When it comes to crocheting I just cannot learn enough! When I learn a new method I get so excited I cannot wait to try it out. To be honest I go overboard when it comes to my craft. I would crochet 24/7 if my schedule would allow it. I want to master every new technique I come across. If you feel this passionately, then you are going to love this post.
Now I am aware there are several ways to start your first foundation row, but the one I would like to share with you today is the Japanese Foundation Row, and I hope it comes easy to you.
When I first learned this method way back in the year 2001 when I was working to get my Instructor certification through the Craft Yarn Council of America; at first I had trouble learning it. For this reason, I thought I would go through and explain it how I do in my classes, for your benefit as well as mine. I truly believe you never really know something until you can explain it to another person.
This is one of those techniques that will actually make your larger crocheting projects faster to work when you are crocheting the edging. For example afghans, tablecloths, doilies, etc. become much easier to work the border. It quickly became a permanent part of any large project I crochet – and if it is new to you I know you will discover its usefulness also.
Japanese Foundation Row
Step 1: The Japanese Foundation Row starts out like any chain so I am going to start off with crocheting 20 chains.
Step 2: You will want to flip you chain over on the side you will then see these little humps just like in the picture below. This is called the back ridge of the chain.
Step 3: Crochet a sc into the second back ridge of the chain, and then into each one across. You should have 19 sc when you are done.
Now I want you to crochet ten rows of sc and then fold you piece in half. You will now see what is so unique about this stitch. The top and bottom will look exactly the same.
Now pause and just imagine the next time you are crocheting an edging. You will not have that dreaded foundation row to get through. You know – the one at the bottom of your afghan that is so hard to decipher where your stitches go. By mastering this technique your life just got easier and this bundle of yarn is now a finished creation.
I hope you enjoy working the Japanese foundation Row. Please tell me if you already knew this stitch and if so; how you like it. If not please try it and let me know what you think.
Until next week keep those hooks flying.
I need to try it 🙂 thx!!!
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I will definitely try this one. I strongly dislike trying to do the edging with the regular crochet it is the worst part because it is hard to see. Thanks Pamela wish I could have been there today Chad went to the legal seminar with Pastor and we were out of town the rest of the week so had to do school:)
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LeeAnne – Yes, Don went with them. I think you will enjoy this foundation row. It is so much easier to work into. Let me know how it goes.
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daniellajoe- I am excited about you trying a new way to crochet your foundation, let me know how it goes.
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That’s so awesome!! Will definitely have to try that!
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aemjarman- That is great, let me know how you like it. I feel in love with this stitch when I first tried it.
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Very cool. Will always be using this!
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I felt the same way when I first learned of this stitch.
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iI have stitch I never knew the name I have tried it and wereas i like the look it is difficult for me as i have very tight tension and find it hard to go thru the humps. I think if I practice more I will use it more
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It took me a few times before I mastered this stitch, but I love it now. Just keep practicing and before long you will know it.
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This looks terrific. Perhaps this is a stupid question, but if I follow your directions as written, will I have finished my foundation or foundation + row 1?
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Yes, and I am sorry it took me so long to respond. And for the record, the only stupid question is the one unasked.
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