t fret. Just pull the yarn to undo and try again. Crochet is wonderfully forgiving.

• Practice Makes Perfect: Aim for about 10-20 chains as your first practice piece.

When you’re done, give yourself a pat on the back—you’ve mastered the foundation of countless crochet projects! And remember, my dears,

"Every stitch tells a story!"

Chain stitch and bead bracelet

Chain stitch bookmark with tassel

Chain stitch lanyard

Chain Stitch Patterns

Oh, the humble chain stitch opens the door to so many delightful projects! Even with this simple stitch, you can create practical and beautiful items. Here are some ideas, my dears:

Beginner-Friendly Chain Stitch Projects

• Bookmarks: A simple chain stitch worked into a lovely ribbon—perfect for keeping your place in a good book, like this Bookmark with a Tassel from A Box of Twine.

• Friendship Bracelets: Chain a length of yarn and add beads for a whimsical bracelet, like this Beaded Friendship Bracelet from One Dog Woof.

• Keychains: Use chains to make decorative loops or tassels for a charming keychain, like this Lanyard Keychain from Heart Hook Home.

Practical Creations

• Lanyards: A sturdy chain can be turned into a lanyard for your keys or ID badge.

• Drawstring Ties: Use chain stitches to create ties for bags, pouches, or even aprons.

• Crochet Rope: A long chain can double as a decorative rope for gift wrapping or hanging lightweight items.

Decorative Items

• Garlands: Chain lengths in festive colors for seasonal decorations—think bunting or streamers!

• Plant Hangers: Chain loops to make the base of a plant hanger, adding macramé or knots for extra flair.

• Curtain Ties: Create elegant loops to hold your curtains back.

Advanced-Ready Projects

• Foundation for Complex Patterns: Many crochet projects, from blankets to scarves, start with a chain foundation.

• Hair Accessories: Make hair ties or headbands with colorful chain patterns.

• Simple Necklaces or Wraps: Chain stitches in metallic yarn or soft threads for jewelry-like creations.

These chain-stitch projects are just the beginning, sweetie! As you grow your skills, you’ll see how this simple stitch becomes the foundation for everything from lace to cozy blankets.