New Way To Work Double Crochet
This actually isn’t new, but it might be new to you. It’s called a linked double crochet.
This stitch is for anyone who doesn’t like the gaps in between normal double crochet stitches but love how fast it works up (compared with the more dense single crochet).
The linked double crochet does exactly what it’s called. It links each previous double crochet with the next to create a completely closed (yet surprisingly thin) fabric.
As you can see in the photo above the linked double crochet is completely closed in between the stitches. The resulting fabric is just as tall as a normal swatch of double crochet and requires just a change in one step so it will work up just as fast as regular double crochet.
This stitch can be used wherever you would normally use double crochet but want a closed fabric. I don’t say denser fabric because the resulting fabric is about the same thickness as regular double crochet. This stitch pulls each of the double crochets apart to meet each other rather than bulking them up to close the gaps. It’s really a cool stitch that is under utilized.
Check out the video below on how to work it and lefties can click here to see their version.
11 Comments
Barb
Can you tell me how to decrease when using linked double crochet? I’m working on some mittens and my ” invented” way doesn’t look very good. Any suggestions? Love your starting trick. I’m assuming that you use that same method when working this stitch in the round.
Deja Jetmir
It would be the same as a regular DC but instead of the YO before beginning each DC, you will insert your hook into the middle bar.
[So insert through middle bar, yo and pull up loop, insert hook into next hook, yo pull up loop, YO, pull through 1st 2 loops] 2 times, then yo and pull through remaining 3 loops. 🙂
Di Childs
I’ve tried for ages to eliminate the gap at the end of rows. You’ve shown me a way that’s both brilliant and simple. Thank you so much.
The small gap between double crochet stitches has irritated me but you’ve shown me a way to overcome that. Thank you for that also.
If I have any crochet problem I will come to you.
Best Regards, Di
Deja Jetmir
Thanks so much, so glad it’s helping. 🙂
Susie
This is so great and looks so much neater. You explain it so well You should be on Craftsy. thank you
crocheteverafter
Why thank you. From your lips to Craftsy’s ears. 🙂
Susie
Hi Deja, it’s getting very hot here in Perth and not crochet friendly unless in the air conditioning. Would a 4 ply cotton work for the heart beanie – it’s much nicer to work with when it’s hot. Have you ever used cotton?
crocheteverafter
You betcha, as long as it is fingering weight (so it’s not super large) cotton or any other fiber will work. 🙂
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Ann Marie P.
That’s great. I have never heard of this stitch before. I think it will be very useful for hats. I’ll be trying it soon.
Christine Galindo
Thank you for this tutorial, I learned something new today! =)
crocheteverafter
Cool, I’m so happy when that happens. 🙂