Friday, June 5, 2009

Tutorial: Foundation Single Crochet - Supplement

This is a supplement to the original foundation single crochet tutorial.  Here I show you how to make a foundation single crochet bridge in the middle of your work.  I first used this when making the Icelandic Turtleneck for the arm holes.  I also use it to make the handles on my handbags.

The tutorial is broken down by each teeny-tiny step and includes a quick video demonstration at the end.

Detailed instructions (text is above its corresponding photo)

1.  To start your fsc you will put your hook in the place where you made the previous single crochet.  I've marked that hole with the blue yarn needle.


2. Put your hook through where you made the previous single crochet.


3. Yarn over.


4. Pull through one loop.  This is the link part of the fsc.


5. Yarn over.


6. Pull through one loop.  This is the chain part of the fsc.


7. Put a stitch marker around the left and middle strand of the chain.  This marks where you will put your hook in to start the next fsc.


8. Close up.  Same as step 7.


9. Yarn over.


10. Pull through two loops.  This is the single crochet part of the fsc.  First fsc completed.


11. Put a stitch marker in the top of the first fsc, so you know where it is.


12. Put your hook in the chain part of the first fsc where the stitch marker is.


13. Yarn over.


14. Pull through.  This is the link part of the fsc.  Continue fsc stitches as normal.


15. This is a bridge of ten fsc.


16. Close up of the last fsc in the bridge.


17. Put a stitch marker in the top.


18. Put two stitch markers in the bottom to mark the left and right bars of the bottom of the stitch.


19. Close up of step 18.


20. The blue yarn needle marks where I'll be attaching the fsc bridge to my work.


21. Put your hook through the chain  bar closest to you.


22. Put your hook through the crochet piece.


23. Put your hook through the other chain bar.  You've just made a yarn sandwich on your hook.  The chain bars are the bread and the crochet piece is the peanut butter and jelly.


24. Yarn over.


25. Pull through the sandwich ... aka the two chain parts and the crochet piece.  You should have two loops on your hook.


26. Yarn over.


27. Pull through two loops.  This completes the single crochet.


28. Close up of step 27.


29. Close up of the back of the stitch.


30. Complete the rest of the row using normal single crochet stitches.


31. Close up of the front of the start of the bridge.


32. Close up of the back of the start of the bridge.


33. Close up of the front of the end of the bridge.


34. Close up of the back of the end of the bridge.


Movie Time!

Well, I still haven't gotten around to my title cards, crafty montage opening, or theme song.  Oh, well.  You've got 5minutes 34seconds of crochety goodness to watch, and that's good enough for now. :)



As always, I'd love any feedback (good or bad) you have about this tutorial.
67 Comments (comments are disabled)


3rdEyeMuse said ...
holy smokes! what a terrific tutorial - even an "all thumbs" girl like me can follow this one. Thank you.
6/5/2009 1:24 PM

Lauria said ...
I love how you joined the fsc back to the bag. I've never tried it that way and have always ended up with floppy handles that needed a bit more sewing to hold them secure. I'm super excited to give it a try!
6/5/2009 1:35 PM

Emilylyte said ...
Your tutorial is very clear! I just started crocheting after being inspired by your blog! Since i spend a lot of time waiting while my kids are in their various activities it is nice to have something i can do, something so portable.
6/5/2009 3:24 PM

Jennifer Rose said ...
The video is very helpful :D I am determined to figure out how to do this and the video really help, thanks
6/5/2009 4:10 PM

Priscila said ...
Awesome! Loved the tutorial and the video! Can't wait to try it !!!!
thanks a lot.
6/5/2009 4:21 PM

maluaral said ...
Guauuuu!!, thanks, perfect tutorial :D

Have a nice weekend!!
6/5/2009 4:49 PM

nancymoo said ...
I love you, Alice! You ROCK! :D
6/5/2009 6:08 PM

Stacy said ...
Great job! Thank you so much, this is so easy to follow! I finally understand!
6/5/2009 6:40 PM

