Learn how to start crocheting in the starting chain. Use the different loops to get a different effect! Oombawka Design Crochet Tutorial.

3 Ways to Work into the Starting Chain

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you purchase through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Our Crochet Tip of the Week is 3 Ways to Work into the Starting Chain.

When I was learning to crochet I thought you had to work into both the back bump and the back loop together. I didn’t realize there were other options available. I dreaded needing to crochet my starting chain row, especially for larger projects. When I was new to crochet I had quite a bit of trouble keeping my gauge relaxed enough when working into the starting chain and it always ended up being tighter than the rest of my project.
My least favorite way to work into the starting chain is by working in the back bump and the back loop. It has the least amount of stretch (elasticity). For many years I countered this by crocheting my beginning chain in a larger size crochet hook. Now, if I am not using Fsc (foundation single crochet) I use option 1 or 2 instead.
Of the three options, Option 1 is the most elastic. It can be a little bit tricky to master at first – but it is well worth the effort.

3 Ways to Work Into the Starting Chain

  1. Work into the back bump
  2. Work into the back loop
  3. Work into the back bump and the back loop
3 Ways to Work into the Starting Chain

Option 1 also gives you the added benefit of a starting chain that mirrors the look of the final row of crochet.

3 Ways to Work into the Starting Chain

If you haven’t tried Option 1 – I recommend you give it a try 🙂

Happy crocheting!

Rhondda Signature

Join the Oombawka Design Crochet Facebook Group!
Share your project photos, ask questions, and connect with other crocheters using Oombawka Design Crochet patterns and tutorials. We’d love to see your progress and finished makes! Join us here.

Thank you for reading!
I’d love to feature your work—share your finished projects and testimonials!

Get Free Crochet Patterns & Tutorials
Subscribe to my newsletter and receive free patterns and tutorials straight to your inbox.

Connect with Me
Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for the latest updates.

Curated Crochet Essentials
Visit my Amazon shop for a handpicked selection of crochet tools, books, and kits.

Love Furls Crochet?
Use my discount code OOMBAWKA2025 to receive 15% off the Furls Crochet Collection. Limit 1 use per customer. Expires December 31, 2025.

Love Shady Lane Original Crochet Designs?
Use code OOMB for 15% off any pattern on the Shady Lane website, or code OOMBAWKA in her Etsy Shop. Expires December 31, 2026.

Rhondda Mol - Oombawka Design Crochet and Free Crochet Tutorials Designer and Blogger

About the Author

Rhondda Mol is the crochet designer and blogger behind Oombawka Design Crochet. Since 2012, she has been sharing free crochet patterns, tutorials, and expert tips to help crocheters of all levels succeed. With more than 600 published patterns, Rhondda focuses on creating clear instructions and resources to inspire creativity and confidence in the crochet community.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

7 Comments

  1. Thanks! This is how I usually do it but for a flat piece, I do back loop, it leaves a nicer finished edge.

  2. I’ve done it both ways – I find if you grab both remaining loops it tends to leave a small space in the center of the chain. If you leave the back bump unworked it leaves the loop there instead. I usually leave the loop – to avoid the space being present.

  3. If you are working on both sides of the chain, do you do the stitches on the back loop then around on the front loop, leaving the back loop unworked?

    I am making toe-up crocheted socks and did it the way above but I wonder if that was the best way.

  4. Hi BJ, You are very welcome! I hope you have fun trying the alternate ways to work into the starting chain!

  5. Thanks for the clear pictures and explanation. I’ll have to give it a try.

  6. Very welcome Kim 🙂 It is my favourite way to work the starting chain. I’m happy you tried it and liked it too!

  7. Had one of those ” what if I did THIS instead of THAT……. ” moments yesterday and was playing around with using the back bump of a starting chain! Then read this post today. Lol! Didn’t realize that it mimics the look of the last row! How cool is that? I, too, will be using this option instead of the way I originally learned! I also find that working into the back bump produces a firmer, less sloppy (floppy?) starting chain. Thanks!