How to Learn Crochet Basics: What is a Foundationless crochet stitch

What is a foundationless single crochet anyway? What is a foundationless double crochet? You will see these abbreviations in patterns as FSC or FDC. These stitches are definitely something that you will use a lot. Have you ever made your foundation chain, and then had a hard time getting the hook in to make your first row? That is what the foundationless crochet stitch is designed to eliminate!!! The only time you really can't use this is when your first row has a pattern that skips chains, or doesn't work into each chain. Other than that, you will save so much time with the FSC or FDC!!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yarn, pattern, and hook recommended for yarn used.

1. 
   Crochet basics can be easier than they sound! Purse by staysik http://www.shophandmade.com/Store/Staysik

   Make a slip knot, with about a 6 inch tail. Chain 2 and insert hook into the 2nd chain from the hook (this is the first chain made). Now yarn over (yo) and pull up loop. YO and pull through loop- this is the "chain", YO and draw through two loops. That is your single crochet, with its chain!

2. 
   Crochet is easy and fun! By staysik http://www.shophandmade.com/Store/Staysik

   Insert hook into the two loops of the "chain" that you just made, YO and pull up loop, YO and pull through loop, YO and pull through 2 loops. That's your second stitch!!

3. 
   Once you learn the basics of crochet, you can make many unique gifts! By staysik http://www.shophandmade.com/Store/Staysik

   Repeat step 2 until you have reached the number of stitches needed for the pattern, or until you've reached the length that you need.

4. 
   Crochet lace is great for summer! Hat by stasik http://www.shophandmade.com/Store/Staysik

   Now after practicing this for a minute, you'll start to understand what a time-saving and wonderful stitch this is. You will also start to see how this can be used for the double crochet, and half-double. You may even be able to adapt it for patterns that don't stitch in every foundation chain, but you'll probably be able to figure out how to adapt for this situation.

5. 
   Crochet is very veratile in any fiber. By staysik http://www.shophandmade.com/Store/Staysik

   The foundationless double crochet stitch (fdc) is also very easy and time-saving, and you will be very glad that you have learned it. I recommend mastering and understanding the fsc first, and then the fdc will come to you very easily!! Basically follow the same instructions, except that at the start you will chain 3, instead of 2. The other differences are: before you insert the hook into the "chain" from your previous stitch, you will do YO (or else it won't be a double crochet), then you do the same thing, pull up a loop, make your "chain" and YO, pulling through the two loops. Then YO again, and pull through the remaining loops, just like a normal double crochet. Now you just repeat as needed. Simple as that!!

Resources

• Ravelry
• Crocheting on the Internet
• Arte de Shelley
• Arts and Crafts as Therapy
• Crochet Me
• Free Vintage Crochet Patterns

[staysik]

on 1/26/2009 Thank you, I hope this saves some time. Since I learned the foundationless stitches I've definitely saved some time!!

[GreenLeader]

on 1/25/2009 Excellent article and great visuals.