The first row after a foundation chain sets up your entire project. Patterns will instruct you to 'work into the foundation' chain but did you know there is more than one way to do this?
What is a foundation chain?
The foundation chain in crochet is a set of chain stitches made to form the base or 'foundation' of your crochet project. The foundation chain does not count as a row, your first row is worked into the foundation chain.
How you would traditionally crochet into a Foundation Chain?
In the pattern you are working on it is very likely you will be instructed to work into the foundation chain to make your first row. Traditionally to do this you will insert your hook into the middle of each chain, crocheting into loop at the top of the chain.
This is a fine way to work into a foundation chain and the easiest, however, there is another way if you feel up to the challenge
Why crochet into the back bump of a foundation chain?
This might sound fancy, but it's a simple technique that creates a beautiful, finished edge on your project. It's perfect for blankets, amigurumi, or anything where you want a clean look from both sides.
It is hard to show in the pictures but the piece on the left done in the traditional way is looser at the bottom where the one on the right is not. The edge along the bottom of the piece on the right looks like crochet when viewing it from the top, that is why it looks cleaner and is a great set up if you will be sewing or crocheting into it later on. By working your stitches into these back bumps, you hide those front loops and create a smoother, more polished edge. It's a subtle difference, but it makes a big impact on the overall look of your project.
How to find the back bump
Think of those standard foundation chains - they have little loops in the front, right? Well, there's also a little "bump" on the back of each loop. That's where the magic happens! The back bump is, probably not surprisingly, at the back of your foundation chain. Turn your foundation chain over and you should see these bumps down the length of your foundation chain. There is one of these 'bumps' for each pair of chain stitches above.
Insert your hook into each of these bumps along your foundation chain, being careful not to twist the chain as you go along. This is especially tricky when working in the round.
Prefer a video explanation?
Full tutorial is available on my YouTube channel
In Conclusion
Yes working into the back loop of a foundation chain is more difficult than the traditional way but its an easy way to lift your projects up to the next level. Have you given this a go? Do you have an alternative method? I want to hear from you.
My blog is just getting started, if you like what you see let's connect
