Standing Double Crochet Tutorial: A Better Way to Start Double Crochet Rows
The Standing Double Crochet Stitch is a simple crochet technique that can give your projects a cleaner, more polished beginning to each row. Instead of using a traditional turning chain to start a row of double crochet stitches, the standing double crochet creates a double crochet that stands neatly in place, helping eliminate the gap that can sometimes form between the turning chain and the first stitch. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to crochet the Standing Double Crochet Stitch step by step, including a photo tutorial, written instructions, and video tutorial, so you can easily add this useful technique to your crochet projects.
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What is the Standing Double Crochet Stitch?
The Standing Double Crochet Stitch is a technique used to begin a new row or round of double crochet without using the traditional turning chain. Instead of chaining and then working a double crochet into the first stitch, you create a standing double crochet that takes the place of both the turning chain and the first double crochet stitch. This technique can help create a cleaner, more seamless edge and reduce the noticeable gap that can sometimes occur when using a chain 2 or chain 3 turning chain. It is especially useful when you want your rows of double crochet stitches to have a neat and professional finish.
Ways to Use the Standing Double Crochet Stitch
The Standing Double Crochet Stitch can be used anywhere you would normally begin a row or round with a turning chain and a double crochet. It is especially helpful when crocheting blankets, scarves, sweaters, shawls, granny squares, and other projects worked in rows of double crochet. Use it at the beginning of a new row to create a cleaner, more seamless edge and help reduce the gap that can occur with a traditional turning chain. The standing double crochet is a versatile technique to add to your crochet toolbox.
Materials Used in This Crochet Tutorial
Crochet hook of choice (I used a size J 6.0mm hook)
Yarn (I used a size 4 medium weight yarn
This Crochet Tutorial is written using US Crochet Terms
Crochet Stitches to Know
Foundation Double Crochet Stitch
Helpful Tips for the Standing Double Crochet Stitch
Keep your tension consistent.
The Standing Double Crochet should be about the same height and width as a regular double crochet stitch. If you make it too loose or too tight, the edge of your project may look uneven.
Don’t make a turning chain first.
When using a Standing Double Crochet to replace the turning chain, you go directly into the Standing Double Crochet rather than chaining 2 or 3.
Make sure you count the Standing Double Crochet as a stitch.
Since it replaces both the turning chain and the first double crochet, it counts as your first stitch of the row.
Pay attention to your hook placement.
Keep your working yarn and hook positioned comfortably as you form the Standing Double Crochet. This will help you create a stitch that matches the height of the other double crochets.
Practice with a small swatch.
If this technique feels awkward at first, practice starting a few rows of double crochet until you find a comfortable hand position and consistent tension.
Use it for a cleaner edge.
One of the biggest benefits of the Standing Double Crochet is that it can help reduce the gap often created by a traditional turning chain, giving your finished project a more polished look.
Remember that it takes the place of the turning chain and first stitch.
Once you get comfortable with this technique, it can be an easy way to start rows of double crochet without the extra chain.
How to Start a Standing Double Crochet Stitch
Begin by turning your work without chaining. I have found that it looks a little better if you turn your work like turning the pages of a book reading from back cover to front cover.
Step 2 Standing Double Crochet Stitch
Now pull the loop on your hook looser. It should be a little bit taller than the height of a Double Crochet Stitch. Secure the loop with one of the fingers of your hook holding hand. This will keep the loop the height you want it to be.
Standing DC Step 3
Next complete a Yarn Over by slowly rotating the hook down and under the long loop we have made. The move is exactly the same as a usual YO, but the Yarn Over is made using that long loop. Keep holding the loop in place with a finger of your hook holding hand.
Step 4
Now insert the crochet hook into the 1st stitch of the row.
Standing Double Crochet Step 5
Next Yarn Over and pull through the stitch. There will be 3 loops of yarn remaining on the hook at this point.
Step 6
Now Yarn Over again and pull through 2 of the loops on the crochet hook. There will be 2 loops remaining at the end of this step.
Standing DC Step 7
Finally Yarn Over and pull through both of the loops on the crochet hook. This completes a Standing Double Crochet Stitch.
Working Into a Standing Double Crochet at the End of a Row
Once you’ve learned how to create a Standing Double Crochet at the beginning of a row, it’s also helpful to know where to work your final stitch when you reach the end of the next row. This helps keep your row edges straight and ensures your stitch count stays consistent. In the section below, I’ll show you exactly where to work your last double crochet when the previous row was started with a Standing Double Crochet.
Step 1
Begin by identifying the top of the Standing DC from the previous row.
Working Into a Standing DC Step 2
Now if you are working a DC into the stitch start by yarning over and then inserting the hook into the top of the Standing DC.
Step 3
Next Yarn Over and pull through the stitch. There will be 3 loops of yarn on the crochet hook at this point.
Working Into The Standing DC Step 4
Now Yarn Over and pull through 2 of the loops of yarn on the hook. There will be two loops remaining at the end of this step.
Final Step Working Into the Standing DC
Finally Yarn Over and pull through the remaining loops on the crochet hook. This completes a regular Double Crochet worked into the top of a Standing Double Crochet Stitch.
Standing Double Crochet vs Stacked Single Crochet vs Chain 2 vs Chain3
I have included pictures of swatches made using all of the most common ways to start a row of Double Crochet Stitch. I have found that the Standing Double Crochet tends to give the cleanest edge to start a row.
Standing Double Crochet Video Tutorials
Written Instructions Only
Step 1
Begin by turning your work without chaining (Note: I have found it looks slightly better for this stitch to turn your work by turning like you are turning the pages of a book when reading from back cover to front cover).
Standing DC Step 2
Next pull the loop on the crochet hook out to make it bigger. You want the loop to be a little bigger than the height of a Double Crochet Stitch.
Step 3
Now Yarn Over using the big loop to create the Yarn Over (we are not using the yarn we normally do to create this Yarn Over, it is the big loop itself that we are yarning over with). Hold this Yarn Over in place with a finger of your hook holding hand.
Standing DC Step 4
Next insert the crochet hook into the first stitch, then Yarn Over as you normally do (with the yarn coming from the skein or ball). Pull the YO through that first stitch. There will be 3 loops of yarn on the hook now. Keep holding that original YO (made by the big loop) in place with your finger.
Step 5
Now Yarn Over and pull through 2 of the loops on the crochet hook. There will be 2 loops of yarn remaining on the hook. Keep holding the original YO (made by the big loop) in place with your finger.
Standing Double Crochet Step 6
Finally Yarn Over and pull through the remaining 2 loops on the crochet hook. This completes a Standing Double Crochet to start a row of DC (that replaces the turning chain).
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Keep Learning and Leveling Up Your Crochet Skills!
Learning new crochet techniques is a great way to build your confidence and give your projects a more polished, professional look. If you enjoyed learning how to use the Standing Double Crochet Stitch, be sure to check out some of my other crochet tutorials for techniques that can help take your skills to the next level. Learn how to create a Stacked Single Crochet, try the Foundation Double Crochet for a beautiful alternative to a traditional starting chain, or learn how to make a Double Magic Ring for starting crochet projects worked in the round. With each new stitch and technique you learn, you’ll have even more tools to create beautiful crochet projects!