CROCHET LIKE A PRO - How to Make Chainless Foundation Crochet Stitches

Crochet like a pro by using this handy crochet shortcut to start your projects! Foundation stitches make your beginning chain + the first row of crochet stitches at the same time.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
-How are foundation stitches used in crochet
-How to make the foundation single crochet
-How to make the foundation half double crochet
-How to make the foundation double crochet
// Like my channel? Buy me a coffee! - ko-fi.com/tlyarncrafts
// PATTERN
-Let's Stay Home Blanket, crochet pattern - bit.ly/2GWs4Tu
-Astrid Ruana, crochet pattern - bit.ly/2GRFX5f
-Denim Breeze Vest Pattern - bit.ly/2GUS3dW
// PRODUCTS MENTIONED
-Clover Amour Crochet Hooks - amzn.to/2HxqwvS
-Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarn in color Taupe: amzn.to/2IOIN7y
// This description contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from purchases made through clicking these links.
// MY PRODUCTS
MY KZbin STORE: kzbin.infostore
🧶 TRY MY NEW YARN - HAPPY PLACE!: dpbolvw.net/click-100975669-1...
📚WROTE A BOOK!: Order The Tunisian Crochet Handbook now: tlyarncrafts.com/pages/tunisi...
🪢CROCHET PATTERNS & GIFTS!: tlyarncrafts.com
// SUBSCRIBE to the Cozy Club Newsletter
view.flodesk.com/pages/5edfe2...
// FOLLOW ME
Read my blog: tlycblog.com
Instagram: / tlyarncrafts
Facebook: groups/tlycmakers
#crochet #howtocrochet #crochettutorial #crocheting #crochetpattern #crochetpatterns #crochetforbeginners
Hey babes! I’m Toni, the designer and instructor behind TL Yarn Crafts. I've designed over 100+ chic and practical crochet patterns for modern makers. Find your next sweater, shawl, and blanket project in my shop at tlyarncrafts.com/.
TLYC on KZbin is a crochet and craft enthusiast space where I share inspiration and education through tutorials for makers of all crochet skill levels. Since starting my creative business, I’ve been committed to exploring every nook and cranny of crochet and I’m excited to share my discoveries with you.
Stick around for crochet tips and tricks and even a few FREE#crochet crochet patterns.
Find more on www.TLYCBlog.com!

[@voxe8659]

Key terms, chain 1 and working upside down, made it finally click! Thank you, Toni 💕💕💕

[@TheLadyMeda]

A teensy bit closer view would be nice, but an amazing video!!! I watched a bunch of others on foundation stitches and even followed along, but felt really unsure. You did a excellent job of explaining what each step was doing and WHY it works. I 100% get it now! You're a great teacher!

[@sueketzlermalone7063]

I was thinking the same thing, but then when I greatly exaggerated the loops, making them all bigger (for the purpose of learning), it trained my eye to seek out the chain I had just made. Hope this helps.

[@CrunchyMom88]

@@sueketzlermalone7063 Having this issue, now. My yarn is cotton DK and I feel like it's way too small to start to learn with, but I also feel really weird leaving such big gaps in order to do this foundation. 😕 Hopefully, once I learn these foundation stitches, I can make this tighter and it won't be so difficult to find the loops.

[@Birdie700]

yes agree closer please...or else you cant follow....then it is just talk...😊thanks...

[@karenb9262]

For me the trick was to mark the chain 1 with my eye and go back to it when starting the new stitch Was thinking it may be useful to use a stitch marker for the first couple rounds but didn’t have any on hand and eying worked

[@98_Claire]

Obviously this is an old comment but it appeared first for me. Anyways you can zoom into videos.

[@dreasmom2789]

Because of my arthritis I haven't crochet for quite a while. I miss it. So even if it's just a few minutes at the time i'm back to crocheting. It's lovely to hear your voice again.

