Linked Double Crochet ::Tutorial::

Today I just wanted to share a tutorial for a really cool crochet stitch. When I learned how to do this stitch, I was really impressed and loved the outcome.

This stitch is called the Linked Double Crochet (LDC). In the pictures below, you will see regular double crochet stitches on the left. On the right are the linked double crochets (worked in the round). The linked DCs close up the holes and it’s a very sturdy and pretty fabric. So the stitches are the same height as a regular DC but the holes are closed up.

 

This stitch can be worked in the round or back and forth. I personally prefer to only use this stitch in the round. I like the look of all of the stitches facing forward and giving a flat and even look. So this tutorial will be in the round but you can easily do this back and forth.

Lets get started!

I am using just a worsted weight yarn and a 5mm hook. You can really use whatever yarn you want since this isn’t an actual pattern. To practice, just grab something you have on hand.

To start, chain any desired amount of stitches you would like to practice on. I think I chained 35, which is completely random. I do recommend more than 15 just to help you practice.

 

Join your work to the beginning chain with a slip stitch so you can work in the round

 

Chain 2 and work one DC (double crochet) in each chain around. Join with a slip st to the beginning chain. Chain 2. This is all just to give you a base to practice on.  You can of course start your round with linked stitches right away. The next row is where I will show you the Linked Stitch

In the first stitch, do one regular double crochet (DC)

Now take a peak at the double crochet you just made. You will notice on the front of the stitch there is a horizontal bar that goes across the stitch. I’m going to call this the Front Bar.

To start the linked stitch, insert your hook from the top into the Front Bar

Yarn over and pull up a loop

You now have two loops on your hook. What you have done is, instead of yarning over to start a regular DC, this loop is taking it’s place.

Now you can finish your DC. Insert your hook into the next stitch

Yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have three loops on your hook

Yarn over and pull through two loops

Yarn over and pull through the last two loops on your hook. You have now linked that DC to the first DC. Pretty cool, right? And easy!

Let me show you one more time

Insert your hook from the top into the Front Bar of your previous double crochet.

Yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have two loops on your hook (remember this is replacing the yarn over you usually do to start a regular DC)

 

Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop.

You now have three loops on your hook

 

To finish, yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the last two loops on your hook.

If you are using this stitch and going back and forth on your work, all you do is chain and turn at the end of your row, do one regular double crochet to start and then you can continue making your linked stitches

Isn’t this a fun and easy stitch? I love the look of it. I used this stitch to make my tablet cover I made awhile back. It is a perfect stitch for this because it’s sturdy and thick. My tablet is very save and protected.

I hope you like this stitch!  Let me know if you have any questions.