How to Crochet a Chain Stitch (And Why Relaxed Hands Matter) – Step 3

By Nicki Byrnes

May 8, 2026

If you’ve been following along with this beginner crochet series, you’ve already learned two important first steps:

• how to make a slip knot
• how to hold the yarn

Now it’s time to make your very first crochet stitches: the chain. Abbreviated as “ch” in crochet patterns, this is the most basic stitch, used to create the foundation chain for most projects and to add height (turning chains) between rows or rounds. Before you can make scarves, blankets, sweaters, stuffed animals, or granny squares, you first need to learn how to make a foundation chain.

If you missed the first two lessons in my How to Crochet series, the blog posts are above and the videos are here:

• How to Make a Slip Knot: Your First Step in Crochet
• How to Hold the Yarn for Crochet (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

Watch the Video Tutorial

In this lesson, I’ll show you exactly how to make a crochet chain step-by-step, including what beginners usually struggle with and how to make it feel easier.

Watch the crochet chain tutorial on YouTube

What Is a Crochet Chain?

A crochet chain is created with one repeated motion:

Yarn over, pull through.

Each chain builds on the one before it, creating what’s called the foundation chain (or foundation row). Later, you’ll crochet your stitches into this chain to start building actual fabric.

When you look at the front of your chain, you’ll see a row of little “V” shapes lined up next to each other.

How to Make a Crochet Chain

Start by holding your yarn the same way we practiced in the previous lesson.

Use your thumb and middle finger to pinch the slip knot while your pointer finger stays lifted to guide the yarn.

One thing beginners often do without realizing it: they keep holding the original slip knot while the work grows downward. That pulls the loop around the hook too tight and makes crocheting much harder.

Instead, keep adjusting your grip as you work so your fingers are always pinching just underneath the hook.

Step 1: Yarn Over

With the hook facing you, move the hook underneath the yarn and catch it with the tip of the hook.

This is called a yarn over.

Some crocheters move the yarn over the hook with their opposite hand, but I recommend letting your hook hand do the work instead. Keep your yarn hand relaxed and steady.

Step 2: Pull Through

Turn the hook downward slightly so the yarn doesn’t slip off.

Then gently pull the yarn through the loop already on your hook.

That completes one chain stitch.

Now repeat:

• yarn over
• pull through
• reset your hands if needed
• repeat

That repeated motion creates your chain.

The Biggest Beginner Mistake: Chaining Too Tight

This is by far the most common issue for beginners.

Usually, people are concentrating so hard that they pull their hands in opposite directions without realizing it. That tightens the yarn and makes the stitches difficult to work into later.

Right now, it’s actually better to crochet a little too loose than too tight.

A few things that help:

• Keep your hands relaxed
• Pause and shake your hands out if you feel tension building
• Reposition your grip often
• Focus on the motion instead of “perfect” stitches
• Try going up one hook size if everything feels too tight

Your hands should not hurt while crocheting. Your brain might feel a little tired from learning something new — but your hands should stay relaxed.

Practice Making a Long Chain

At this stage, repetition matters more than perfection.

Practice making long chains over and over again so the motion starts to feel natural.

If you stop and remove your hook to readjust or take a break, make sure your chain hasn’t twisted before you begin again.

A quick way to check:

• the front of the chain looks like little “V” shapes
• the back has a bump running down the center

Next Step in the Beginner Crochet Series

Once you feel comfortable making chains, the next step is learning how to crochet into that foundation chain to create your first row of single crochet stitches.

That’s where crochet really starts coming to life.

Until then, keep practicing:
yarn over, pull through.