How To Make a Chain

The chain stitch, often written as ch, is usually the very first step in crochet. It creates the foundation for many projects and is one of the first stitches every beginner learns.

We will create the first loop on the hook. To do so, place the yarn on the table and make a circle. Fold the circle on top of the yarn that is connected to the ball of yarn. Now you can reach inside the circle and pull on the yarn inside the circle as you hold both ends of the yarn. This will create a bigger loop.  

Insert the hook through this loop and secure it tightly. Hold the knot with one hand and pull with the other on the yarn attached to the ball. Make a tight loop that is similar to how regular loops are created on the hook. 

Hold the hook in one hand and the working yarn in the other. Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front, then pull that yarn through the loop already on your hook. That creates one chain.

Repeat the same motion: yarn over, then pull the yarn through the loop on the hook.

Each time you do this, you make another chain stitch. Keep going until you have the number of chains your pattern asks for.

Try to keep your chains even and relaxed. If they are too tight, it can be difficult to work into them on the next row. If they are too loose, the edge may look messy. With a little practice, your chain stitches will start to look more uniform.

The chain is simple, but it is the starting point for so many crochet projects, so it is well worth practicing.