Avoiding Twists In Long Crochet Chains

By Rachel Choi – 16 Comments

Have you ever started a crochet project where you needed to chain a long chain then join the ends together? There are quite a few projects that start this way, and I know some folks even avoid them because the foundation chains twists and causes all sorts of headaches!

While surfing the net the other day, I came across a fantastic tip that I have to share with you all. It is so simple and so easy, I can’t believe I didn’t think of it myself. This tip is credited to Briana K, and here is how it works:

Start by chaining a few of your chains (about 10 chains, not long enough to have a twisting problem), then remove the working loop off of your crochet hook so that your hook is free. Insert your hook into the very first chain you made, then reinsert your hook into the working loop and continue crocheting the required number of chains for your project. No matter how many chains you make it will not twist since the first chain is secured onto the hook. You can now easily join the two ends of the chain together with a slip stitch when you’re done.

Here is a video from Briana K’s Youtube channel to demonstrate:

What do you think of this tip? Will you use it in your work?

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16 Comments

  1. Annmary Charles says:

    That is a wonderful tip! Thank you- I would put it to use for cowls, and more- like doll items of clothing made in the round!

  2. OMGosh I wish I’d thought of that. It’s brilliant. PERFECT for cowls and sweaters made in the round. THANK YOU!

  3. Katherine L. says:

    Great idea, This will stop me from making the chainless foundation ch when I want a longer ch. Thanks for the tip Briana and Rachel. I will always use this method.

  4. Ellen Elizabeth Mae says:

    Thank you for this idea! I’ll give it a try. Once I tried to start a hat that was to be worked from the bottom up. I gave up and have since avoided all patterns for hats, scarves, & cowls that begin with a long chain. Hopefully….. <3

  5. cecelia knuckles says:

    Love it, love it….THANKS!!! and it does work…you are so clever.

  6. JukTheWise says:

    Genius! Will definitely use!

  7. Linda Stratford says:

    I can’t tell you how many times I have had to rip something out because the darn chain twisted and I was positive I had not twisted it. Thanks so very much for this hint.

  8. Susan says:

    I either start with a sfc – single foundation crochet , dfc – dble foundation crochet, or I chain the required number, then add 1 more, turn & either ss – slip stitch or sc – single crochet the length back to the starting ch. afore joining. This gives the 1st row more stability. =>/<=

  9. Jana says:

    I am definitely going to try this! I am one of the “avoiders”!

  10. pat speer says:

    Wow!!! Thank you!

  11. Pinklady in OK says:

    How clever! I will definitely use this.

  12. Carol Alvarez says:

    i will definitely use that method.

  13. Daisy says:

    Started using it about a month ago and love it. Thanks soooo much

  14. Irene Marquez says:

    I tried this. It seems brilliant, but with a very thin crochet yarn, I still had issues. It still seemed to twist slightly, and when I joined and dated to build on that chain, it eventually twisted. Ugh.

  15. Janice K says:

    What a great idea! I hope I can remember this when I do my next long chain. Now if you could come up with a way for me to keep my chain stitches even.

    • Sunny says:

      You might laugh at this but I swear it works. Find some old yarn and make a chain stitch rug. Its really easy and by the time you are done, you will feel quite confident about chain stitching. Its forgiving and useable, so you won’t feel you are wasting your labor. Tie together old scraps and try using two yarns. Don’t worry about the knots of tieing.Chain around them. The one problem most have is chaining too tightly. If that’s the problem [it will almost always cause twisting] Try using the next largest hook the pattern calls for, for the chain. For instance, if the pattern calls for g hook, then use a h hook for the chain, then use the g hook for the rest. That is a quick and reliable method to help prevent twisting curling. If you chain with a death grip then consider why. For some its the fear of it unraveling others its arthritis. If its the last, try messaging something like aspercreme into your hands wrist and wait for about ten minutes then begin your project. If its the first remember that you should always start with a slip knot which will stop it from unraveling.

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