If you’re just starting your crochet journey—or even returning after a long break—the chain stitch is where it all begins.
It’s the very first stitch most of us learn…
And the one we come back to again and again.
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through one simple hook method for making chain stitches—slowly, clearly, and without overwhelm.
And if you’d like to see both the hook method + a gentle finger crochet version (perfect for beginners or kids), I’ve linked the full video below.
What Is the Chain Stitch in Crochet?
The chain stitch (ch) is the foundation of most crochet projects.
It creates a series of interlocking loops that form your starting row—called the foundation chain.
You’ll use it for:
- Starting almost every crochet project
- Creating spaces between stitches
- Building height at the beginning of rows
Think of it as the “baseline” your entire project grows from.
Prefer to Watch Instead?
If you’d like to follow along visually (and explore the finger crochet method too), watch the full tutorial here:
What You’ll Need
- Yarn (any beginner-friendly yarn works well)
- Crochet hook (match your yarn label recommendation)
💡 If you’re unsure what to choose, start with a medium-weight yarn and a 5mm hook—it’s a comfortable place to begin.
How to Chain Stitch (Hook Method – Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Make a Slip Knot
Before you begin chaining, you’ll need a loop on your hook.
👉 If you’re not sure how to do this, visit my full guide here: How to Make a Slip Knot
Place the slip knot on your hook and gently tighten it—not too tight, not too loose.
Step 2: Hold Your Yarn and Hook
- Hold the hook in your dominant hand
- Hold the yarn in your other hand, keeping gentle tension
There’s no “perfect” way to hold your yarn—just aim for comfort and control.
Step 3: Yarn Over
Wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front.
This is called a yarn over (yo)—you’ll use it in almost every crochet stitch.
Step 4: Pull Through the Loop
Gently pull the yarn through the loop already on your hook.
You’ve just made your first chain stitch!
Step 5: Repeat
Continue:
- Yarn over
- Pull through
Each repetition creates a new chain.
What Should Your Chain Look Like?
Your chain should look like a neat row of “V” shapes.
- Not too tight (hard to insert your hook later)
- Not too loose (uneven and floppy)
Aim for even, relaxed stitches—perfection isn’t the goal here.
Beginner Tips for Better Chain Stitches
- Loosen your grip
- If your chain feels stiff or tight, relax your hands slightly.
- Size up your hook (if needed)
- If inserting your hook into chains feels difficult later, try a slightly larger hook for your foundation chain.
- Go slow
- Speed comes with time—right now, we’re building muscle memory.
- Count your stitches
- It’s easy to lose track. Count your chains as you go to stay consistent.
How to Count Chain Stitches (Without Losing Track)
Counting chain stitches is simple once you know what to look for.
- Don’t count the loop on your hook
- Count each “V” along your chain
When I’m following a pattern, I count as I go—and then count again at the end, just to be sure.
Made too many? Remove your hook and gently pull the yarn to unravel a few stitches.
Need more? Just keep chaining.
Easy to adjust, and part of the rhythm you’ll grow into with time.
Where Do You Insert Your Hook in the Chain?
This is where things get interesting—and where your stitches start to take shape later on.
Each chain has:
- A front loop
- A back loop
- And a small back bump
Where you insert your hook affects the final look of your project.
✨ Don’t worry—we’ll explore this more deeply in upcoming tutorials.
👉 Related:
- [Getting Started with Crochet]
- [Understanding Crochet Stitches]
- [Crochet Techniques for Beginners]
Why The Chain Stitch Matters
It might feel simple… even repetitive. But the chain stitch is more than just a starting point.
It’s where:
- Your hands begin to learn the rhythm
- Your tension starts to develop
- Your confidence grows
Sometimes the basics aren’t something we move past—
They’re something we return to, with a deeper understanding each time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does “ch” mean in crochet?
“ch” stands for chain stitch—the most basic crochet stitch used to begin projects.
Why is my chain too tight?
This usually happens when:
- You’re holding the yarn too tightly
- Your hook size is too small
Try relaxing your grip or using a larger hook.
How many chains should I make?
This depends on your pattern.
For practice, try making 10–20 chains to get comfortable with the motion.
Do chain stitches count as a row?
The foundation chain is not usually counted as a full row, but it forms the base for your first row of stitches.
Ready for the Next Step?
Once you’re comfortable with chaining, the next step is learning your first stitches:
👉 [How to Single Crochet (Beginner Guide)]
👉 [How to Half Double Crochet]
👉 [How to Double Crochet]
Final Encouragement
If your chains feel uneven… if your hands feel unsure…
You’re doing it right.
Every crocheter starts here.
And every chain you make is a quiet step forward.
Save This for Later
If this helped you, be sure to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend who’s just starting out
