The Linked Double Crochet (LDC) stitch is perfect for when you want the height of a Double Crochet stitch, but need a more dense fabric. Here is how it is done! Scroll down to the bottom for a video tutorial.
Photo 1: This tutorial was made for the Alex Basket and Pot Cover, so it starts with joined rounds and
uses 2 strands of yarn held together.
Photo 2: Ch2. You will now draw up 2 loops. One through the first chain, the next through the first stitch of the previous Round (the same as the join). See Photos 2 and 3. Please note that the Alex Basket pattern requires you to work in the back loops only in this Round, however your pattern may ask you to work in both loops.
Photo 3: Insert hook into the first chain of the beginning ch2, draw up a loop. 2 loops on hook.
Photo 4: Insert hook into same stitch as beginning ch2, draw up a loop. 3 loops on hook.
Yarn over, pull through 2 loops. Yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops. Starting LDC made.
Photo 5: To work the next stitch, and every other stitch in the Row/Round, you will pull up 2 more loops. One in the horizontal bar halfway down the previous stitch, and the second in the next stitch of the previous Row/Round. See arrows.
Photo 6: Pull up a loop in the bar and in the next stitch. 3 loops on hook.
Photo 7: Yarn over, pull through 2 loops. Yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops. LDC made.
If working in the Round, you may notice that a regular slip stitch join will create a gap between the first and last stitches of the Round. To avoid this, I suggest the following steps:
Photo 1: This photo shows where you will pull up the next 2 loops to close the gap to complete a join stitch.
Photo 2: Pull up a loop in the horizontal bar of the last stitch worked.
Photo 3: Pull up a loop in the beginning ch2 space. 3 loops on hook.
Photo 4: Pull through another loop on hook. 2 loops on hook.
Photo 5: Insert hook into top of first LDC in the Round to join.
Photo 6: Pull through all loops on hook. LDC join complete.
Please note that the join does NOT count as a stitch.
Have you used the LDC stitch before? Have you used it in the Round?
If you like this linked stitch, check out Alex Basket and Plant Pot Cover and the Alex Stocking!
- Alex Stocking
[…] This pattern uses the Linked Double Crochet stitch to create a beautifully dense fabric. Perfect for corralling small objects, and covering up unsightly plant pots. Please use the helpful tutorial for this stitch found HERE. […]