Fanny said ...
Thanks for this. VERY clear and precise. I am new to crochet so the explinations about the different parts of the stitch are appreciated. Can't wait for the purse pattern!!
6/6/2009 8:08 AM

kirti said ...
Amazing tutorial Alice.Thanks a lot.
6/6/2009 9:53 AM

UK lass in US said ...
I love the video parts for these tutorials - they make it that much clearer, especially when you don't have your own work in front of you to compare to the pictures. Thank you!
6/6/2009 5:12 PM

You know, I don't know much about crocheting. I can do basic stuff... but can't read patterns. BUT. This tutorial! WOW! I can actually understand this... and feel confident that I can actually do what you're showing us how to do. Great job!
6/6/2009 7:33 PM

LeiAnne said ...
I really liked the video tutorial. I can't wait for the purse video tutorial to come out. You are truly an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your crochet tips and tricks.


6/7/2009 11:30 PM

est said ...
thanks a lot TO YOU!what a superb clear tutorial!
6/8/2009 1:03 AM

Izabela said ...
great tutorial! I knew fsc`s but this is the next step! thanks x
6/8/2009 8:49 AM

Angela Neil said ...
Thank you so much for sharing! Awesome tutorial and great video! You're so detailed and it helped a lot!!
6/9/2009 3:07 PM

arie said ...
awesome tutorial...keep the good work, crafter
6/12/2009 8:15 PM

futuregirl said ...
Yay! I'm so glad this tutorial is such a big hit! Thanks for the feedback! :)
6/12/2009 10:30 PM

Susie said ...
Alice, I haven't had a chance to play along with the tutorial, but at first glance, it looks great! You are so thorough! :)
6/14/2009 7:53 PM

Anandi Rao said ...
Your tutorial on fsc was really very good and I could follow it very well keep up the good work and wish to see some more.
6/28/2009 8:02 AM

Jocelyn said ...
Hi Alice,
You do beautiful step by step process photographs! Who takes the pictures for you?
7/1/2009 6:30 PM

futuregirl said ...
Thanks, Jocelyn! I take all the photos myself. :)
7/1/2009 11:43 PM

Colleen said ...
Excellent! I finally understand it! Thank you.
7/31/2009 8:49 PM

futuregirl said ...
Colleen ... Yay!
8/20/2009 9:23 PM

Shawna said ...
I saw this on a knitting show but I couldn't keep up with them to do it. I found you and all your wonderful pics and videos and it took some tries but I can do it now! Thank you so........ much!
Shawna
8/31/2009 11:12 AM

futuregirl replied ...
Shawna ... You're welcome. Glad to help! :)
4/4/2010 2:13 AM

jess said ...
I have been looking for a tutorial on this everywhere! Thank you so much!!!!
4/4/2010 1:41 AM

jess said ...
I have been looking for a tuturial on this everywhere. Thank you so much!!!
4/4/2010 1:43 AM

futuregirl replied ...
jess ... You are welcome! :)
4/4/2010 2:11 AM

Gwen said ...
Yeah, OK... I shoulda watched the connection piece first! But, I am NOT going to redo my handles a third (or is it fourth) time. First they were too floppy, then the connection wasn't so great. Ah,well. Over all not a bad first.
Of all the crochet-along Starling how-tos, the was the one I could not figure out for myself, I just made due.
Pictures to follow after I attach the lining. I made a zipper pocket to boot, that was a whole other adventure! Whew!
Thanks for the extra needed details.
7/22/2010 10:05 PM

futuregirl replied ...
Gwen ... You're welcome! You're such a trooper. :)
8/11/2010 12:27 AM

Ruby Murphy said ...
I understand the bridge for handle but please explain how you use it for armholes. I am making a vest that states sc in next 98 sc then work fsc 30 times and sk next 30 sc on body. For the life of me I can't figure this out. Can you help Ruby Murphy
8/27/2010 3:35 PM

futuregirl replied ...
Ruby Murphy ... I'm happy to help! It sounds just like my tutorial but with more stitches. I do 5 sc, make 10 fsc, skip 5 sc, then connect back to the piece. So, Just follow my tutorial and to 98 sc (my 5 sc), 30 fsc (my 10 fsc), skip 30 sc (my 5 sc), and then connect back to the main piece. Make sense now? :)
8/27/2010 8:23 PM

