How to Crochet the Foundation Single Crochet Stitch
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you purchase through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
As a crocheter, you are always on the lookout for ways to improve your craft. Have you ever heard of the foundation single crochet stitch? This versatile stitch is a game-changer for your projects. Not only does it eliminate the need for a long chain of stitches, but it also allows for easy shaping and a clean, chainless foundation row.
Known to crocheters as the “Fsc,” this stitch is a must-learn for any project. Say goodbye to tedious foundation chains and hello to this quick and effective technique. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, mastering the Fsc will elevate your skills and bring new life to your creations. Ready to take your crochet game to the next level? Let’s learn the Fsc together.
How to Crochet a Foundation Single Crochet Stitch
Learn how easy it is to crochet the foundation single crochet stitch. The foundation single crochet stitch is sometimes used instead of making your foundation chain stitches. This stitch can also be used to add extra stitches to the end of a row for shaping purposes. This method has also been called the Chainless Foundation Row. The foundation single crochet stitch is abbreviated Fsc for US Crochet Terms.
How to crochet the first Fsc:
- Chain 2.
- Insert your hook under the top 2 loops of the first chain.
- Yarn over and pull up 1 loop.
- Yarn over and pull through the first loop.
- Yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops.
See the step-by-step photo tutorial (below) for more information.
How to crochet the next Fsc:
- Insert your hook under the top 2 loops of the chain from the first Fsc.
- Yarn over and pull up 1 loop.
- Yarn over and pull through the first loop.
- Yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops.
See the step-by-step photo tutorial (below) for more information.
Foundation Single Crochet Stitch Photo Tutorial
For this tutorial I am using Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn [4] and a 5 mm (H) crochet hook.
How to crochet the first Fsc:
Step 1
Chain 2.
Step 2
Insert your hook under the back loop and the back bar of the first chain stitch (these are the ‘top 2 loops’ of the chain).
Step 3
Yarn over hook.
Step 4
Pull up 1 loop.
You now have 2 loops on your hook.
Step 5
Yarn over hook.
Step 6
Pull through the first loop on your hook. This completes the ‘chain’ portion of the foundation single crochet stitch. You have 2 loops left on your hook.
Step 7
Yarn over hook.
Step 8
Pull through the remaining 2 loops on the hook to complete the first Fsc.
How to Crochet the Next Foundation Single Crochet Stitch
Step 1
Insert your hook under the back loop and back bar of the chain portion of the last Fsc.
Step 2
Yarn over and pull up 1 loop. You have 2 loops on your hook.
Step 3
Yarn over the hook.
Step 4
Pull through the first loop on your hook. This completes the ‘chain’ portion of the foundation single crochet stitch. You have 2 loops left on your hook.
Step 5
Yarn over the hook.
Step 6
Pull through the remaining 2 loops on the hook to complete the Fsc.
TIPS for Success!
Remember you need to work under the top 2 loops of the previous chain stitch to make the foundation single crochet stitches. These top 2 loops are called the back loop and the back bar (or 3rd loop) of the chain.
This is what your finished chain will look like:
You may also enjoy these posts:
Socials:
Say goodbye to tedious chains and hello to your new fave stitch—the foundation single crochet stitch (Fsc)! This stitch isn’t just about speed; it’s about leveling up your crochet game for real. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, the Fsc is your game changer. Ready to stitch up a storm? Let’s do it together! 🧶
Discover the game-changing foundation single crochet stitch, or ‘Fsc.’ Enhance your crochet work by eliminating long chains and effortlessly shaping your projects. This stitch is not just a technique; it’s an upgrade to your creativity and skills. Say no more to tedious chains, and welcome the fast and clean Fsc. Time to step up your crochet game!
Happy crocheting!
Connect with Me
Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for the latest updates.
Hi Christina, are you trying to make it for the top of the hat? and then working in rounds to the forehead? If you are working this way I would just use a Double Magic Ring and then work your single crochet stitches straight into that. If you are trying to make the brim of the hat first and work upwards toward the crown of the hat, you could do you foundation row and then sl st to the first st of the round and continue working in rounds from there. I’m sorry if I am misunderstanding the question!! Rhondda
I understand the foundation sc now, but if I want to make a hat that has fsdo how do join it into a circle and not twist it?
Hi Sandy 🙂 it depends on the pattern you are working – sometimes it can cause a difference in elasticity (see this post from Doris Chan: https://dorischancrochet.com/foundation-single-crochet/. Hope this helps 🙂 I’m very happy you like receiving the newsletter!! Have a lovely week, Rhondda
Thanks for this tutorial! Before reading yours, I had been going by another tutorial I had found. It suggested that I should work through both “top” loops of the chain part of the foundation (i.e., *both* yellow strands you show in the image below step 8) — it results in a foundation dc that looks slightly different from yours, but it seems to work well. Is my old way just a variation of yours or am I truly doing something wrong?
I always enjoy receiving your weekly email — I never fail to learn something or find a free pattern I want to keep. Thanks …
You are very welcome Angelica 🙂 I’m happy the tutorial was helpful! Rhondda
Hi Rhonda, thanks a lot for this tutorial; love it: I’ve got a sample and wanted to undo it to see how it was done ;)… not necessary now!