Are you fed up of that ugly step at the very beginning of your foundation chains round? I have the solution and it is unbelievably simple.
Is it a crochet game changer?
Absolutely, and I will never join a crochet round the traditional way ever again!
It gets better. This technique can even be used in subsequent rounds to create the neatest round join and start to each new crochet round. <<< this is a bold statement, but the image below shows just how neat round joins for double crochet (US single), half treble crochet (US half double) and treble crochet (US double crochet) can become with this new method.
If you would prefer a quick video tutorial, I have one here.
Here’s how To Avoid The Step When joining Foundation Chains:
Step 1 – Crochet the number of chains required for the pattern, extend the live loop and remove your hook.
Step 2 – Go to first foundation chain made and keep it away from you, with the live loop end closest. Make sure that the chain is not twisted.
For this example, I will be working into the back bumps (third loops) of the foundation chains. This is my preferred method because it creates a much neater finish. If you need help with this method, I have a video tutorial, OR a photo tutorial here.
Step 3 – Place your hook from the back to the front of the back bump (or back then front loops if preferred) of the first foundation chain made, then place live loop back on hook and tighten.
Step 4 – Pull live loop through back bump (or front and back loops) of first foundation chain. The foundation chain just used, will be used again. For now, it has just been used to join the foundation chain into a round.
Step 5 – Make a starting stitch in the same foundation chain. Here I have used a starting double crochet (US starting single) as the first stitch, then dc (US sc) through the next 4 back bumps. Starting stitches do away with the need for chains at the beginning of each round and create a much better finish.
If you are new to starting stitches, they are another crochet game changer that are very worthwhile learning. I have added links for photo and video tutorials for double (US single), half treble (US half double) and treble (US double) starting stitches further down at Other Useful Tutorial?
Step 6 – This is how a finished round will look. Sometimes, the back bump of the final foundation chain will be a little hidden. Either count your stitches to make sure you have the correct number of stitches, or place mark the final chain before Step 2, to make it easier to identify.
On the left is a close up of a double crochet swatch joined in the traditional method of simply working the first stitch.
On the right, is a close up of a double crochet swatch where I have used my new method. It is visibly much neater and when used at the beginning of subsequent rounds, it stops the jogging at the beginning of every round and helps to minimise the diagonal slant that forms at the beginning of each new round.
The taller the stitch, the bigger the step that occurs at the foundation chain round join. The jog is bigger from a double to a half treble and then again to a treble crochet.
If you are ready to refine your crochet and create the neatest finish possible, this crochet hack is a great place to start. You may also be interested in my ‘7 Ways to Refine Your Crochet’ blog post.
Prefer a Video Tutorial?
If you would prefer a quick video tutorial, I have one here.
Other Useful Tutorials?
Here are my Starting Stitch Tutorials for you to take a look at:
- Starting Double Crochet (Starting Single Crochet US) is here as a video tutorial OR here as a photo tutorial.
- Starting Extended Double Crochet (US Starting Extended Single Crochet) is here as a video tutorial, OR here as a photo tutorial.
- Starting Half Treble (Starting Half Double Crochet US) is here as a video tutorial, OR here as a photo tutorial.
- Starting Treble (Starting Double Crochet US) is here as a video tutorial, OR here as a photo tutorial.
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I am usually found in these online places, or you can join my newsletter where I talk about all things yarn, crochet and knitting:
- YouTube crafting podcast and crochet/ knit tutorials– @faydhdesigns
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