How to Crochet: Increasing in Foundation Rows

By Candace – 4 Comments

Using Foundation rows is a great technique, because they can create the foundation chain and the first row of stitches at the same time. But if you are a fan of foundation rows (foundation single crochet, foundation double crochet, etc.), you may have run into problems dealing with patterns that require increases to be worked in the foundation chain. It’s tempting to simply create the final number of stitches, but since increases affect shaping, it is better to follow the pattern as written and make the increases.

To follow this tutorial, you should be comfortable with making a foundation row. This technique is adaptable to other foundation stitches, but single crochet will be used to demonstrate.

To see a left-handed view, hover your cursor over the pictures.

Start your foundation row as you normally would. A stitch marker or scrap of contrasting yarn will come in handy here if you have trouble reading your crochet. Mark the last stitch before the increase through the loops where you will be placing your next stitch.

crochet_foundation_inc_1

Create your next foundation stitch as you normally would, inserting your hook into the marked loops.

crochet_foundation_inc_2

Insert your hook into the same marked loops and complete another stitch.

crochet_foundation_inc_3

You can do this for as many stitches as you need to increase then continue across the row as usual.

If you need further help, feel free to leave a comment for clarification.

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4 Comments

  1. Bexie says:

    Wow! I’m SO uninformed when it comes to crocheting. All I want to do is crochet a flower and already I’m stuck! I Have a simple Rose pattern and I’m stuck on Row 1: with pink, ch 51, (tr, ch2,tr) in fifth ch from hook, (ch 2, skip 2 ch, [tr, ch 2, tr] in next ch) across until 1 ch remains, tr in last ch.
    Woe is me!! I won’t give up. :0

  2. Sara B says:

    I’m not sure what to do when the very first should be an increase? (2dc= double crochet increase, tr= triple/treble crochet)

    Round 1: work (2dc, tr) 4x in ring (12)

    I’m working on a blanket for my friends baby, coming soon, and I’m just, so confused about the FIRST row! – if someone can help me I would be extremely happy!

    Thank you!

    • Candace says:

      Sara, that is actually not an increase but rather the setup round. You are working in rounds not rows.Still, the solution is simply to work the dcs and trebles into the center of the ring.

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