How to Use a Standing Double Crochet Stitch to Join New Yarn in Crochet
If you’re looking for a neat and professional way to join a new yarn color to your crochet project, the Standing Double Crochet Stitch is a great technique to have in your crochet toolbox! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to use a Standing Double Crochet Stitch to join new yarn and begin a double crochet stitch at the same time. This technique eliminates the need for a slip stitch and turning chain, creating a cleaner, straighter edge and a more seamless-looking color change. Once you learn this simple technique, you’ll be able to use it in blankets, granny squares, garments, and many other crochet projects.
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How Do You Use the Standing Double Crochet Stitch for Starting a New Color?
To use the Standing Double Crochet Stitch when starting a new color, simply join your new yarn with a standing double crochet instead of using a turning chain. This creates a neat, clean beginning to your row while helping your color change blend naturally into the rest of your project. It’s a great technique for blankets, scarves, and other projects where you want a polished finish.
Ways to Use the Standing Double Crochet Stitch in Your Crochet
The Standing Double Crochet Stitch is a useful technique that can be used in several ways throughout your crochet projects. You can use it to start a new row of double crochet stitches, creating a straighter and cleaner edge than a traditional turning chain. It can also be used to join a new yarn color without needing a slip knot and turning chain. This versatile technique works especially well for blankets, granny squares, panels, and other projects where you want neat, polished edges.
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 Success with the Standing Double Crochet
Keep your tension even: Try not to make the standing stitch too tight or too loose. Consistent tension will help it blend in with the other double crochet stitches.
Leave a yarn tail: Leave a few inches of yarn when joining the new color so you have enough to weave in the ends securely when you’re finished.
Pay attention to where you insert your hook: Make sure you’re working the Standing Double Crochet in the correct stitch so your stitch count stays consistent.
Don’t pull the yarn too tightly: The new yarn should have enough slack to form the double crochet without pulling the edge of your project out of shape.
Practice before starting your project: If you’re new to the technique, try it on a small swatch first. Once you get comfortable with the motion, it becomes quick and easy.
Weave in your ends securely: Because you’re changing colors at the beginning of a row, take a little extra care when weaving in the yarn tails to prevent the color change from coming loose.
How to Start a Standing Double Crochet That Changes Yarn Colors
First with the new yarn, place a slip knot on your crochet hook.
Step 2
Next yarn over with the new yarn. Hold that Yarn Over in place with a finger from your hook holding hand.
Standing DC to Join New Yarn Step 3
Now decide which stitch or space you are going to work the first stitch with the new yarn into.
Step 4
Next insert the hook into the space or stitch that we will work the stitch into. Keep holding the yarn over in place with the finger of the hook holding hand. The working yarn will go up and over the top of the stitch or space we are working into.
Standing DC to Start a New Yarn Step 5
Now Yarn Over and pull through the stitch/space. There will be 3 loops of yarn on the crochet hook at this point. Instead of holding onto the yarn over with my finger, I now hold on to the yarn tail with my hook holding hand.
Step 6
Next Yarn Over again and pull through 2 of the loops on the crochet hook. There will be 2 loops of yarn remaining on the hook at this point. At this point, I transfer the yarn tail into my yarn holding hand and hold it securely there.
Final Step
FinallyYarn Over and pull through the remaining 2 loops of yarn on the crochet hook. This completes the Standing Double Crochet Stitch that is being used to join a new yarn color!
Remaining Stitches for the Row or Round
Now work the remaining stitches for the row or round the way you would normally work your crochet stitches.
How to End a Round That Started With a Standing Double Crochet Stitch Step 1
After working around the round, join to the top of the Standing Double Crochet Stitch to close the round. The top of the Standing Double Crochet is the “V” right next to the slip knot.
Step 2
Now without yarning over insert the crochet hook into the top of the Standing Double Crochet Stitch.
Joining to Close a Round Step 3
Next Yarn Over and pull through all of the loops on the crochet hook. We have just slip stitched to close the round.
Step 4
Now cut your project free from the yarn ball.
Joining to Close a Round Step 5
Next yarn over and pull the yarn tail all of the way through the loop on your hook. Tighten it up.
Finishing the Round
Finally weave in both yarn tails: Both the one we just cut and the one next to the slip knot.
Using a Standing Double Crochet to Start a New Yarn Video Tutorials
Written Instructions Only
Again, this is the technique for joining a new yarn using the Standing Double Crochet Stitch.
Step 1
First with the new yarn, place a slip knot on your crochet hook. Locate the stitch or space that you are going to join your yarn to.
Standing DC Step 2
Next yarn over with the new yarn. Hold that Yarn Over in place with a finger from your hook holding hand.
Step 3
Now decide which stitch or space you are going to work the first stitch with the new yarn into. Next insert the hook into the space or stitch that we will work the stitch into. Keep holding the yarn over in place with the finger of the hook holding hand. The working yarn will go up and over the top of the stitch or space we are working into.
Standing DC Step 4
Now Yarn Over and pull through the stitch/space. There will be 3 loops of yarn on the crochet hook at this point. Instead of holding onto the yarn over with my finger, I now hold on to the yarn tail with my hook holding hand.
Step 5
Next Yarn Over again and pull through 2 of the loops on the crochet hook. There will be 2 loops of yarn remaining on the hook at this point. At this point, I transfer the yarn tail into my yarn holding hand and hold it securely there.
Final Step
FinallyYarn Over and pull through the remaining 2 loops of yarn on the crochet hook. This completes the Standing Double Crochet Stitch that is being used to join a new yarn color!
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KEEP LEARNING AND LEVELING UP YOUR CROCHET SKILLS!
If you enjoyed learning how to use the Standing Double Crochet Stitch to join a new yarn color, be sure to check out some of my other helpful crochet tutorials! Learn how to use the Standing Double Crochet for Straighter Edges when starting a new row, or try the Stacked Single Crochet as another great alternative to the traditional turning chain. If you’re working on projects that begin in the round, don’t miss my tutorials for the Magic Circle and Double Magic Circle. These techniques are especially helpful for creating neat, professional-looking crochet projects with clean starts and joins. Happy crocheting!