What is Foundation Single Crochet Stitch (FSC)

Ready to take your crochet skills to the next level? Learn how to make the foundation single crochet stitch! With this technique, you’ll achieve a more flexible and stretchy foundation row in your projects. Join me in this tutorial where I’ll walk you through each step, providing clear instructions and handy tips.

Let’s dive in and learn the foundation crochet stitches (also called chainless foundation) crochet technique!

What is a foundation single crochet?

The Foundation Single Crochet Stitch, often abbreviated as FSC, is an alternative to the foundation chain. With this technique, you can simultaneously crochet the foundation chain and the first row of single crochet stitches, resulting in a more flexible and stretchy foundation row.

This makes it ideal for projects that require elasticity, such as scarves, shawls, and fingerless gloves. Not only does it offer a polished edge, but it also eliminates the need to go back and work into the chains afterwards.

The abbreviation for foundation single crochet stitch is FSC. Whether it’s written in lowercase or uppercase, it doesn’t really matter since everyone has their own unique style when using the abbreviation.

Why use foundation single crochet stitches?

Ever made a scarf or blanket where the starting row felt tight while the rest was all nice and stretchy? I certainly have, multiple times! Apart from not being stretchy, the tight starting chain also alters the shape slightly. But that was before I knew about this alternative way of starting a project.

One trick is to use a larger size hook for the foundation chain. That way your chain stitches will be larger, giving you more space between the stitches. But it’s still not going to be a stretchy edge.

Another (better) option is using foundation stitches. Foundation single crochet stitches are great when you want that extra stretchiness for the edge of your project. If your pattern calls for single crochet stitches in the first row, go for foundation single crochet stitches. And, if the first row of your pattern calls for different stitches, don’t worry, there’s foundation half double crochet and double crochet stitches too!

Comparison of different foundation stitches: single crochet vs. half double crochet vs. double crochet foundation stitches. Light green color yarn on a white background.

The beauty of foundation stitches is that once you grasp the technique of foundation single crochet, you’ll find it easier to understand how the other foundation stitches work. So, if you’re keen to explore and learn more about these stitches, you can find guidance for other foundation stitches right here.

Free Crochet Patterns that use FSC stitches

You can replace foundation chains and the first row with foundation single crochet stitches in these quick patterns:

When can you replace the chains with foundation stitches and how?

Foundation stitches can be used in a lot of different patterns. If the pattern requires you to work a single crochet row in the first row, then you can use foundation single crochet stitches.
To replace the starting chain with foundation stitches in any pattern, just look at the total number of stitches in the first row. That’s the number of foundation stitches you will need to make.

What if the pattern has a mix of stitches in the first row? Can the foundation stitches be used as well? Well, if you want to follow the exact pattern instructions, then that’s when you probably need to grab your larger-size hook (if you need more stretchiness) and do the traditional chain. But you can also try to make single crochet foundation stitches and start the actual pattern from the next row.

I think the best way to find out is to make a little swatch to see what it will look like. Make a small sample with a foundation chain using a larger hook and make a sample using foundation single crochet stitches. See what looks and feels better!

Foundation Single Crochet

Materials

Any yarn (worsted or bulky yarn would work better in the beginning as you can see the stitches clearly)
Crochet hook (5mm for worsted or 6mm for bulky)
Stitch Markers (optional)

Abbreviations

Ch = chain

YO = yarn over

SC = single crochet

FSC = foundation single crochet

Foundation Single Crochet Video Demonstration

Watch the short video demonstration of the single crochet foundation stitch here.

FSC Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial

Make a slip knot and chain 2.

2. Insert hook into the first chain.

Two chained stitches in pink yarn with a purple hook, demonstrating the first step of the foundation single crochet stitch.

hook inserted into the first stitch, demonstrating the second step of the foundation single crochet stitch.

3. YO, pull up a loop. This is the first part of the foundation stitch – the chain stitch. Remember this chain stitch for step 6. You can place a marker or visually remember that chain stitch.

Two loops on hook, demonstrating the third step of the foundation single crochet stitch.

4. YO, pull up through one loop on your hook.

Two loops on hook, demonstrating the fourth step of the foundation single crochet stitch.

5. YO, pull through both loops on hook. (this is the second part of the foundation stitch – the single crochet). The first FSC is completed.

One loop on hook, demonstrating the fifth step and the completion of the first foundation single crochet stitch.

6. To make the next foundation stitch, insert your hook into both strands of the chain stitch you made in step 3.

Two adjacent photos featuring pink yarn and a hook on a white background, depicting the next step of inserting the hook.

7. YO and pull up a slightly longer loop. That’s the second chain stitch. Place another marker or remember that chain stitch for your next FSC.

Two loops on hook, demonstrating the seventh step of the foundation single crochet stitch.

8. YO, pull up through one loop on your hook.

Two loops on hook, demonstrating the eighth step of the foundation single crochet stitch.

9. YO and pull through both loops on hook. The second part of the FSC is done. Now you have two foundation stitches completed.

One loop on hook, demonstrating the ninth step and the completion of the second foundation single crochet stitch.

Repeat from step 6.

Written Instructions

Make a slip knot and chain 2.
Insert hook into the first chain.
3. YO, pull up a loop. This is the first part of the foundation stitch – the chain stitch. Remember this chain stitch for step 6. You can place a marker or visually remember that chain stitch.
YO, pull through one loop on your hook.
YO, pull through both loops on hook. This is the second part of the foundation stitch (the single crochet). The first foundation single crochet (FSC) stitch is completed.
To make the next foundation stitch, insert hook into both strands of the chain stitch you created in step 3.
YO and pull up a slightly longer loop (chain stitch).
YO, pull through one loop on your hook.
YO and pull through both loops on hook (single crochet). Now you have two foundation single crochet stitches completed.
Repeat steps 6-9.

Once you learn to see where you need to insert your hook to make the next chain stitch, you won’t need to use markers, and you’ll easily recognise the chain stitch on the side!

I hope you enjoyed learning foundation single crochet stitches!