Chain (ch)
chain is called the same thing in US and UK patterns, and kusari-ami in Japanese ones. Written as ch in patterns.
The starting loop chain that almost every flat piece is built on. Yarn over, pull through the loop on the hook, repeat.
The Japanese name 鎖編み (kusari-ami) literally means "chain knitting".
At a glance
| How many times you wrap the yarn first | none — go straight in |
|---|---|
| How tall it is | about the height of 1 chain |
| Turning chain at the start of a row | not usually needed |
| How it looks on a Japanese chart | oval |
| Difficulty | beginner |
| Stitch family | foundation |
What it is used for
- · Foundation rows
- · Turning chains
- · Spacing in lace and mesh
Watch out for
The loop on the hook is never counted as a chain, and the slip knot usually isn't either. Miscounting here is the most common reason a first row comes out the wrong width.
A smooth aluminium or ergonomic hook in the size your pattern calls for.
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Related stitches
Full US to UK conversion table · Full US to Japanese table
Last updated 2026-08-30.