[@nichimuchimu]

As a fellow crocheter, imagining not being able to crochet really saddens me. I hope that your hand gets well soon and hopefully able to crochet normally again!❤

[@JennTN411]

I saw just today that someone uses a beauty blender (a fat, little round one) on her crochet hook to help with her arthritis! I thought it was a great idea ❤

[@evasco1979]

I hope you can get better... we're not the same person, but still allow me some advice: trying avoiding wheat. The pain in my fingers stops after a couple of days not touching wheat and white bread. Get well soon!

[@aksez2u]

My favorite thing is when I'm looking for directions on how to do a certain crochet technique, I click on one that looks promising and it's Toni! Like a surprise visit from an old friend! ❤❤

[@MeanieNnynny]

Omg this is life changing. I could never get all my stitches the same and not too tight on that first row, this is going to make my blankets look so much nicer.

[@crochetdethuongsaigon2989]

🌹💐

[@LilyBby23]

YES ❤

[@GaiaCarney]

I agree! I love how YL Yarn Crafts demonstrated how s t r e t c h y the stitches are! I had no idea why they existed 😆

[@kyrythkessler1316]

Isn't it??? I've had to take a long hiatus due to Myasthenia Gravis as my hands were too painful but after rehab I was able to crochet again! I discovered this and what a difference!

[@rendmendecclesiastes3728]

Best demonstration on where to insert that hook in the chain! Thank you!

[@parkerman2259]

Veteran crocheter here, and your videos are the ones I recommend to students if I'm not available. If you could bring your camera in closer when you go over stitch detail, that would be even better. Envy that crochet wall unit I saw in another video!

[@pjd2709]

Why don't you do a full screen, you will see it bigger and better....?

[@eleanorloper843]

PRAISE THE CROCHET GODS FOR SENDING US THIS QUEEN!!!! 💖💖💖 I have learned **so** much watching your excellent videos!!!! Thank you for sharing your expertise!!!

[@crochetdethuongsaigon2989]

🌹💐🇻🇳

[@jandroid1962]

Yes!

[@piratedn1nj4]

THANK YOU! I was so confused on where to insert my hook when making the rest of the loops, it was as simple as pinching the chain 1s as i went through. All hail the yarn queen!

[@amanikojok7087]

This is by far the easiest way someone explained the chainless foundation 😍

[@cathymilson4386]

Love your explanation of this stitch! When you said chain one every time, it finally clicked in to me! Yes this is the chain one and the stitch is what you would have worked into it! Finally it is clear to me! Thanks so much!!!

[@rebekahkuekes5372]

This was the difference for me, too!

[@christymarks9586]

agree 100%!

[@lorioleary]

Yep, that was the secret sauce right there! " Chain one "

[@FiLL..]

Your tutorials are the only ones on here i can learn a single thing from. When you explained it was upsidown & to turn it a little i suddenly could finish the stitch. I second the comment that said an extra, extra close up shot of a couple of stitches being made would be super helpful. Thankyou so much for taking the time to make these.

[@laurenm640]

You’re a wonderful and calm teacher. Thank you!

[@emma2884]

I know this is an old video but you by far have the best crochet tutorials on KZbin! You're an amazing teacher because you explain why things work.

[@dawns1017]

I finally got it! Thank you. I did not feel like single-crocheting into 90 stitches!

[@MrAmansa12345]

Me neither! 😂😂

[@sharonkerr3482]

Always the hardest row of the project!

[@af2313]

Same here Dawn, I had 158 to do! This made it so much easier!

[@dawns1017]

@@af2313 congratulations!!!!

[@5guilty]

Makes your project look so much nicer.

[@maryd8895]

I have watched and referenced this video SO many times because I usually start with magic circles and need the refresher. Thanks Toni for the great video! 😊

[@nancynyberg1123]

Thank you! Today I started this with super bulky yarn, t-eed up your video and finally got it. The secret for me was to hold the chain I made so it was obvious to me which stitch it was. That made all the difference, thank you! Toni, you are the best!

[@pattihansen3924]

I have been trying to learn this stitch for a while. Your style and explanation made it so clear! Thank you so much! I'm getting it, finally! You are the best teacher ever!

[@donnaivery7604]

After all of these years, I FINALLY understand how to do this!!!

