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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.
- Turn without making a chain. Insert the hook into the first stitch, and pull up a loop.
- YO and pull through 2 loops to complete the first part of the stitch.
- Next, insert the hook back through the bottom left loop, and pull up a loop.
- 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.
- Pull the last loop of the row until it is a little more than the height of a dc row, and turn.
- Holding the loop in place on the hook, YO the entire loop.
- Insert the hook into the first st and pull up a loop.
- YO and pull through the first loop and both strands of the larger wrapped loop.
- 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.
- At the end of the previous row, ch-3 and turn.
- Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook, and pull up a loop (this acts as the YO of the double crochet).
- Insert the hook into the second stitch and pull up a loop.
- 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:
Hello. Can you explain why I can’t just turn my work and start double crochet without chaining 3? I have watched your video showing how to avoid the gap that the chain 3 leaves. I just can’t understand why you can’t just turn your work and start crocheting with a double crochet. Thanks in advance.
Hello, thanks for the question. When you make a standard double crochet (US terminology), the loop you start with on the hook becomes the loop at the top of the double crochet stitch. So, if you turn and make a double crochet stitch without chaining, the top of the double crochet stitch will not be the right height. The stitch will be scrunched.
The Stacked and Standing Double Crochet stitches shown in this video are alternative ways to get the first stitch to the right height without the turning chain.