Three Alternatives to the Turning Ch-3 for Double Crochet

The standard way to start a row of double crochet (dc) stitches is to make 3 chains at the end of the previous row, and then turn. This “turning ch-3” is then meant to be the first dc of the next row.

The problem is that the turning ch-3 does not look like the rest of the double crochet stitches in the row, and it also leaves an unsightly gap between the ch-3 and the stitch next to it.

The following are a few alternative ways to start a double crochet row. I’ve included the written instructions, or you can watch the video below for a step-by-step demonstration of each stitch.

(dc = double crochet, ch = chain, st = stitch, YO = yarn over)

Stacked Double Crochet (Stdc)

The Stacked dc is essentially two single crochet stitches stacked on top of each other.

1. Turn without making a chain. Insert the hook into the first stitch, and pull up a loop.
2. YO and pull through 2 loops to complete the first part of the stitch.
3. Next, insert the hook back through the bottom left loop, and pull up a loop.
4. YO and pull through 2 loops to complete the Stacked dc.

Standing Double Crochet (Sdc)

The Standing dc makes a freestanding dc using an extended loop.

1. Pull the last loop of the row until it is a little more than the height of a dc row, and turn.
2. Holding the loop in place on the hook, YO the entire loop.
3. Insert the hook into the first st and pull up a loop.
4. YO and pull through the first loop and both strands of the larger wrapped loop.
5. YO and pull through 2 loops to complete the Standing dc.

* Note: Both Stacked dc and Standing dc may be abbreviated as Stdc. When using a crochet pattern, be sure to check the abbreviations to see which one you should be making.

Linked Double Crochet (Ldc)

Using a Linked dc at the beginning of the row, after the turning ch-3, eliminates the gap between the ch-3 and the next stitch.

1. At the end of the previous row, ch-3 and turn.
2. Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook, and pull up a loop (this acts as the YO of the double crochet).
3. Insert the hook into the second stitch and pull up a loop.
4. YO and pull through 2 loops, twice, to complete the Linked dc.

Watch this video to learn these three alternative ways to start a double crochet row:

Put these stitches into practice with these patterns:

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