How do you Crochet into a Starting Chain?

When I first started to crochet I had no idea which part of the starting chain I should crochet into. Most patterns didn't tell me apart from the odd one that instructed to crochet into the 'back bump'. I did a quick Google search and discovered the back bump is the row of little bumps on the back of the chain.

I am now aware of 4 ways to crochet into a starting chain. When I first started I always crocheted into the top loop of the chain as this was the method I saw most frequently on tutorials. Having now tried all 4 methods may favourite way to crochet into a starting chain is into the back bump. This method is quite fiddly and so I usually create my chain in a hook size bigger than the pattern calls for, whilst reverting back to the smaller hook when I begin to crochet into the starting chain.

Each of the 4 ways to crochet into a starting chain affects the look and feel of the edge of the crochet fabric in different ways. Take a look at my article '4 ways to Crochet into a Starting Chain' and see which method you prefer. I really don't believe there is a right or wrong way (unless a pattern calls for a specific method). For me it's down to personal preference, if I need a loser or denser fabric and what I have planned for the edge such as a border or exposed edge.