[@pjsart7640]

My absolute favorite explanation of this wonderful process. Saves so much time and guesswork. You are the only one I’ve found so far to clearly and succinctly explain this technique for three different foundation rows. Thanks so much. I’ll be watching more of your videos for sure ❤️

[@lindacornelius3451]

I agree with you. I watched three or 4 others and TL is the best

[@cynthiakain3072]

Exactly, she so great & adds all important details like tension,vwhat creates the bottom st u go thru

[@jennifers595]

I have come back to watch your tutorial time and time again with each project I start. I have a short memory, but you explain this so well and are so easy to follow I can't believe I can't remember it! So, thank you for making this video. You have a lovely voice and I appreciate your time and experience

[@nuvoclassic]

Your explanations and stitching are EXCELLENT - tfs!

[@stluanne]

Excellent teacher! You also combine good video (clear, in focus, good contrast) and excellent audio with really good instruction. Just saying "chain one and then finish your stitch" seems so obvious and so clear but so far you are the ONLY instructor for the foundation who said that and made the purpose of that particular part of the stitch easy to remember! These foundation stitches are brilliant!

[@jamiejay3938]

Wow I have watched several tutorials on these stitches and haven't been able to wrap my head around the concept until I watched this video-it makes total sense to me now you are a great teacher thank u so much for the video!

[@crochetdethuongsaigon2989]

🇻🇳🌹💐

[@brookeweiser8574]

1:36 How to start FDNsc row 1:53 Step 1-of 1st FDNsc 2:13 Step 2-of 1st FDNsc -*2:48 Step 1-of 2nd FDNsc (Go under 2 loops) 2:55 Step 2-of 2nd FDNsc (Yarn over & Pull up 1 loop) 2:58 Step 3-of 2nd FDNsc (Chain 1) 3:00 Step 4-of 2nd FDNsc (Yarn over & Pull through BOTH loops)* -*3:55 How to work into SC for NEXT row 4:02 Chain 1 4:04 Rotate 4:08 Work into stitches like normal (AKA UNDER BOTH LOOPS & STARTING IN THE SAME st as the Ch 1)

[@elainebrooks6346]

You’re my foundation hero! I can’t tell you how helpful this has been to help me keep my foundation row nice and bouncy & not tight! Not even chaining with a bigger hook helped, but this did! It’s so much easier too! I don’t like counting chains at all 😀

[@crochetdethuongsaigon2989]

🇻🇳🌹💐

[@stephaniebeyer9737]

I can’t tell you how many videos I watched for fsc before I found yours that FINALLY explained that you’re working this upside down!! Now it all makes sense! Thank you so much Toni!

[@cassyyarber4622]

I didn't even know this was possible. AMAZING! Thank you so much. I love the way you explain things. You are very clear and calm.

[@pudgethefish5180]

omg I've been crocheting for over 20 years and never knew about this until today. literally today. 🤣🤣🤣🤦‍♀️ thank you

[@PamelaScarborough]

Holy cow...I'm 76 y.o. and I sure wish I new this 65 yes ago. You are a life saver. Also able now to skip starting the pattern 3rd ch from the hook. Wow I feel like a kid in a candy store. Lololo thank you. 😂😂

[@jeancaldwell5391]

Thank you , Toni! I knew I wanted to do this combination foundation stitch and had looked at people demonstrating it on a couple of other sites, and I’d become very confused. Finally I realized that you, as always, are the best teacher. Following your steps made sense and got me on a great start for moving forward with this concept. Thank you!

[@jackielord396]

How I hated the long wonky chains on big projects. This just opened up endless possibilities thank you so much

[@alicejones3668]

Awesome directions explaining this beautiful technique. Crochet has become such a learning experience with new ways to create a smoother finish for projects.

