Tutorial - Foundation Slip Stitch (fsl st)

Foundation stitches have become a popular, alternative way to start your crochet projects. The same technique can work with almost any stitch, including slip stitches! Foundation slip stitches create a beautiful and strong cord, which can be used for lacing, drawstrings, ties, bracelets, or trim. The best part is, there’s no need to determine the length of your cord before you start. Just keep stitching until you have a length you like.

This post contains affiliate advertisements (click for more info). If you click one of these links and then make a purchase, I may be compensated. You get the same great prices, and you will be helping to support this site!

Foundation Slip Stitch (fsl st) Photo Tutorial

(scroll down for video tutorial)

Our first stitch will start off normal enough. Chain 2, then slip stitch into the first chain.
Now we start the foundation stitches. The idea is that we start our stitch, pause in the middle to make the next foundation chain, and then finish our stitch. To start our next stitch, insert your hook into that same first chain you just worked into, and pull up a loop. You now have 2 loops on the hook.
At this point, we need to pause to create the next foundation chain. Yarn over, and draw through the first loop on your hook. This makes a chain which will be the bottom of your stitch.
Next, complete your slip stitch as normal, by pulling the first loop on your hook through the 2nd loop. I find it helps my tension if I pinch my newly created foundation chain from step 3 with my left hand while doing this. This completes our 2nd stitch.
For the remaining stitches, start by inserting your hook under both loops of the new foundation chain you created in step 3 and drawing up a loop. Then repeat steps 3 and 4 to complete the stitch. Continue doing this until your cord reaches the desired length, and fasten off.