eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Understand a Foundation Row in Crochet

Member
By lolaness
User-Submitted Article
(2 Ratings)
The foundation row is the base of every crochet project.
The foundation row is the base of every crochet project.
Lolaness

Every crochet project is made from the foundation row. Your foundation row is - very simply - the row of chain stitches you have made. So, the first row of any crochet pattern is worked into the chain ... but we call this the foundation, because it is the base we start from.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Crochet Hook (G, H, or I)
  • Worsted Weight Yarn
  1. Step 1
    The chain is counted from every loop below the one on your hook.
     
    The chain is counted from every loop below the one on your hook.

    There are two methods for working your stitches into the chain: through the front loops, and through the back ridge. To begin, you will need to crochet a chain of at least 10 stiches to really see what we're working with. Remember to count your chains beginning with the loop off your hook.

  2. Step 2
    The most common method is to begin crocheting right in the middle of your chains.
     
    The most common method is to begin crocheting right in the middle of your chains.

    Method One: Through the Front Loops

    This is the most common way to work on your foundation row. To do this, hold your chain with the loops facing you. Your hook will go right through the middle of the "hole" in your next chain stitch.

  3. Step 3
    Turn your chain and work through the straight loops running across the back of your chain.
     
    Turn your chain and work through the straight loops running across the back of your chain.

    Method Two: Through the Back Ridge

    This method is sometimes called the "Japanese Method". To do work this way, roll your chain so that the back is facing you. Your hook will go right through the center loop. What this does is make a row that will look exactly like the last row you will make in your project.

Tips & Warnings
  • The back ridge method takes more time to master, but results in a much nicer looking piece of crochet.
  • If you use the front loop method, be sure to go through the top part of your chain so that the final piece doesn't look stretched or weak.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Hobbies, Games & Toys Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden