Chain Stitch (ch)

The chain stitch is the foundational crochet stitch that creates a series of interlocked loops used to start almost every pattern and to form turning chains at the start of a row.

US abbreviation: chUK abbreviation: chDifficulty: beginner
Chain

Chart symbol

This is the standard symbol for chain stitch in crochet charts.

How to crochet the Chain Stitch

  1. 1Make a slip knot and place it on your hook. Tighten it so the loop sits snugly but still slides.
  2. 2Hold the tail end of the yarn between your thumb and middle finger of your non-dominant hand.
  3. 3Wrap the working yarn over the hook from back to front (yarn over, or "yo").
  4. 4Pull the yarn through the slip knot loop on your hook.
  5. 5One chain stitch is complete. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each additional chain.
  6. 6Count chains from the front of the work. Do not count the slip knot or the loop currently on the hook.

Tips

  • Keep your tension even: each chain should be loose enough to insert the hook tip for the next stitch.
  • Move your thumb and middle finger up the chain every 3 to 5 stitches to maintain control.
  • If your starting chain curls or kinks, your tension is too tight. Try a hook one size larger for the foundation chain only.

Used in

  • Every crochet project
  • Turning chains
  • Foundation chains
  • Granny squares
  • Mesh stitches

Related stitches

Find more stitches in the complete crochet stitches library. To visualize this stitch in a chart, try the free stitch chart maker.