Tutorial – Linked Double Crochet (ldc)

Double crochets are fast and easy, but for some applications they are too loose and leave unwanted gaps. Linked double crochet (ldc) stitches close those gaps by linking the stitches together in the middle. This creates a firmer, denser fabric that’s not quite as stiff or thick as single crochet. I love ldc for borders on lacier items. It can add shape and structure to an otherwise floppy piece, while at the same time creating a decorative edge. It’s also great for things like pockets where you still want a little drape, but want to limit gaps.

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Linked Double Crochet (ldc) Photo Tutorial

(scroll down for video tutorial)

The first 2 stitches

A normal double crochet stitch has a diagonal bar that goes across the middle. For linked double crochet, we’re going to connect each stitch to the the middle bar of the previous stitch. This pulls that diagonal bar down a bit, so it lies horizontally. To start an ldc row, ch 3 and turn. This chain 3 counts as the first stitch.

chain 3 - linked dc tutorial on StitchesNScraps

Now normally, to start the next stitch we would do a yarn over, but we want to link this next stitch to the chain. So instead of the yarn over, insert your hook into the 2nd chain and draw up a loop. I like to work into the back bump of the chain, because I think that looks nicest. Now we are connected to the middle of the chain.

pull up loop in 2nd ch - Linked dc tutorial on StitchesNScraps

Insert the hook into the next stitch and draw up a loop, and now you have 3 loops on your hook just like for a normal dc. The only difference is that instead of the yarn over, we have a connecting loop.

pull up loop in next st - Linked dc tutorial on StitchesNScraps

Finish the dc stitch as normal – (yarn over and draw through 2 loops) twice. You can see that the finished stitch has a diagonal bar, just like a normal dc. I’ve highlighted it here in orange.

second stitch - Linked dc tutorial on StitchesNScraps

 

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Continuing the row

For the next stitch, we’re going to connect to that bar by inserting our hook into it and drawing up a loop. Again, this replaces the yarn over that we would normally do.

draw up loop in middle bar - Linked dc tutorial on StitchesNScraps

Now draw up a loop in the next stitch, and finish the dc as normal.

draw up loop in next st 2 - Linked dc tutorial on StitchesNScraps

After a few stitches, you will notice that the connected bars form a horizontal line across the middle of the row. The wrong side of the work looks completely different, with a slight pucker across the middle. Working back and forth in rows creates a fun striped effect.

right and wrong side rows - Linked dc tutorial on StitchesNScraps

Linked double crochet can be worked flat or in the round. You do need to be careful with gauge though, as it tends to pull the stitches in and make the row just a little bit narrower. If this becomes a problem, try working the ldc stitches with a slightly larger hook.

Linked Double Crochet (ldc) Video Tutorial:

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11 Comments

    • Pia Thadani

      Thank you! That’s very nice of you to say 🙂 I know I’ve been slow in posting this summer, but I do have a new pattern coming out just as soon as I can get it written up – maybe today or tomorrow if I can get it done by then.

  • Kathy

    love the linked double crochet. I often feel the regular double leaves too many open spaces. Will absolutely change to the linked double on a new project. Thanks for the video – very easy to understand

  • Karla

    My pattern says to chain two at the beginning of my second row (which counts as my first ldc in the row). Then, I am to do a ldc in my first stitch! How do I do that as there is no horizontal bar in my chain. For the third row, I again chain two and then follow with a beginning ldc. Help!!

    • Pia Thadani

      Hi Carla! If you’re working into a Ch 3, you would normally use the 2nd chain as your horizontal bar. But since there’s only a ch 2 I would probably use the bottom of the 2 chains. Or just make a chain three and do it like in this tutorial 🙂

  • Margaret

    I’m doing a turning of a row completely different. At end of row after turning I make a slightly longer chain and then another smaller chain…yarn over and make a dc and then proceed with ldc. My only concern is my edges along end of row look like they will be impossible to go around blanket in sc to then proceed to border. Don’t know if I’m even making sense. Any idea?

    • Pia Thadani

      You can work a border into anything 🙂 I would just work your stitches around or into your turning chains at the edge of each row like you normally would. It may be a tighter fit to get your hook in, but you should be able to find at least one loop to grab.

  • Nicole S

    Thank you for this tutorial! I have been looking at a number of different sites to figure this one out and yours is THE BEST! so easy to understand the way you explain and your photos are perfect. You made this stitch so easy to do!!

  • Trish

    Thank you for this ldc tutorial. I have heard of this stitch and saw some examples of how to do it but some how just couldn’t wrap my brain around the process. This tutorial just makes it so clear and not complicated. Your photos really help. Thank you very much!

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