Monday, December 1, 2014

HDC Chainless Foundation

One of the things that I despised the most when first learning to crochet was working stitches into a chain.  It's one of my least favorite things to do along with stitching things like buttons on.

 When I first decided to try a chain-less foundation or a foundation chain (whichever you prefer), I watched a video and it confused me.  I left it alone for a while and decided to try it again.  Wowzers!!!!  It's one of my new found loves!
Most of my new designs will begin with chain-less foundations and I will be updating my older patterns to this also.  I Love the way it keeps the stitching more even and it gives a good stretch to the base of your project whereas a regular chain can sometimes be to tight. 
Some people learn better with videos and others with photos. 
If you're a video fan,  here's a link to how to work this foundation:


 HDC Chainless Foundation Video from AllFreeCrochet.com

 If you're a fan of photos,  here is how I do the Half Double crochet Chain-less Foundation

 1) Chain 3, yarn over, insert hook in very first chain and pull up a loop
You'll now have 3 loops on your hook
2) Yarn over and pull through last loop on hook

3) Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook (this is your first hdc)

 4) Yarn over and insert hook in bottom chain 

and pull up a loop


5) Yarn over and pull through last loop on hook

6) Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook



Repeat steps 4 - 6 to desired/required length.This is a fantastic way to start projects and I hope you have found this helpful.
Kate

13 comments:

  1. UnknownMay 6, 2015 at 7:18 PM

    Thank you so much for the photo tutorials! Like you, I have tried several times to learn how to do foundation stitches instead of chaining, always the same ending, extremely frustrated and walking away from crocheting for a few weeks. This is perfect, read through once and it just clicked!

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    1. Crafting Friends DesignsMay 6, 2015 at 7:56 PM

      Oh good! I'm happy to hear it helped. After doing this, you won't want to go back lol

      Delete
  2. beckilynbMay 17, 2015 at 5:06 PM

    I wish it did for me! I hate foundation stitches. How critical is this to the design?

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    Replies
    1. Crafting Friends DesignsMay 17, 2015 at 5:12 PM

      Becky, I just love that it stretches with the stitches well, but if you're not comfortable with using it, you can always just chain the amount of stitches noted and then a couple extra to use as the turning chain in the designs

      Delete
  3. UnknownAugust 22, 2016 at 5:44 PM

    Hi, in your Peaked Shell afghan pattern, you say to do this foundation stitch in multiples of 4+1. Does the chain space you point to above count as the +1, or do you mean to just do one extra HDC? Thanks!

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  4. Crafting Friends DesignsAugust 22, 2016 at 8:50 PM

    Hi Allyson,
    You would work one more hdc on the foundation for the +1

    ReplyDelete
  5. DoraSpaldingJanuary 12, 2017 at 6:45 AM

    Can you use this technique with other stitches or is it just for hdc? Love the tutorial and can't wait to try it. I have never heard of this. I hate starting chains. I always get it wrong and have to redue them.

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    Replies
    1. Crafting Friends DesignsJanuary 12, 2017 at 11:48 AM

      Absolutely! Here is a link for the dc foundation: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2015/02/double-crochet-foundation-chain-photo.html

      I don't have a tutorial for the sc foundation but it's like the hdc except you won't yarn over first and you'd start with 1 less chain.
      It's so nice to work with once you get the hang of it!
      Kate

      Delete
  6. sharonDecember 30, 2017 at 4:35 PM

    Hi 🙋 Kate I've just found your photo tutorial for foundation hdc. I've tried to learn from videos but can't do it. Don't know if it's coz I'm left-handed or not but your fotos seem to be explaining it and making it seem a lot easier to pluck up the courage to try 😊 . Thankyou ever so much for fotos and for explaining how to transfer technique to other stitches. And Thankyou for your free patterns that I also have just come across x❤ 🙋

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    1. Crafting Friends DesignsDecember 30, 2017 at 4:38 PM

      Thank you Sharon! I'm so happy it's helped. I do mine slightly different than I've seen others do but the result is still the same. I had a hard time learning from videos too!

      Delete
  7. UnknownFebruary 28, 2018 at 2:01 AM

    Dear Kate
    Am writing from Nairobi, Kenya. Just re-started crotchet after decades of break. I hate starting chains as well.Tutorial for hdc seems easy, so cannot wait to try and hope it works out for me too.
    Priscilla

    ReplyDelete
  8. ruthoAugust 9, 2018 at 6:23 PM

    OH my goodness. I've tried this by looking at videos and just didn't get it. Your picture tutorial is awesome. I think I can do this now!!! Thank you so much

    ReplyDelete
  9. ruthoAugust 9, 2018 at 6:25 PM

    OH my goodness. I've tried this by looking at videos and just didn't get it. Your picture tutorial is awesome. I think I can do this now!!! Thank you so much

    ReplyDelete

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