Learn how to crochet the foundation chain with half double crochet stitches. The foundation chain is also known as chainless foundation.
What is a foundation chain?
The foundation chain is the simultaneous crocheting of the initial chain of chain stitches AND the 1st row of stitches that you would otherwise crochet after completing the initial chain.
With the foundation chain, you always crochet 1 chain stitch AND 1 other stitch directly into the chain stitch you just crocheted. You continue until you reach your desired length.
This gives you an initial crochet piece that doesn’t warp as much as it would if, for example, you started with a chain first and then crocheted the 1st row of stitches into it afterwards.
Instructions on how to crochet the foundation chain with other stitches can be found here:
Foundation Chain with Half Double Crochet Stitches
Needed Techniques
Needed Materials and Tools
To order the materials click on the respective link (affiliate link).
- Colors: blue
- This pattern was crocheted using the “Schachenmayr Catania” yarn (100% Cotton, Meterage: 125 m, Yarn Ball Weight: 50 g, Yarn Weight: Sport – 5ply / Fine (2)) in the following colors:
- Capri (Capri (384))
- 2.5 mm Crochet Hook
Crochet Foundation Chain with Half Double Crocht Stitches
Use the check boxes to mark your finished rounds, rows and steps.
- Step 1: Make a slip knot and crochet 2 chain stitches.
- Step 2: Yarn over and push the crochet hook through the 1st crocheted chain stitch. Yarn over and pull through the pushed through stitch. You have 3 loops on the crochet hook. Yarn over again and pull through the 1st loop on the crochet hook. With this you have crocheted the next chain stitch of the chain.
- At this point you have crocheted the next chain stitch of the chain.
- Step 3: Yarn over again and pull through the 3 loops on the crochet hook. You have only 1 loop left on the crochet hook. With this you have crocheted the 1st half double crochet stitch into the chain.
- You now have a very short chain with 1 half double crochet stitch. The longer you continue crocheting, the clearer you will also be able to see that it is indeed a chain with half double crochet stitches.
- Step 4: Crochet the next stitches as follows: First, yarn over. Where the crochet hook rests, is the “top side”. Now push the crochet hook through the stitch on the opposite side from the crochet hook, which is the “bottom side”. This is the chain stitch crocheted in step 2. Push through both loops of the stitch.
- Step 5: Now you proceed in the same way as in the beginning. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Then yarn over again and pull through the 1st loop. You have crocheted the next chain stitch and have 3 loops on the crochet hook. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. You have crocheted the next half double crochet stitch and have 1 loop on the crochet hook.
- You have crocheted the next chain stitch.
- You have crocheted the next half double crochet stitch.
- Step 6: Now repeat steps 4 and 5 until your foundation chain has reached the desired length.
- After the desired length is reached, continue crocheting in regular rows. That is, you turn the crochet piece with or without a turning chain (2 chain stitches to turn if you continue crocheting with half double crochet stitches) and crochet the next row on the foundation chain.
