Foundation Chain (FC)
You can now combine your chains and the first step of a pattern to one. This is called a foundation chain. The advantage of this is not only a quicker start of your project, but the chain is also stretchier than the combination of chains/stitches.
Below you will find pictorials on how to work it with single, halfdouble and double crochet.
Instructions
Foundation Chain Single Crochet (FCSC):
Begin with a slip knot and chain 2.
(These two chains do not count as stitches.)


Yarn over hook and pull through one loop only.


Foundation Chain Halfdouble Crochet (FCHDC):
Begin with a slip knot and chain 2.
(These two chains do not count as stitches.)


Place your yarn around your hook and insert it in the second chain from hook – yarn over hook and pull back through the loop – you now have 3 loops on your hook.
Place your yarn around your hook and pull through one loop – that is your “chain-loop”.



Foundation Chain Double Crochet (FCDC):
Begin with a slip knot and chain 3.
(These three chains do not count as stitches.)


Place your yarn around your hook and insert it in the third chain from hook – yarn over hook and pull back through the loop – you now have 3 loops on your hook.
Place your yarn around your hook and pull through one loop – that is your “chain-loop”.


