How to Crochet in the Chain

How to Crochet in the Chain Row

Before learning how and where to work in the chain row, first you will need to start the chain. Read my complete guide on how to start a crochet chain.

There are many different ways you can crochet in the chain row. This post will you help learn the anatomy of the chain so you can follow the pattern directions on where to crochet in the chain.

Where is the Back Ridge Loop / Top Loop / Bottom Loop in the Chain

As you can see in the picture above, the foundation chain (also called the starting chain or beginning chain or just the chain row) creates three places where you can crochet into. With your work facing towards you, there is the top loop and bottom loop. If you look at the back of the chain (or twist the stitches as pictured above), you can see little bumps along the back. Those are called the back ridge loops. They are also referred to as the back bumps or the back of the chain.

How to Crochet into the Back Ridge Loops

Many of my patterns instruct you to crochet into the back ridge loops. Crocheting into the back ridge loops prevents a large gap from being created that can happen in future rows/rounds if you work into the top loops of the chain.

I only state to crochet in the back ridge loops when it’s important to do so. Otherwise, like most patterns, if it doesn’t say to crochet in the back ridge loops, where you crochet in the chain is just a matter of personal preference.

If the pattern says to crochet in the back ridge loops (or in the back of the chain or in the back bumps), after completing the necessary number of starting chains, you will turn your chain slightly. Turn your chain by bringing the top loop closer towards you but don’t twist your stitch. You are only turning it so that you can insert your hook into the bumps along the back and crochet into those bumps.

Crocheting into the back ridge loops is tighter than the top or bottom loops so it is normal for it to be quite tight when inserting your hook into the bumps.

If your chain row is attached to another part of your project, it can be difficult to crochet into the back ridge loop of the very last chain. In this case, I often crochet into the top and back ridge loops on the very last chain. Otherwise, the back ridge loops stretches and leaves an unwanted gap.

How to Crochet in the Top or Bottom Loops of the Chain

By default, if the pattern doesn’t indicate to crochet in the back ridge loop, I normally will crochet into the top loop of the chain but this is a personal preference.

In some patterns, such as my Star Flap Purse, it will indicate that you should crochet in the top loop of the chain. To crochet into the top loop of the chain, insert your hook only through the one top loop and complete the stitch as indicated on the pattern.

If the pattern says to crochet in the bottom loop of the chain, insert your hook only through the one bottom loop and complete the stitch as indicated on the pattern.

I hope this helps you crochet into the chain!