The foundation single crochet stitch (fsc) is my absolute favorite way to start a new project that begins with a single crochet row. The fsc stitch replaces your usual starting chain PLUS the first single crochet row – you are essentially working the chain and the first row at the same time!
It takes a little bit of concentration to get the hang of the foundation single crochet stitch, but once you have it, you’ll never go back. Promise 😉
About Chainless Foundation Crochet Stitches
- Start here -> Intro to Chainless Foundation Crochet Stitches – read all about what they are, when (and why!) you will use them.
- Foundation Single Crochet (fsc) Tutorial (scroll down)
- Foundation Half Double Crochet (fhdc) Tutorial
- Foundation Double Crochet (fdc) Tutorial
What is the Foundation Single Crochet?
Foundation Single Crochet (US) or Foundation Double Crochet (UK) offers an alternative way to start a new crochet project.
Usually, you might see the first row of a pattern written something like this:
- Ch 11, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [10]
Now, replace that with a foundation single crochet:
- Fsc 10. [10]
Why use the foundation single crochet stitch?
You can read more about the benefits of chainless foundation rows and why you might want to use them here: Intro to Chainless Foundation Crochet Stitches.
For single crochet stitches in particular, if the first row worked in the standard way (with a starting chain + a row of sc), it can often be very tight and have a tendency to curl. On the other hand, a fsc row will be alot straighter and have more stretch. Yay!
When can I use a foundation single crochet row?
You can use this stitch on any project that starts with a row of single crochet.
Your fsc row stitch count will always be one less than the starting chain of the traditional method.
So, in the example above, the “Ch 11” followed by a row of “sc” gave you 10 sts (the first ch is your turning ch and does not count as a stitch).
But if you were to replace this with a fsc row, you would need to work 10 fsc to achieve the same stitch count.
Foundation Double Crochet (fsc) – Video Tutorial
Foundation Single Crochet (fsc) Tutorial
Learn how to crochet the foundation single crochet (fsc) stitch.
Fsc stitches replace your usual starting chain PLUS the first single crochet row - you are essentially working the chain and the first row at the same time!
Materials
- Any yarn + suitable crochet hook
Instructions
- Chain 2. Insert hook into second chain from hook. Yarn over and pull up a loop. [2 loops on hook]
- Yarn over and and pull through the first loop on hook i.e. ch 1. This is the extra "chain" in your foundation row. [Still 2 loops on hook]
- Yarn over and pull through the two loops on your hook. First fsc (US) / fdc (UK) made.
- Insert hook into extra "chain" made in Step 2. Yarn over and pull up a loop. [2 loops on hook]
- Yarn over and pull through the first loop on hook i.e. ch 1. This is the next "chain" in your foundation row. Yarn over and pull through the two loops on your hook. Second fsc (US) / fdc (UK) made.
- Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until desired row length is reached.
I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial!
I love seeing all of your projects; be sure to tag me on Instagram (you can find me here: @nedandmimi), and use #nedandmimi to show off your foundation single crochet stitches 🙂
Happy crocheting!
Sarah