[@Chanatx]

Thank you so much for making this easy to understand! I'm fairly new at crocheting but already knew how much I hated the regular foundation chain! Lol! I will definitely be doing then this way from now on. ❤️

[@laurakiesel9052]

OMG 😮 Thank You So Much for! I’m so glad I stumbled across your perfectly clear explanation of the foundation chain stitches. I watched at least 10 other videos claiming to be an easy explanation but they were anything but clear. Within a few minutes, I felt like totally comfortable & understood how to do it! I can’t thank you enough! 😘

[@andyjehly6815]

Thank you! This is the first tutorial on foundation stitches that I actually understood :)

[@shellylamb2986]

Great instruction. Your explanation and verbiage is so clear. Thank you.

[@ScandiSweets]

This is the video to watch--it's a game changer!!!

[@joanuhlir1113]

So glad I found this video, I LOVE starting crochet projects this way. When doing it the "old fashioned way" of making the chain then going back and doing your first row, the row was never stretchy enough, it always felt tight, but with this method, it's perfect!! Thank you for posting this very well done video! It's the only way I'll start crochet patterns from now on!

[@TLYarnCrafts]

It is totally a game changer! I'm glad it helped you!

[@nuvoclassic]

In 2024, I'm 72yo and most of them crocheting. Always avoided this stitch. But now that I know it fixes my starting chain issues (tight, curling etc.) this will be my new jam. TFS!!!!!!

[@bonnie5972]

I love this idea . I always struggle with that first row. Thank you, I will be looking for more of your videos.

[@bethanykelley2962]

Ty so much. I watched a few before I found yours. I wasn't understanding it at all but once I watched your video I got it. I also appreciate you showing us how to continue after. Ty❤

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyeee1864]

Thankyou! so helpful and easy to follow along, I got it first time. You're a great teacher :)

[@renedees2199]

Finally this makes sense! You make it look so easy. I’ll be saving this for future reference for sure. Thanks Toni!

[@crochetdethuongsaigon2989]

🌹💐

[@boogarooga]

I always wanted to learn this technique but it never clicked until I saw your video. Thank you!

[@bettyhoward810]

This is a very good video for people like myself. I have tried for years to learn how to do these particular stitches. Others go through it so fast and do not explain the go through 2 loops of the chain. I have It now and this will make my crocheting projects a lot easier. Two thumbs up for you.

[@janetlewis7108]

Oh my gosh, how brilliant! Thank you!

[@HC21FDALAL13]

I've seen a few tutorials, but yours make the most sense! Thank you!

[@bethanyowens9571]

Thank you so much for your explanation of what’s actually happening here! I’ve watched other foundation stitch videos many times but it never clicked for me.

[@cynthiawilliams664]

thanks, that was easy, you were the only one who explained and demonstrated it well because i wasn't sure if i could do it for all projects, made sense to me, thanks again

[@ellencandler3238]

Life altering start for crocheting. You made it so easy to understand. I watched a couple of other ones. But they made it seem extremely complicated.

[@angelic1017]

Who else is gonna be here for every video!

[@Lvc1dDrexmz]

meee!!

[@shireenmahomedmahomed177]

Mee

[@teslah2997]

me

[@Amimi_9051]

I am here to stay. Ms. Toni is one talented lady! She is an excellent teacher. Her explanations and suggestions are helping me learn how to crochet and already have confidence as a newbie. So glad I found her. Thank you Ms. Toni, this is so much fun!

[@hx.b6963]

me, definitely me (says she who recently bought your book & only started crocheting a month or so ago !!). i’ve not yet plucked up the courage to try anything as i want to make a blanket for my daughter who’s at uni (we live in England). i’ve bought the tunisian hooks; just trying to see if this blanket is easy enough for me to do !! but i’ve become a big follower & hope to one day be as clever & crafty as you !! meant lovingly of course !!

[@lhawksworth22]

Having watched loads of other videos on FSC, this is the the clearest and easiest one to follow. Thank you so much! I am bookmarking you as I know where to come if I need more help.

[@stacypayton5809]

I have for over 30 years and I find your videos to be the best references/refreshers for stitches I have forgotten or new information. Thank you so much for your time in making these videos!!!!

