# [Choose foundation stitches](https://threadcabin.com/explore/198/choose-foundation-stitches)

> Foundation stitches form the base and first row together. Substitute them only when their stitch height and attachment points suit the pattern.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/198/choose-foundation-stitches
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:33.8444089+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:38.9309144+00:00
- Craft: Crochet
- Primary image: [Illustration: A relaxed crochet foundation chain beside a flexible foundation-stitch row, each laid flat without stretching.](https://threadcabin.com/images/explore/focused/crochet-foundation.jpg)

Foundation stitches form the base and first row together. Substitute them only when their stitch height and attachment points suit the pattern.

## Before you start

Confirm whether the instructions use US or UK terms. On a smooth-yarn sample, mark the first and last stitch and note whether the turning chain counts.

## How to do it

1. For foundation single crochet (US), chain 2. Insert under two strands of the first chain and draw up a loop. Yarn over and pull through just one loop to create the new base chain; mark it. Yarn over and pull through both loops to finish the stitch.
2. Insert into the marked base chain and repeat: draw up a loop, pull through one, then pull through two. Move the marker to the newly made base chain until its location is clear. Count finished stitch tops, not both edges together.

## Try this example

Compare 20 foundation single crochets with 20 ordinary single crochets above a chain, using US terms. Stretch and release both edges before choosing.

## Check your result

- Count stitch tops separately from chain spaces and compare successive row or round totals. Lay the sample down without stretching it to inspect the shape.
- A symbol or familiar stitch name does not supply a complete construction. Use the project’s own counts, turning rules and joining instructions.

## Sources

- [www.purlsoho.com: foundation single crochet fsc](https://www.purlsoho.com/create/foundation-single-crochet-fsc/)
- [www.craftyarncouncil.com: crochet abbreviations](https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/crochet-abbreviations)
- [media.craftyarncouncil.com: CYC_CIP_Crochet_Program_2017.pdf](https://media.craftyarncouncil.com/files/CIP/CYC_CIP_Crochet_Program_2017.pdf)

[Browse editable craft templates](/crafts?craft=crochet)

[Report a correction](/corrections).

## Sources and provenance

- [Reading crochet charts: symbols, rows, rounds, and repeats](https://threadcabin.com/explore/4/reading-crochet-charts-symbols-rows-rounds-and-repeats)
- [Measure a foundation chain](https://threadcabin.com/explore/197/measure-a-foundation-chain)
- [Translate US and UK crochet terms](https://threadcabin.com/explore/199/translate-us-and-uk-crochet-terms)
- [Crochet loop placement changes texture and movement](https://threadcabin.com/explore/12/crochet-loop-placement-changes-texture-and-movement)