When learning to crochet, the first thing you have to learn, aside from the slip knot, is the chain. The foundation chain is the basis of all crochet projects, and for a lot of people it is extremely difficult to learn. Essentially the foundation chain is a series of loops in which the crochet project expands upon.
Foundation Chain vs Chainless Foundation
Why is the Foundation Chain So Difficult?
Since I learned to crochet as a kid, the foundation chain is not something I struggle with anymore, but I do understand why so many do. You barely know how to hold your crochet hook, have no idea what tension is, and now you are attempting to make a series of loops with barely anything to hold on to.
In the beginning the loops end up being a multitude of sizes and you can’t even tell how many you have done, but practice makes perfect. Like crochet in general, if you stick with it you will get the hang of it. Some people spend days just learning how to do a proper chain. I don’t struggle with the foundation chain anymore, but I do hate having to do it to start a project.
A Foundation Chain with NO CHAIN?
I am a member of several crochet groups on Facebook, and I often see mention of a chainless foundation chain. This is brand new to me! I am also interested to ask my 85-year-old aunt about this, she is the one who taught me how to crochet as a kid and has now taught me Filet Crochet as well. So, to say I was intrigued is an understatement. My first look at a YouTube video left me scratching my head. It looks so complicated.
What is a chainless foundation?
According to Google, a chainless foundation is “a technique in crochet where you make a foundation row without having to crochet a lot of chains. You can use it with any project that has plain rows of single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet and treble crochet. This technique makes it so much easier to start larger projects, like blankets, for example”. (Crochet Chainless Foundation Free Tutorial – Zamiguz)
Is the Chainless Foundation Easier?
Seeing as how so many people struggle with the foundation chain, wouldn’t it be harder for a beginner to learn how to do a foundation without the chain versus just the regular chain foundation? Perhaps taking the chain out of it actually makes it easier, or perhaps it is something you should learn once you are seasoned? These are all the questions I am asking myself!
Recently I came across a pattern I wanted to make and when I started watching the video, it used a chainless foundation. I figured I would give it a shot. Turns out, it is not as complicated as I thought. Now I will say you have to focus for the first few stitches simply because muscle memory wants you to do it wrong. Once I paid attention to what I was doing and made a conscious effort to get the chain part of the stitch in, it got easier.
Is the chainless Foundation Noticeable?
The hat that I used the chainless foundation on does not look any different than a regular project I would have started with a chain foundation. The chainless foundation isn’t exactly chainless. You just crochet the chain at the same time you do the next row stitch. In the case of my hat, this was a double crochet.
You insert the hook at the bottom and create the chain, then wrap you yarn again and create the double crochet.
You can see in the 2 photos above how I had 3 loops on my hook, created a chain stitch, and then back to 3 loops on my hook for the double crochet.
Is the Chainless Foundation Faster
As I mentioned earlier, the foundation chain is the most dreaded part of a crochet project. Especially if I am crocheting a large amount of chains. It is mundane and it takes forever. Then, once you finally get them all, you have to go back and create the stitches in each one.
The chainless foundation is much faster because you create the foundation chain and the stitch at the same time!
Free Printable Row Tracker
Blocking vs not blocking
What is blocking? I often see this question in the several crochet Facebook groups I am in. So let me start this post by explaining it for those who dont know. Blocking is the process of “squaring up” your project.
At some point I learned what blocking was, but I must admit I have never done it! The majority of what I crocheted was granny square blankets and I never felt that was something that required blocking.
How to Block Your Crochet Project
Blocking your crochet project can be done in a variety of ways with a variety of tools. You can go out and buy those fancy tools, or you can be creative and do a crochet blocking board diy. Essentially, you want to hold the crocheted item to its intended shape, wet or dampen it, and let it dry while held in position.
crochet blocking board diy
Got some straight pins and cardboard? You could probably block your crochet. Have any scrap wood lying around? Some dowels? Get a piece of wood with some dowels placed to slide your project over and hold it.
I made a blocking board for my bookmarks with some corkboard, wax paper, and straight pins.
CROCHET BASICS: Blocking and Setting | Bella Coco – YouTube
How Necessary is Blocking?
I do not think blocking is always necessary. I recently read a comment on Facebook on this very subject where a lady said she had been crocheting for 62 years and had never blocked anything. She went on to imply that this was a new concept in crochet.
I think it definitely would be beneficial for a project such as a granny square blanket where you have to join blocks together. Seems like perfectly square squares would join much easier than the not necessarily perfect square of a crocheted square.
If you are going to sell something you crochet, you would likely benefit from blocking it simply because it would have a more finished look. But in my opinion, if it’s a blanket or something that will be used, its not going to stay straight.
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