Starting Chain

The starting chain is the foundation of most crochet projects. It creates a base row of chain stitches that you will build your first row of crochet into. Each chain stitch is abbreviated CH in crochet patterns. Starting chains help establish the width of your project and ensure your edges are even.

1 Yarn Over

A yarn over (YO) is when you wrap the working yarn (the yarn attached to the ball) over the hook from back to front.

1 Pull Through

Pull the working yarn through the loop on your hook.

3 First Chain

The yarn is fully pulled through the loop, creating your first chain stitch.

4 Chain 20

Continue making chains until you have 20 CH.