Johanna said ...
I love this tutorial! I'm working on making socks and made it to the heel opening, it tells me to Fsc 28, skip sole sts; join the final Fsc in first dc of lace section. Does this mean I will essentially have a handle on my socks where the heel opening is, and how would I connect this since I don't have to continue with sc after I connect as in a handle. Thanks so much!!!
9/12/2010 4:36 PM

futuregirl replied ...
Johanna ... I doubt it, since a handle on your sock at the heel sounds uncomfortable. Don't you crochet into your fsc stitches in the next row? It sounds like you might be skipping the whole heel flap area, finishing the rest of the sock, and then maybe coming back to do the heel flap later.

If the pattern isn't clear, you should contact the person that wrote it or if they aren't available, check on ravelry and see if anyone else has made the socks and has any tips for you. :)
9/13/2010 7:22 PM

leana said ...
Thank you for the tutorial, it has made the foundation sc so much easier. I also noticed you use the plastic coated paper clips as stitch markers. I also use them as they are so much easier than those little plastic rings or yarn scraps.
11/14/2010 10:40 AM

futuregirl replied ...
leana ... Great minds think alike! :)
1/20/2011 8:35 PM

Elannar said ...
I have struggled with fsc for ages. Your instructions and video made it so simple to understand. Thank you.
1/16/2011 3:13 PM

futuregirl replied ...
Elannar ... Great! Thanks for letting me know. :)
1/20/2011 8:34 PM

diane said ...
Thanks! Not only does this clarify for the purse pattern, but I have another pattern that seemed to be written in Greek. I get it!
1/21/2011 10:04 AM

futuregirl replied ...
diane ... Yay!
1/21/2011 4:39 PM

Deepa M. said ...
Hi Alice - I am working on my very first starling bag (and first crochet project ever!) and I wanted to let you know that your tutorials for the FSC and FSC bridge are SUPER AWESOME!! I was able to follow along without any problems. Thank you for putting together such a FABULOUS step-by-step tutorial. I wish EVERYONE made tutorials like you!! I happened upon your blog by chance a couple weeks ago, and promptly went through your entire archives. Now ... I'm waiting with baited breath for the secret hex bag tutorial (which is gorgeous and I want one!!) Did I mention that you're awesome?? {HUGS} :)
2/11/2011 7:30 AM

futuregirl replied ...
Deepa M. ... Yay! Thank you for the amazing comment! I'm so happy you like my site. :) I just posted the first secret hex tutorial today!
2/18/2011 3:48 PM

Linda said ...
Thank you for your VERY explicit tutorial; most helpful for my first starling handbag. I'm on the 38th row and will soon be making the handle which I've been a bit apprehensive about!
4/5/2011 5:20 PM

futuregirl replied ...
Linda ... Perhaps my tutorial should have a parental warning on it? teehee! Thanks for the sweet comment.
4/14/2011 12:08 AM

Torri said ...
Holy Cow, that's freaking awesome! Never heard of it before, but am trying it now, Thanks so much for sharing. :D
5/4/2011 10:10 AM

Lynnette G. said ...
Genius!
3/3/2012 7:24 AM

Bari Jo said ...
Hi! Thank you so much for all these amazing tutorials! I recently found your site and am so excited to try these techniques! I hope to try to make your crochet purse this summer - and line it - it looks like fun! These tutorials are so very helpful! I appreciate all your hard work - thank you for sharing! xoxo
7/16/2012 8:00 AM

Lynn said ...
Thank you so much for this excellent tutorial - I found you through Hookers don't bite - making her Supersized scarf.

Happy hooking!