[@kmhealed]

I’ve been binge watching your tutorials. One of the ones I watched was this one on foundation chains. Wow. I’ve been crocheting off and on for over 50 years. Never saw this. And then, just a few days later I was crocheting a basket (using the Tunisian long stitch) and decided that a SC foundation chain would work well as my basket handle! I really like the result! Thanks!

[@niciwalsh5180]

This was awesome, thankyou, I'm a beginner since becoming a Nan, been trying all sorts of things but have these issues, this has been one of many of your tips that I have incorporated into my crocheting, thank you.

[@gingertheknitter3570]

This was a very useful video. My grandmother never taught me about this kind of foundation row. I am now a subscriber. Thank you.

[@crochetdethuongsaigon2989]

💐🇻🇳🪴

[@TraciPrest]

Thank you SO MUCH for making this tutorial! I’ve tried many times to do this, but the instructions were confusing. This is super easy to follow. Thanks again!

[@Li1430000]

Thank you for simplifying all three methods. I do appreciate your videos, and it was thorough and I was able to follow along. I don’t know what another person mean by they couldn’t see the video, but I had no problem. They don’t know that if they use two fingers to zoom in, that option is always available in their phone or computer. I was able to clearly fall along as a man if I want to see stitches closer. Love the video. God bless.

[@theresamccormick-dunlap8383]

This was great! I’m so excited to learn this technique as I’m always a bit dissatisfied with my chain foundations. Thank you! I’m sharing this video.

[@barbghopwood5729]

This is wonderful and I can't wait to work it on the new blanket I'm working. Thank you so much for teaching me how to do this

[@af2313]

Toni, you really are my favourite crochet teacher. I had googled a tutorial for the fsc and looked at an unfamiliar creator and her explanation didn’t make sense to me. I was so glad to find this video, I knew when I saw your name that you would explain it in a way that makes sense to me. Thanks from Australia! 😊

[@TLYarnCrafts]

I'm so glad I could help :-)

[@petulagriffith9103]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This is not the first foundation stitch video that I watched but it is the only one that left me feeling confident enough to begin my project. Awesome job!!

[@kaylemoine1571]

Great! I watched this several months ago but I was knitting g at that time. So glad I was able to find you again. Thanks.

[@loveiklara]

Thanks for this! After 2 years of crocheting I finally dared to try foundation dc for a throw blanket, it is truly life changing.

[@wendallhaworth2981]

THANKS for such great explanations of foundation stitch. Looking forward to watching other videos. 🙂🙂🙂 Carolyn

[@msbaguette]

i have watched so many other videostrying to figure out how to do this, and now i think i finally get it, THANK YOU.

[@andrewshepherd6829]

Thank you TL! I've been wanting to get my head around foundation chains for quite some time but could never understand why, after following the instructions in other videos my project just didn't look the same. You are the only creator i've watched that explained that what looks like the top is actually the bottom and of course, now it makes perfect sense! Each chain 1 is the ' starting chain' so of course it's the bottom. Just a simple thing to flick a switch in my brain. Thank you for such a great easy to follow video!

[@heatherhepner2472]

Thank you! This is so much better than a chain especially for larger projects like blankets. It looks so much better too! Great tutorial!

[@normahussar6631]

Love working with you been crochet a long time but love learning new stitches thank you

[@monicajennemann4103]

It took me a moment, but now I love this!!!!!

[@mariathiry]

Thank you for a cool technique! My old eyes had a lot of trouble seeing what you were doing, though. Could you film a bit closer? Or maybe use a larger hook/ bulkier yarn? You talk things through nicely, but slightly larger visuals would help your older fans, like me. Love your channel! Thank you again for the great tutorials.

[@fish_trap_surprises2559]

Just started crocheting again since I was young and taught by my Babcie. I love the foundation crochet and now the half double!! So great! Ty

[@maureenrhowmine7586]

Toni, you ROCK!!!! Thank you so much for this! I was taught knitting and crocheting by my Nana 60 years ago, I sure wish she was alive to use this fabulous cast on!!!!

[@averillclarke6133]

Thank you for this amazing tutorial. I have been crocheting only for about the past 8 months, and learning chainless foundations has been on my list of skills to learn. You video is perfect! Very well explained. I think this will now be my preferred way to start a flat project. And, I also love the HDC!!

