starting a project: foundation vs chains

Submitted by LiliTupili on 9 February 2009 - 10:06am.

At first, I started each project with a chain of chains, working the first row into one of the top loops (the leftmost part on the photo).
Then I came across foundational sc, which was great, but left me unsatisfied because it was rather slow to crochet and turned out way more loose than the rest (the middle part on the photo).

Now, this is my favorite way to start a project: Make a chain of chains, with a hook 0.5mm larger than the one you want to use for the project. Then, turn the chain and work into the back bump of the stitches (the right part on the photo).
This way, you get a very neat beginning (looks like the top of a row) and by using the larger hook, there're no problems with tension.
(And yes, it does take a little longer than the normal start, but not much.)

mad for crochet! I like the back bump method too!I find it much easier and quicker than the traditional foundation chain.

Submitted by sarahcrit on 9 February 2009 - 10:15am.

i've just tried your technique, a small swatch using noro sock yarn - beautifully space-dyed yet rather slubby & so neat beginnings can be a bit hit-&-miss: a success! thank you for sharing this, i'll certainly be using it again.

Submitted by wobbly on 9 February 2009 - 11:31am.

Starting with a larger hook (or knitting needle) is the norm, but I discovered I have to use a *smaller* hook on a foundation single crochet, or double crochet, or half-double crochet, or... For me, a foundation sc is easier overall than counting chains and then finding their back nub. I agree it doesn't leave the nice chain edge.

Submitted by pauline3 on 10 February 2009 - 12:06am.

Thanks all for your comments!

Yes, pauline3, using a smaller hook on foundational stitches does work, but they are somewhat tedious for me anyway, which gets enhanced by using an even smaller hook... actually, if you do it the way described in the crochet me-book, foundational stitches give you a very similar edge to the back bump method. In a way, all you do is crochet your chains with the stitches, so if you are careful where you put your next stitch, you can make the chains visible at the underside.

Submitted by LiliTupili on 10 February 2009 - 12:14am.

Tatyana

I love the foundation beginning - I'll try adding the next row into the back "bumps" next time. I actually find a sc foundation row much faster to work than the traditional chain row, because I fumble so much to add my stitches into the chains! This technique has made my projects much neater and less frustrating!

Submitted by Tatyana on 11 February 2009 - 3:14pm.

I never could understand how to do the foundation sc stitch -- but I have done the chains then back bump sc method & love how it looks so much neater. I am going to try the foundation sc one of these days -- when I am feeling more patient maybe!! Thanks for sharing :-)

Submitted by janelchantilly on 13 February 2009 - 5:46pm.

LILITUPILI: I love your little flower/doll on your user profile -- it is sooo cute - do you have a pattern or a few notes on generally how you did it??

Submitted by janelchantilly on 13 February 2009 - 5:50pm.

Do you have any pictures of this foundation technique? It sounds neat, I'd love to see it.

Submitted by tiffanyjennings on 18 February 2009 - 12:41am.

I added a photo of the different versions. Thank you for the tip!

Submitted by LiliTupili on 18 February 2009 - 1:21am.

I just wanted to say: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

I am self taught newbie and on the few projects I've done hooking onto the chain almost makes me want to give up before I've even started. This is so much eaiser!

Submitted by LoveKnot on 27 February 2009 - 10:42am.