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.
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After posting a pattern I want to take a deep dive into one of the techniques used in that pattern. My last pattern was the One and Two Round Hearts and if you haven't seen it yet you can find it here
One & Two Round Crochet Hearts
This is a fairly easy pattern but one skill that really trips people up is the elusive Magic Circle so that is what I'm going to be breaking down today and hopefully taking some of the mystery out of it.
What is the Magic Circle?
A Magic Circle is a technique used to begin a Crochet project when working in the round.
Is a Magic Circle necessary when working crochet in the round?
Well, no! If you don't like this technique or just can't get your head around it there is another way (although I hope by the end of this post this isn't true). There are two common ways of doing this.
Method One
- Make a slip knot then Chain 2
- Crochet all the stitches required for your first round into your first Chain (2nd Chain from the hook)
You will be left with a hole in the center of your work, to best close this string your tail through each of the stitches in your first round and pull to close, then weave in to secure.
Method Two
- Make a slip knot then Chain 4
- Slip Stitch into your first Chain (4th Chain from the hook)
You now have your foundation ring and can work your first round into it
One last note if you are using this method. As you work your first round lay the tail along the circle and crochet around it. Once your first round is done you can pull the tail to close the center hole.
Why use a Magic Circle?
Even with Crocheting around the tail of your foundation chain 4 you will still probably have a small pesky hole, which is where the Magic Circle comes in and saves the day!
How hard is it to use the Magic Circle?
This technique baffles many, it seems much trickier than the alternative and not worth the effort. I will admit it is a bit fiddly but with practice you will get it and your finished pieces will look better for it.
How will I know I can use a Magic Circle in my pattern?
Patterns that call for a Magic Circle will often look like this
- Make Magic Circle, 6 sc or - Work 6 sc in a Magic Circle
Magic Circles are also referred to as 'Adjustable Circles' , 'Magic Rings' , or 'Magic Loops'
Other patterns may call for the traditional methods as described above, you can replace this step with a Magic Circle instead
Making a Magic Circle
You have finally gotten to the place in this post where I will show you how to make a Magic Circle. I will describe this technique in 5 steps but if you are anything like me you will find the pictures and videos the most helpful. You can follow the video tutorial on my Crafty Cov Mom YouTube Channel or continue with the photo tutorial below
To fully show how the Magic Circle works the steps below include making of the Magic Circle and the first round of your pattern. Please note also, I am right handed so that is what I am demonstrating.
Step 1: Wind the Wool Twice Around Your Fingers
This is the same way I would start a normal slip knot. Loop the wool around the first two fingers of your right hand from front to back, leaving a tail (first two photos). Loop the wool around one more time (photo 3) but as you move the wool across your fingers this time place the second loop behind so it crosses over the top of the first loop (photo 4). Use your thumb to hold the two strands of wool in place at the front and your second two fingers to hold it in place in the back.
Step 2: Pull up a loop
Insert your hook between your two fingers, under the first strand of wool and over the second. With your hook grab the second strand and pull up a loop. Turn your hook so its facing up parallel with your fingers
Step 3: Make a number of chains to get to the height required
Your working yarn should be at the back of your two fingers. With your hook, grab the working yarn from front to back and pull up another loop.
If the first round of your pattern calls for single chains then you are ready to move onto the next step. If the first round of your pattern calls for a different stitch, use the below as a guide
- Half Double Crochet, make one more chain (total of 2 chains)
- Double Crochet, make two more chains (total of 3 chains)
- Treble Crochet, make three more chains (total of 4 chains)
Step 4: Complete the first round of your pattern
Carefully take the magic circle out from around your two fingers.
You will have your hook in your right hand with the Magic Circle below it and the working yarn in your left hand.
Also with the left hand I like to pinch the place where the two strands of the magic ring meet to hold it into place.
Now you are going to work the first round of your pattern into the Magic Ring. Use the below as an example
- Make Magic Circle, 6 sc
As you are working your stitches ensure you are going around two strands of wool.
Step 5: Pull the circle closed
After you've completed the last stitch of your first round its time to pull the loop closed. Gently pull on the tail of your Magic Circle (not the working yarn) and you will start to see the circle close. Pull until you no longer have a hole in the middle of your ring and you should see the last stitch from your first round meet up with the first stitch. Complete the first round in your pattern by whatever join called for. In my example I've used a slip stitch into the first single crochet.
And your done! How did it go? There are other methods of doing the Magic Circle but this is my favorite and what I've come to find the easiest. Take each step slowly and practice practice practice. In no time this will be your favorite way to start your projects in the round I guarantee it!
Pin this post so you can come back to it whenever you need
Troubleshooting
My Magic Circle keeps coming undone
Make sure you've pulled the tail of your yarn tight and after you've done that you should have at least 6 inches left of the tail to weave in when you are done. When weaving in your tail ensure you do so securely otherwise the Magic Circle might come undone.
I've pulled my tail as much as I can but I still have a hole in the center of my work
There are two common reasons why this might be happening. You could be working with a wool that is too ridged and can't squash together, check if the wool you've chosen is right for the pattern. It could also be because there are too many stitches in your first round, reduce the number of stitches and see if this helps
Want to put your new skill to work?
Here are a list of my patters that use Magic Circles, all available for free!
