Changing the Relationship of Foundations

It is said that all great relationships are built on great foundations, but what is one to do when the foundation is too tight? At this week's Crochet Stitch'n Chat session, this very topic was discussed: "Dee, what do I do? My foundation chain has no give! It's too tight! Do you have any suggestions?"

Perhaps coincidentally, we were also discussing the new crochet book, "Amazing Crochet Lace; New Fashions Inspired by Old-Fashioned Lace" by Doris Chan -- excitedly too, as Doris will be visiting the shop on Saturday, December 9th. Doris, you see, is a big fan of the "base chain single crochet." It is a technique also known as the "double chain stitch," and as the "foundation stitch." And in Doris' new book, this is the technique she strongly urges crocheters to use. (* Some may also refer to this chain/stitch combo as "sc chain," or "dc chain" depending upon the stitch used.)

So what is the big deal about this technique? In the world of crochet there are rules to follow ... and where there are rules there are people looking for ways to break free from them. This is one of those times! All crocheters know, since their very first crocheting experience, that the crochet chain is used for the foundation of nearly all crochet projects (there are always exceptions!), and it is this chain that has no give. It is rigid!

Oh sure, we can change it's characteristics by playing with our tension, or by changing our crochet hooks -- but there is no changing the rule of it's inability to provide give & take! This means if we crochet a foundation chain for a neckline and later discover it's too tight, its game over. It's time to frog the entire project, or to adorn a teddy bear with our creations.

...that is, until the "foundationless" frontier opened up. It seems someone, long ago, figured out how to combine creating the chain and the single crochet stitches together at the same time! It's beautiful -- oh the give & take the foundationless combo offers is just fantastic!

So, this is what we excitedly discussed this week. This is what we explored and experimented with. That, and oggling over Doris' new book and the sample I worked up (see image above) and brought in with me!

Now, if you missed this Stitch'n Chat session and want to learn this foundationless technique, then by all means, sign up for a class and I'd be delighted to teach it to you. Once you learn it you'll wonder how you ever managed to crochet without it! :)

And if you'd like to meet the ever-wonderful Doris Chan, then come to the shop on Saturday, December 9th from Noon -2:00 PM! There will be copies of her book available for purchase -- and for autographing! {{Now that makes for a great holiday gift!!}}

See you on Tuesday and on Saturday, the 9th!
~Dee
KT's Certified Crochet Teacher