How to crochet a slip stitch and chain stitch

Steel and Stitch teaches the fundamental stitches you'll use in nearly every crochet project

Though the materials you need to start crocheting are quite basic–just a crochet hook and some yarn –the possibilities of what you can do with them are endless.

The same goes for the stitches themselves. By learning two basic stitches that serve as the foundation for most crochet projects, you'll be able to quickly start experimenting and creating.

In the video below, crochet and upcycling expert Emma Friedlander-Collins, also known as Steel & Stitch (@steelandstitch), demonstrates how to create a slip stitch and work a chain stitch, which is sometimes also referred to as a foundation stitch.

Though these stitches might seem quite basic, once you have your chain stitch you can transform and add to it in a number of ways. For instance:

Use it as a foundation

To create volume you can add more rows, creating a single or double crochet. With a little bit of practice, you'll be able to easily and quickly build on your chain stitch to create everything from clothing to home decor.

Vary your pattern

To create different shapes and add pattern to your piece, you can also increase and decrease your stitches.

The great thing about chain stitch is that because it's so simple, you can easily and quickly experiment with variations and add personality to your project.

If you liked these tips, you can learn more about crochet and creative upcycling from Steel and Stitch through her online course: Upcycling with Crochet for Beginners.

You may also be interested in:

- Knitting and Crochet Basic Techniques, a course by Binge Knitting.
- Amigurumi: Creation of Characters through Crochet, a course by Ameskeria.
- Sustainable Fashion: Get into Upcycling, a course by Ximena Corcuera.