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How to make a stretchy starting crochet chain

12871 Views 8 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  katm13
I hope some one can help me.
When I make my crochet chain and then work a few rows. The beginning crochet edge chains are not as stretchy as the rest of the piece. Is there a method to make a stretchy beginning row chain stitch. I've tried using a larger hook but the bottom edge gets loopy looking.
If you make a hat what method would you use to have some stretch so it fits the head snuggly?
Thanks to all for any advise they can give.

KatM
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((((((((((( Sue, here's the video = like SCing in the chain as you go = no long chain - you're SCing the base row at the same time.......then follow your pattern:

http://vodpod.com/watch/1278223-chainless-single-crochet-foundation

Donna Rae
~~~~~~~~

katm13 said:
I hope some one can help me.
When I make my crochet chain and then work a few rows. The beginning crochet edge chains are not as stretchy as the rest of the piece. Is there a method to make a stretchy beginning row chain stitch. I've tried using a larger hook but the bottom edge gets loopy looking.
If you make a hat what method would you use to have some stretch so it fits the head snuggly?
Thanks to all for any advise they can give.

KatM
Have you tried this chain stitch?

Does it work for all starting crochet items?

KatM
(((((((((((( Yes, I've tried this method and don't see why it wouldn't work for all patterns. The chain only border can be not as stretchy as on would like.

For cuff, bands, etc., it is stretchier than just a chain.

Having said that, I'd follow the pattern's directions. If it doesn't say to use it or the magic loop, then one would use the traditional methods.

Good luck!!

Donna Rae
katm13 said:
Have you tried this chain stitch?

Does it work for all starting crochet items?

KatM
katm13 said:
I hope some one can help me.
When I make my crochet chain and then work a few rows. The beginning crochet edge chains are not as stretchy as the rest of the piece. Is there a method to make a stretchy beginning row chain stitch. I've tried using a larger hook but the bottom edge gets loopy looking.
If you make a hat what method would you use to have some stretch so it fits the head snuggly?
Thanks to all for any advise they can give.

KatM
I'm not sure what you are making, but the sc that Donna is talking about will make a smoother edge. If you are crocheting a hat, you can start at the bottom with a crocheted ribbing. That is the way I make most of the hats I give away for charity. For an adult hat I generally do a chain 11 or 13, depending on how wide of ribbing you want.
You want to sc in the back bump of the chain for either 10 or 12 stitches. Ch 1 and turn, sc in the back loop of each sc. Do this row for how ever big you need your hat. As before with an adult hat I usually do either 60 or 72 rows.
Fold yourlong piece in half and slip stitch the 2 short ends together. Turn your work so that your working in the ends of each row. You will be working in a circle now. Chain 1 and sc in the ends of each row, join. The next row you want to work in the front loop only with your sc. That way your ribbing will fold over. Continue crocheting until you have the size hat you want. Then start decreasing by 6 stitches per row. You will want to do the ribbing and first 2 rows with a size smaller hook, then the rest with 1 size larger hook.

Debbie
On your next row
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This is the best for a stretchy foundation Plus 1 row I know of!!!

Its a great technique to have under your belt.

e.ridenh said:
((((((((((( Sue, here's the video = like SCing in the chain as you go = no long chain - you're SCing the base row at the same time.......then follow your pattern:

http://vodpod.com/watch/1278223-chainless-single-crochet-foundation

Donna Rae
~~~~~~~~

katm13 said:
I hope some one can help me.
When I make my crochet chain and then work a few rows. The beginning crochet edge chains are not as stretchy as the rest of the piece. Is there a method to make a stretchy beginning row chain stitch. I've tried using a larger hook but the bottom edge gets loopy looking.
If you make a hat what method would you use to have some stretch so it fits the head snuggly?
Thanks to all for any advise they can give.

KatM
Me too for chainless foundation crochet. Since I've learned that I almost always use it. It's easy to learn and can be done with SC, HDC, or DC. I always used to dread those long foundation chains and then having to make sure I didn't somehow twist my chain. This is much easier.
Donnae Rae: I love you!! You are so on target in finding all these great links on the web to make our lives so enjoyable. Again, you are a regular Sherlock Holmes and we are so lucky you are on this forum. THANK YOU. :D
Thanks ladies

I went to the video and learned how to make the chainless foundation stitch. It's really easy and just what I needed. Thanks for the info and the new technique.
It's so nice to meet people that have the same love of yarn as I do. THANKS TO ALL
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