The Foundation Half-Double Crochet (FHDC) is one of my favorite techniques to start off a project.
With this technique, instead of starting off with a long chain, you will be starting off with a short and simple chain and adding onto it. But what makes the foundation chain better than the normal chain we all know and love?
- Keeps your stitches consistent from the very start
- Makes for a stretchy start to your project compared to a normal chain
- Quicker start compared to a normal chain
- Easier to count beginning row stitches
- Creates a nice, finished look at the beginning of your work - similar to that of your last row of the project
Need to start off from the beginning? Check out my post on the 5 Easy Stitches to get you started with crochet!
Step 1: Create a slip knot and chain 2
Some patterns using this technique may call for a chain of 3 rather than 2 - it's up to you or the designer which you choose to do.
I personally find that a chain of 2 keeps the foundation chain less wonky.
Step 2: Yarn over, insert hook into the 2nd chain from your hook
Step 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop through the stitch
There should be 3 loops on your hook.
Step 4: Yarn over and draw through 1 loop
This step creates your "chain" part of this stitch. There should still be 3 loops on your hook after this step has been completed
Step 5: Yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook
This completes your Half Double Crochet portion of this technique. You should have one loop left on your hook after this step.
Now that you've completed your first FHDC, repeat steps 6 through 9 to add additional stitches to your foundation chain!
Step 6: Yarn over, insert hook through 2 loops of the previous chain
Step 7: Yarn over and pull up a loop through the stitch
You should have 3 loops on your hook once again
Step 8: Yarn over and draw through one loop
Like in step 4, this creates the "chain" part of the next stitch. 3 loops will be on your hook
Step 9: Yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook
And that's all there is to it! Creating this foundation chain may be tricky at first - but once you've got the hang of it, you'll want to use it for so many projects!
I hope this tutorial helped you learn how to create one of my favorite ways to start projects! Let me know in the comments below, what is going to be your first project with this technique?
Happy Crocheting!
