What is a Chain Space (ch-sp)?
By Rachel – 18 CommentsSometimes when you read a crochet pattern, it’ll tell you to work into a chain space (ch-sp). But what in the world is a chain space? Simply put, a chain space is any space/hole/gap in your work that is created by making a chain. The space is located below the chain.
Chain spaces can be created in numerous ways and can vary in size. Often times (but not always), a chain space is made by making a chain then skipping a few stitches on the row to make your next stitch. Chain spaces can be made by any number of chains, for instance you can chain 1 or you can chain 5 to create a chain space. In a pattern you may see a chain 5 space abbreviated as “ch-5 sp”.
Here is a photos of what a chain space can look like:
Normally when you crochet into a stitch you insert your hook into the font and back loops of the stitch. But when you are instructed to crochet into a chain space, just insert your hook into the space/hole/gap (underneath the chain) to make your stitch.
What this helpful? Let me know!
Thank you so much. Now one of my new patterns is suddenly clear.
That was an excellent description and illustration. Thank you!
Thank you! I always wondered if I was to stitch into the top two loops (as usual) or INTO the space. Now, it is crystal clear, thanks to you!
Great! I thought this was the case but was uncertain and often wondered if I was doing this right. Thanks.
[...] Don’t understand chain spaces? Learn more here-> What is a chain space? [...]
Thank you! I have been searching everywhere for this answer! I couldn’t even find it in books!
OMGSH!!! THANK YOU!!!! I can’t tell you how much you’ve helped me! So many other sources that were trying to explain the chain stitch explained it in a way that couldn’t be understood. Yet, the explanation you give makes it sound so simple! The space under the chain. DUH Thank you so much!
Ah! thanks so much for making that so clear!
Thank you so much. I googled “ch sp” and kept reading different descriptions and still couldn’t understand it…until I came to your page. Illustrations make understanding so much easier. Thank you again! Now I can make my scarf correctly!
Thank you!! I have been searching the internet for hours, trying to make sense of “chain-# sp” so that I could continue on with my pattern correctly. Your images are super helpful and I’m confident I have this now.
I love your entire site!
very very very helpful! the only picture I found on the web that I could actually see clearly where the space was and what it looked like and how to use it. thank you very much!
thank you so much! I have been searching everywhere to find out what “ch-5 sp” means! clear picture and understandable description.
Thank you Rachel for your explanation and photos. Super clear. Now I can proceed with my project with confidence.
Thank you! This was the fifth site I tried before finding not only an explanation but the pics too. Just awesome!
Now if only I could find out how to do a “ch 1 into next ch 1 space”…. how in the world you do a chain INTO a chain space………???
It’s from a pattern available online called “Chris’ Cap For Men” from Knots of Love, Inc.
Hi Cyette, does it say “ch 1 in next ch 1 space” exactly? If so, I’m not sure how to do that either. But if it is written as a series of stitches done in the chain space, and the ch 1 is one of those stitches, then you would do the other stitches into the chain space, and then make the ch 1 like you normally would.
Hi, love your site.its a great help.I am a beginner.I could make a few things but now I can read patterns and make any thing.Patterns for almost everything is available here.I have told some other beginners about you.
[...] working a block over a space, work your middle dc in the chain space. Filet crochet blocks above [...]