1/12/2013 12:07 PM

futuregirl replied ...
Lynn ... Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment! :)
1/12/2013 1:05 PM

joann said ...
Hi..Well explained n great video tutorial..Alice..I am making a purse,so thought of doing FSC stitch for the handle.but my yarn r very thin.So is it possible to use 2strand of yarns together to make it thick for the handle n support..Hope to get ur reply soon.. Thanks for the awesome video.
2/14/2013 9:09 PM

futuregirl replied ...
joann ... Sure, why not? You can try and see how it works. You may need to use a bigger hook with thicker (doubled-up) yarn.
2/16/2013 1:28 AM

Adrienne said ...
Thank you so much for sharing all your wonderful knowledge. I have learned so much from this site and look forward to trying all the techniques you have explained. Your explanations are so through and wonderful. Thank you very much!!
2/22/2013 7:10 PM

futuregirl replied ...
Adrienne ... Thank you for leaving such a sweet comment! I'm so glad you found my site!
2/23/2013 4:11 PM

Phyllis said ...
Good tutorials by Alice "futuregirl.com". I appreciate your help. Thanks so much
3/8/2013 9:26 AM

Lisha said ...
I absolutely LOVE this tutorial! I have made my sweet friend's daughter her own "Starling Handbag" and she is going to LOVE it for Easter! I can't wait to fill it with all kinds of candy and give it to her! Thank you so much Alice for ALL these helpful pictures AND videos! They were EXTREMELY helpful and useful! I enjoyed EVERY ONE of them! :-)
3/25/2013 1:20 PM

futuregirl replied ...
Lisha ... Aww, thanks for the sweet comment!
3/31/2013 9:27 PM

Ann said ...
Very good tutorial video... Loved it... Thank you..
3/26/2013 7:19 AM

gautara@telefonica.net said ...
Sus tutoriales son maravillosos ,lastima que no lo traducen en espaƱol ,gracias mil gracias
4/17/2013 9:05 PM

Katelynne said ...
Have you ever lined a crochet bag with a round bottom? I can't seem to find a tutorial for it anywhere. I may have to figure out how to do it myself and start my own crochet blog. If you have any tips I would be so happy.
4/27/2013 3:37 PM

futuregirl replied ...
Katelynne ... You should totally start a crochet blog if you want to! :) My only tip is to take a look at ravelry.com ... you'll find every pattern ever.
6/7/2013 12:27 AM

Donna said ...
I just found your blog and I am so impressed with your tutorial on the handle for the Starling bag. It is so precise, easy to follow and detailed that any one,beginner or old hand like me can beome proficient at foundation single crochet. I have been crocheting for over 60 years and have never seen instructions as clear and easy to follow as yours. Please keep up the excellent work.
7/20/2013 6:42 PM

futuregirl replied ...
Donna ... That is some incredible praise! Thank you. :) I work very hard to write good tutorials.
8/18/2013 10:29 PM

Meg Wheeler said ...
I couldn't quite figure out the step-by-step tutorial. My bridge ending fsc looked twisted. But when I saw the video, I could see that the hook went through the back bar of the chain on the opposite side of the fabric. I didn't get that in the step-by-step tutorial. It might help to explain that in the step-by-step in case someone can't run the video. But the video solved my problems and I got it! Thank you for teaching this neat trick.
9/23/2013 6:48 PM

futuregirl replied ...
Meg Wheeler ... Which steps (by number) are you referring to? I'd love to make the tutorial clearer for everyone. :)
10/6/2013 7:44 PM

Aleydis said ...
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I'm using it to crochet socks. The pattern I'm using does not say a word about how to make the foundation single crochet bridge to make the heel opening. It was driving me nuts! Now I understand it! :)

Just to go a step further I'm trying to figure out how to make a foundation double crochet bridge. I'm stuck at step 25 (I have 2 loops on my hook). What should I do next to complete a double crochet? :?

12/27/2013 9:08 PM
 
futuregirl replied ...
Aleydis ... Sorry for taking so long to reply. Actually, between steps 20 and 21, you would want to do a yarn over (this is the same YO you'd do if you were starting a DC normally), then keep following the steps (with an extra YO loop on your hook) until 27 where you'd have to "yarn over, pull through two loops" two times to complete the DC.

Hope that helps. :) Let me know if you have other questions.
1/10/2014 9:20 PM