How do I make my foundation row neater?
Try working into the ‘back bump’ of each chain instead…
Last issue, we showed you the standard method of working stitches into a foundation chain, which involves inserting the hook under the top two strands of each chain. In this alternative, you work into just the ‘back bump’ of each chain, to create a neater look along the bottom edge of your fabric – and you might even find it easier.
Step 1 To start, make 10 chains (remember not to count the active loop on the hook). Place this length so the plaited side is facing away from you – this is the ‘wrong’ side of the chain. Examine one chain and you’ll see that it’s made up of a top strand, a bottom strand and a central horizontal strand – this centre strand is the ‘back bump’ of the chain. Now insert a stitch marker under the back bump of the 10th chain, which is the horizontal strand closest to the hook.
Step 2 Turn the chain over so the plaited ‘right’ side is facing you. Work one extra chain (this counts as the turning chain, we’ll explain more about this in a future workshop). To start the first dc, we’re going to skip the first chain (the turning chain) and insert the hook into the back bump of the second chain from the hook – this is the chain with the stitch marker.
Step 3 You need to insert the hook under the back bump of the chain, which is where the stitch marker is placed, so let it guide you. Your inserted hook should look like this.
Step 4 Now work yrh and pull the new loop of yarn through the chain (two loops on hook). Use the hook to pull the loop up so it’s fairly loose and sits slightly away from the chain – if the loop is too tight then your dc stitch will be too tight.
Step 5 Work yrh and you’re going to pull this new loop through the two existing loops on the hook…
Step 6 Like this. Your first dc is finished! Step 7 To work the next dc, tilt the chain towards you so you can see the back bumps. Insert your hook into the next empty bump.
Step 8 Work the dc stitch as before, repeating Steps 4- 6.
Step 9 Continue to work a dc into each chain across the row, by repeating Steps 7- 8. Take care not to twist the chain as you work. You should have 10 dc stitches, so count them to make sure. Once you reach the end, you can remove the stitch marker. I’ll explain the next steps in the next issue.