[@Pluviophile218]

Is this Toni who is on Knit & Crochet Now sometimes? I think it is!!!! You are my favorite on the show. You have such a nice pleasant voice and your instructions are very clear. You are just really fun to watch. I have been crocheting for a loooonnnnnnnggggg time. (Over 55 years.) and I have learned some great tips from you. Great teacher! I just subscribed here. Thanks for sharing your crochet expertise!! I will tune in often!

[@judyjacobs717]

This is the BEST video I have found on FHDC. This is a talented instructor!!!

[@Penguinchubb0]

I’ve watched this several times. Once I actually do it, I will put it to memory. I just like this video, and this teacher is my favorite on YT.

[@connielyoung12]

Thank you. You give very clear instruction.😊

[@stacilstubbs]

The explanation of the reason why you are doing the stitches this way is outstanding. I'm always one to ask "but why" and this video answered it. I appreciate you so much for your expertise in the craft. Thank you!

[@amyv2838]

Good to know that this method is more stretchy! Great tutorial. Thanks!

[@LindaIBrown]

I love half-double stitch! It has a nice consistency and nice look!

[@bruderlein8514]

I've been through I don't know how many videos explaining how to do this and I FINALLY got it down with this one. Thank you SO SO SO MUCH!

[@angelicnightmarestudios]

I have been trying to learn this for at least two years now and YOU explained it to the point I understood it and was even doing it before you said what to do by the double crochet! You're a wonderful teacher! Definitely liking and subscribing!

[@crochetdethuongsaigon2989]

🌹💐

[@rochellep1721]

Again, this is the best idea EVER. This video is in my library and I come back to it over & over again.

[@sandywieringa4434]

I've watched a few different videos on how to do this. Your video is, by far, the best! Your explanation and demonstration is so easy to follow. Thank you!

[@catherineacuna9651]

That is just so cool and very easy to do thank you for sharing this with me I love how nice it comes out thanks Catherine

[@nadezdasubenkova9949]

Hello, Madam! I found this video a while ago! It's so brilliant 👏 I keep sharing your video with my friends and customers in a shop I work. Great job you have done!

[@fidelogos7098]

Like one of the other commenters, I've watched several videos on creating foundation stitches with no improvement in my own. I was about to go back to making long chains, then sc, until I saw this. It suddenly made sense. I've saved the video for reference. Thanks so much!

[@rebekahkuekes5372]

Thank you for the tutorial. I've watched a couple on foundation stitches, but you gave such a helpful explanation of the process and what the results really are. And starting the next row was also super helpful!

[@theMermaidRhonda]

I've never been able to get this...until now! You're awesome Toni!

[@lalithanarayanan9114]

Thank you. Very easy to follow your directions. Great teacher.

[@collegestudentfinance2300]

Thank you. I’ve watched several videos but yours explained it the best!

[@nataliedcruz6079]

Thanks so much for such an easy tutorial to follow. I'm loving this and I've only just started crocheting again since I was a kid. My foundation chain was always too tight so my work was always wonky. I'm going to use this forever ! :)

[@pamborkowski7415]

I used the single crochet foundation chain for a baby blanket and I love it! It made working the additional starting rows much easier.

[@alexbanham5758]

Great explanation, and clear shots of hand in video. So Helpful! Thank You!❤

[@pattypage6723]

Thankyou! I was making it way more complicated than it should be! Much appreciated Tony

[@crochetdethuongsaigon2989]

🪴💐🌹🇻🇳

[@JessyA86]

I just found you today and I'm so thankful! Your explanations are so clear and you have excellent pacing. Thank you so much!

[@ajinpnw6221]

Absolutely the best video on foundation stitch ever! I’m with ya on a half crochet it’s my favorite and I didn’t know there was a foundation stitch for half! Will be my new go to! Thank you 💕

[@sarahmayberry4485]

Your instructions for this process are great!!! Thank you so much. I’ve crocheted for 45+ years and just learned something new!!