How to Foundation Double Crochet: A Beginner Tutorial

Learning how to complete the double crochet foundation stitch is a great skill for beginner crocheters, or really any crocheter. The foundation double crochet stitch completes the foundation chain and first row of double crochets at the same time! While it may take you a little bit of practice to get into the flow, I highly recommend learning how to crochet the foundation double crochet. It is worth the effort!

If you are not a fan of crocheting the foundation chain for a project, then you might want to look at learning the foundation stitches! Speaking from personal experience, I didn’t learn them until much later in my crocheting journey and then only because a pattern called for them. Then I would forget about them again until I needed to use them in a design. However, that has since changed, and I love the fact that you can complete the foundation chain and the first row of stitches for a project at the same time!

Now, there are several stitches that have a foundation variation. The most common are the foundation single crochet (fsc), the foundation half double crochet (fhdc), and the foundation double crochet (fdc), which we are going to learn below. There are other variations that can also be used, but they are not as common as the above list.

Specifically, the foundation double crochet stitch is a quick and easy stitch to get in a flow with, especially if you know how to complete the double crochet stitch. The basic steps of the double crochet are included in this variation, which makes it easier to learn. Plus, I love that I can use this stitch in the beginning of a large project, like a blanket, and I don’t have to worry about the chain twisting up when crocheting the first row or that it might be uneven. I also prefer to count actual stitches instead of chains, so the foundation double crochet is definitely a go-to whenever possible.

If you are a complete newbie to crochet, I suggest that you start with the basic stitches before you get started with the foundation stitches. The basic simple stitches are the chain, single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, treble crochet, and slip stitch. These will help you grow your skills and learn the basics of crocheting. If you have the basics down or are an experienced crocheter, then you should be ready to go! There will be both a video and written instructions for the chainless foundation double crochet stitch below.

What is a foundation double crochet?

Foundation double crochet is a crochet stitch that is a variation of the double crochet. It effectively creates the foundation chain of a project and the first row of double crochets at the same time. This stitch is used as an alternative to chaining and then double crocheting the first row, and instead, combines the two separate stitches into one stitch.

What can I use instead of foundation double crochet?

If you are looking for an alternative to the foundation double crochet stitch, then you should be able to chain the required number of stitches plus 2 for the turning chain. In the third chain from the hook, crochet your first double crochet stitch, and then double crochet in each chain all the way across. Before completing this alternative, be sure to check with the pattern requirements or the designer to ensure it will not mess with the outcome of the pattern.

When should you use the foundation double crochet stitch?

The time to use the foundation double crochet stitch is when you would complete the first row of a project with double crochet stitches. For example, if you are completing a project that tells you to chain a certain number and then double crochet into each chain starting in the third chain from the hook, you could instead crochet a double crochet foundation row of the required total number of stitches.

What do you need to know:

If you are a beginner crocheter, I highly recommend that you understand how to complete at least these stitches:

–Chain

–Double Crochet

However, if you are unfamiliar with how to single crochet, half double crochet, treble crochet, or slip stitch, then I would suggest that you click on those links as well to learn how to complete them. Those crocheters who are more advanced should be ready to learn the foundation double crochet stitch.

Supplies:

All you will need for the double crochet foundation row is:

-Yarn &

-Crochet Hook.

As with every tutorial, I would have you start out by practicing with a yarn type and hook size that is comfortable to you. To follow along with me, you can use a H/8 5mm hook and worsted weigh (4 medium) yarn, but this stitch can be crocheted with any yarn and hook combination you would like. However, if you are looking at a pattern, be sure to follow its requirements in order to have the desired outcome.

Notes & Tips for the Foundation Double Crochet:

-Be sure to hold the yarn with a medium tension, especially if you tend to crochet tightly. This will help your crochet not to curl.

-After you pull through the first loop, pull the loops up to an equal height to ensure that the stitches end up even.

-Foundation double crochet is the same as crocheting a foundation chain and then double crocheting to create the first row. It simply creates the chain and first row at the same time.

-Foundation double crochet is usually abbreviated fdc, but always check the pattern notes to see what the designer has written for confirmation.

-US Terms are used for this tutorial.

How to Make a Double Crochet Foundation Chain:

The first stitch will be crocheted slightly differently, but the rest of the stitches will be crocheted in the same manner. The steps to crochet the first foundation double crochet stitch are as follows:

You will start off by creating a slip knot and then chaining 2. (Only as start to first stitch.)

Then you will need to yarn over, and insert your hook into the first chain.

Yarn over again, and pull through the chain. (3 loops on hook)

Yarn over, and pull through just one loop. (3 loops on hook)

Then yarn over, and pull through two loops. (2 loops on hook)

Finally, yarn over, and pull through last two loops. (1 loop on hook)

When crocheting the second and following stitches, the only difference in the steps is where you will insert your hook to start the stitch. These stitches are created by inserting the hook into the base chain of the previous stitch (instead of the chain) and then completing the rest of the steps as described.

That’s it! You can now foundation double crochet! You will probably want to practice some before you use this stitch for a pattern, but in a short amount of time, I am sure you will be crocheting your foundation double crochet rows like a pro! I hope this tutorial was helpful for you, but if you have a question, please reach out in the comments or via the contact page. Have fun crocheting!