We've all been there. You've made your chain - 50, 100, 300 chains long. Maybe you even added a couple extra, just in case (after all, you can always take them out later). But then you get to the end of the first row... and you come up short. Oh no! But do not fret, there are ways to add more chains without pulling out your stitches or starting over! Here's how to add more chains to a too-short foundation!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.
How to Add More Chains to a Too-Short Foundation - Right Handed
How to Add More Chains to a Too-Short Foundation - Left Handed
As Seen in this Video (Click for more info!)
- US - N, 9.0 mm hook by Furls Crochet
- Lion Brand Hometown USA
- Stork Scissors
- Foundation Double Crochet - tutorial
Basically, when you come up short on your foundation chain, and you don't want to pull out your work, you have 2 options!
- Add more stitches using foundation stitches. This technique works particularly well for simple rows of stitches, such as single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, etc.
- Add more chains using a separate piece of yarn. You'll want to pull this from an extra skein or from the opposite end of the skein you are working from since you'll have to cut a new piece.
I hope that this tutorial helps you out the next time you find yourself a few stitches short of the first row! Thanks for watching!
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Cynthia says
Thank you for such a simple solution for a too short foundation.
Tamara Kelly says
🙂 I'm glad you like it, thank you!
Karen Holsopple says
AMAZING!!!! Thank you sooooooooooo much! I don't know how many times I've had to rip out my work and start over!!!
Tamara Kelly says
🙂 Thanks so much Karen!
Judi says
thank you. Tamara, those are the kinds of technical steps I really appreciate.! Judi
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much Judi! I hope you find it helpful!
Patricia says
Oh dear, something else l miss out on cos you have to watch a video, which I can't cope with.
Karen Holsopple says
it's a really short video!! Well worth it. But if you can't watch, let me know, I'll explain it to you!
Christina Wallace says
This is awesome! Thank you so much!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so much!
Jennifer Downey says
Tamera, both of the videos are left handed.
Tamara Kelly says
Just the black title card is wrong, the videos should be correct. 🙂 Sorry about the confusion!
Michelle Forbes says
As usual Tamara Brilliant.......
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so much Michelle!
Karen says
Seriously? Such a simple concept and simple to execute! And as always, your tutorials couldn't be easier to understand. Talented fiber artist, of course! But also a natural born teacher. Makes a huge difference! Thanks again!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so very much Karen!
Fern says
This couldn't have come at a better time! I am starting an afghan for a group project that will have 360 DC. I chained enough but somehow I missed one of the chain stitches when doing the first row and I have 359 DC on the first row. I looked for the skipped chain and it is WAY too close to the beginning for me to contemplate frogging back to it. I'm just going to do a foundation DC and keep going, Thank you for your always helpful tutorials!
Tamara Kelly says
Oh my gosh, I guess so! 😀 I'm so glad it came when you needed it! Thank you!
Mary Ruth Halas says
Help !! I have watched the video on added to a too short afghan. But I'm new to this and have some questions. I forgot to add 60 stitches to my blanket and my silly question is "do I start at the bottom of the afghan or at the top? It's a tempature blanket so the rows changed colors depending on the temp and I started it January 1, and I'm current up to today on it. I'd hate to rip it out and start again, but I am really new to crocheting and can't figure this out. I'm doing it in single crochet.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Mary Ruth! You'll want to add them to the bottom - the original foundation chain. 🙂
KatyM says
Thank you!!!!!!
Skye says
Wow, how did you think of that? Incredible! Totally using that trick.
Tamara Kelly says
I just hate frogging as much as anybody! 😛