How to start a crochet chain

Have you ever found yourself staring at a skein of yarn and a crochet hook, feeling excited yet overwhelmed by the thought of creating something beautiful? You’re not alone! Many beginners feel daunted by the first step in crochet: starting a chain. This fundamental technique is the foundation for countless projects, from cozy blankets to intricate garments. In this post, we’ll break down the process of starting a crochet chain so that you can confidently embark on your crochet journey.

To start a crochet chain, create a slipknot on your crochet hook and then wrap the yarn over the hook to form a loop. Pull the yarn through the slipknot and repeat this process, wrapping the yarn over the hook and pulling it through the last loop on the hook, until you reach your desired number of chains.

Starting a crochet chain is simple, and with a few clear steps, you can master it in no time. First, take your yarn and make a slipknot. To do this, create a loop with the yarn and pull a section of it through to form a knot. Place this slipknot onto your crochet hook and tighten it gently, ensuring it’s secure but not too tight; you should be able to slide it along the hook.

Next, hold the yarn in your non-dominant hand, letting it drape over your fingers for better control. With your hook in your dominant hand, yarn over by wrapping the working yarn (the one attached to your skein) over the hook. After doing this, pull the wrapped yarn through the slipknot on your hook; congratulations, you’ve just made your first chain stitch! Repeat the yarning over and pulling through process until you’ve created a chain of the desired length. Remember, practice makes perfect, and soon you’ll be adding rows and patterns to your crochet creations!