Do you ever struggle with neat, clean edges when working in turned rows of double crochet stitches? Or maybe you just don’t like the look of the chain seam when working in joined rounds. Well, today I have a way to help minimize the wonky edges and noticeable seams when working with double crochet stitches – the standing double crochet stitch (standing dc)!
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Typically, when starting a new row or round, you chain 2 or 3 (depending on how tall you stitch) and then either place your first double crochet in the same stitch as the chain, or you count the chain as a stitch and crochet into the next stitch. While this may work for some patterns, in others, it can cause problems.
When putting your first stitch in the same stitch as the chain, it can cause your edge to bulge out when working in turned rows because you essentially have 2 stitches in one (both the chain and the double crochet), creating more bulk and leaving wonky edges. When you place your first stitch in the next stitch, it can leave a gap between the chain and the first double crochet. So what do you do?
The standing double crochet (also known as a false double crochet or a chainless double crochet) helps to eliminate both issues. Instead of working chains to get the starting height for your first stitch, the standing double crochet takes the place of that starting chain and works as the first double crochet of the round or row. While designers don’t always mark it in the pattern unless it is essential to the design, the standing double crochet can be used anytime a pattern calls for a double crochet as the first stitch.
Ready to learn how to do it? Keep reading!
Standing Double Crochet Tutorial
For this tutorial, I am using Dishie yarn, which is a worsted cotton yarn from WeCrochet and an H/5mm crochet hook.
To start, pull up a long loop a little higher than the height of your typical dc st. Place your finger on the top of the loop to secure it.
With your finger continuing to hold the top of the loop to the hook, twist your hook counterclockwise to wrap the long loop around the hook once (lefties, go clockwise, not counterclockwise!).
Then, insert your hook into your st and pull up a loop.
Yarn over and pull through the first loop and around the back of your long loop (make sure to keep the top of the loop secure with your finger).
You can now remove your finger from the top of the long loop. Yarn over and pull through remaining loops.
It can be a little easier to see it in video form. Learn how to do the standing double crochet here:
It can take a little practice to keep your finger tight on top of the long loop and maneuver your hook into the stitch, but with a little practice you can have seamless pieces and pretty edges on your work. Happy stitching!
