3 Ways to Crochet into the Beginning Chain + 5 Tips
Most crochet projects start with a beginning chain, also known as the starting chain. There are 3 ways to work into a beginning chain, and while your pattern may specify one method, many patterns do not! Experienced crocheters usually have one method they will default to, or will choose the right method for the project.
Though the methods are similar, there are slight differences to how the bottom edge will look depending on which loop you crochet through. Two of the methods leave a slight gap between the chain and the crocheted fabric; one technique leaves spacing similar to crocheted fabric.
Anatomy of a Beginning Chain in Crochet
The beginning chain has three loops: top loop, bottom loop, and back ridge loop. The top loop and bottom loop form a “V” shape on the front side of the chain. The back ridge loop is the loop in the middle of the stitch on the back side of the chain.
The chain is generally the first stitch a new crocheter learns. It’s easy to make, but it does take practice in order to work consistently. Chains that are the same size will give your fabric a nice even edge.
How to Make a Slip Knot
How to Make a Crochet Chain
Make a slipknot on hook, yarn over and draw through loop of slipknot, *yarn over and draw through loop on hook; repeat from * drawing yarn through last loop formed.
3 Ways to Work Into the Beginning Chain
Crocheting Through the Top Loop
When teaching new people to crochet, I instruct them to insert their hook through the top loop because it’s the easiest loop to see and pick up. Susanna also prefers to work in this loop unless the pattern specifies otherwise. When asked why, she said it was the method that her great-aunt taught her and that, to her, it’s the easiest loop in which to work the stitches.
Crocheting Through the Bottom Loop (aka Top Loop and Back Ridge Loop)
By inserting the hook in the bottom loop, you are picking up the top loop and back ridge loop. This leaves a single loop at the bottom edge of the fabric. Sara learned this technique when she took a class at a local yarn shop when she was 8 years old. This is her go-to method unless a pattern calls for something different.
Crocheting Through the Back Ridge Loop
The back ridge loop is on the back side of the chain. By inserting the hook into this loop, the top and bottom loops become the bottom edge of the fabric. With these two loops sitting on the bottom edge, you’ll get a piece with a beginning edge that looks very similar to the top edge. This is my preferred technique for working in the starting chain and has been since I read about it on the Internet a few years ago.
How the Beginning Chain Edge Looks
Ultimately, the method you choose will depend on your personal preference, both for your stitching rhythm and for your desired look in the final piece.
In my opinion, working through the back ridge loop only (above) provides the cleanest-looking edge. It leaves spacing between the starting chain and the first row of the fabric that’s similar to the spacing between the second and third rows. Especially if you don’t plan to crochet on an additional edging, you may like how the starting edge will match the top edge. The loop is smaller, so it can be a bit trickier to work into, but it’s not as challenging as it might seem at first. As with any skill, it takes practice to identify the loop and work in it consistently.
Working through the top loop only (above) will leave holes between the starting chain and the first row of the fabric, which you may not like. As I mentioned previously, working in the top loop only is the method I use when teaching others. It’s easier, faster, and more relaxing to work into the top loop only. So for those reasons, I love it. If you’re going to add an edging, this method also leaves nice open spaces into which you can work your first row of edging.
The bottom loop (above) is a little slower to work in, but still easier than working into the back ridge loop. It makes a more dense edge than the other methods which can provide nice weight at the edge of garments.
Crocheting the Perfect Starting Chain
The starting chain is one of the easiest parts of the crochet process. It’s often the first thing people learn. I have friends who only know how to make a chain. One even quit smoking by crocheting long chains. Since the beginning chain often ends up being one edge of your fabric, it’s good practice to start out with a good foundation.
Tips for Perfect Chains
If you’ve found yourself struggling, here are some tips for making the perfect crochet chain.
- Try to make each chain the same size—this will give you a nice, even-looking edge.
- The chain is the smallest stitch in crochet. As such, it will be tighter than the rest of the crocheted fabric. If you start a hat at the brim, for example, the chain will be tight without much give while the remainder of the hat will be stretchy. To make the chain a similar size as the other stitches, try crocheting it with a hook one size larger than what you’ll use for the rest of the project.
- For a smooth edge, don’t twist the starting chain when working the first row. Not only will a twisted chain give you a lumpy-looking edge, it also makes it difficult to find the next loops.
- Working into a chain will cause the loops to stretch a bit and the loops of the next chain to shrink a little. This can make it difficult to find the next loop to work into. Since the loop that was just worked into is enlarged, people often want to work another stitch into that same chain. To find the next chain, look at the stitch you just made, follow its post to the starting chain and identify which loop it’s being worked into, and then work into the next chain.
- Sometimes you’ll make a mistake on the first row and need to pull out your work. When you rip out your work, the loops of the chain will be lumpy and misshapen. Work the first row as carefully as possible so you don’t have to rip out your work. But, if you do have to rip out, consider re-crocheting the starting chain as well as the first row.
Once you’ve mastered creating a beautiful starting chain, you’ll have a fabulous looking edge. You’ll also have a skill you’ll be able to use in more advanced crochet stitches!
Originally published 7/1/2018. Updated 11/28/2022.
When I was taught to crochet, I was taught to insert the hook into the space between the top and bottom loop and the back ridge loop. Thus, it is exactly the opposite of crocheting into the back ridge loop. I tried all different ways to do it, and never knew which one was “correct.” Now, I most often crochet into the back ridge loop, as I prefer that look. It gives a nicer edge, in my opinion.
When I was taught to crochet, I was taught to insert the hook into the space between the top and bottom loop and the back ridge loop. Thus, it is exactly the opposite of crocheting into the back ridge loop. I tried all different ways to do it, and never knew which one was “correct.” Now, I most often crochet into the back ridge loop, as I prefer that look. It gives a nicer edge, in my opinion.