Just completed a simple DC scarf using this technique at the beginning of each row. Was amazed at the results--totally straight edges! I've only been crocheting a year now and this scarf is by far the most pro-looking think I've made. This stitch is my new favorite crochet hack.
I love this alternative to a ch3! No gaps at the edges! Another benefit is that the top of the stitch (the v) is so much easier for me to see and work into at the end of the next row than when I use a ch3.
Thank you! Over the years I have experimented on alternatives to the beginning chain 3 so it looks like a dc. Your way is the best! This makes me so happy. Thank you again.
Tamara, you are pure genius! I have been using your prior method and was happy with it. Now, however, I am on cloud 9. I LOVE this new technique!! Thank you for sharing with us.🤗
I've already tried and used many times the previous version (even in magic circles!) and I thought it's perfect. Till now. This technique is much better! I can see the difference, specially when the next row comes and I have to start with new DC - two strings on the top ("v") are better build and easier to use. Thank you for the tip!
Very clear explanation. I turned the speed to 75% and went slower. People do this so fast you cannot see where to place the head of the crochet hook where it is to go. Thank you 💯
Thank you... That is awesome! I've always started with a sc row first because of the look of using the chs as your 1st stitch. I can't wait to try it out!
I love this. I've been doing it for a year or so now, and can't bring myself to use a chain anymore! I just did my first beginner tutorial, and left a link to this video in my info area. So that everyone can learn how to do this!
Love this improved version! I'm making your Blackberry Salad Striped Baby Blanket for my unborn daughter and this is a MAJOR game changer. I can't wait for the final result ❤
Thanx, again, Tamara!! I learned something new!! (Yaaaay!!). I DO like the result of how you do it this way-it looks like it “fits” better and the side is much “cleaner” looking. I’m just starting The More The Merrier Blanket. I used your technique of the FDC-the foundation double crochet and it makes those first “2” rows melt into one!! So much easier than fiddlin’ with that first row of chains. Especially when there’s 247 to start!! So a huge THANX to you!! You’re the BEST!!!! 💜
Wow! I tried this and it looks really awesome! You can't even tell either from the front or the back, that it's not just another regular double crochet stitch ;)
I've been waiting for you to improve this technique. The perfectionist in me always got annoyed that it wasn't really attached to the stitch below- causing a lift. I took a year off crocheting, came back, and found this! I knew you'd figure it out for the rest of us! Thank you!
This is the first video I've seen on TH-cam that does this. Other's I've watched, did it the other way; yo first then finishing the stitch. I'm going to use this method for sure. It really resembles the dc stitch much better. This is great, thank you for your tutorial!
I am always looking for ways to improve my craft. Thank you Moogly, for offering improvement tools for free! I found your foundational crochet videos a few years ago and utilize those techniques as often as I can. Now I can add this amazing technique to my toolbox, and I can already see the difference in my blanket edges. Thank You!!
We love this stitch over at Crochet au Lait Community on facebook. We were just having conversation about it this morning. No more gaps! Thanks for the tutorial. :)
I agree that it looks very similar to a double crochet. No more nasty gap! Thank you so much for improving on the method and sharing with us! Now, to make this around the post of the dc below and my seamless crochet ambitions will all be realised :)
Can you start a double crochet foundation chain with this method? I just tried it. I had to chain one and wrap the yarn and then went into the chain one and chained one and then completed the double crochet and it worked
Thank you so much! About to start a shawl, and the pattern tried to explain how to do a chainless beg dc but I didn't get it at all hahaha. Your videos are all so clear!
I had to size down my hook significantly to avoid a VERY loose stitch upon completion. I'm working with a 7mm and had to use a 4mm to do this stitch. There's just not enough room on larger hooks unless you want a massively saggy finished stitch.
This is a such a good tip, I'm Glad you made the improved version. It takes practicing but it's very beneficial. I have a question, when you do the following row where do you put the stitch that goes over the chainless double crochet? Thank you for your videos.
Thank you! The next row or round's stitch goes under the top two loops that are formed right at the end of the Chainless Starting Double Crochet, just as they would with any stitch. These can be hard to spot later though, so putting a stitch marker under those two loops as soon as you make the stitch is a big help!
I am going to be using this for the sea glass summer cardi but have a question for you- I was trying to use this method for a half double crochet but not working out. Do you have a method for cleaner edges when using half double crochet stitch?
That is easiest, certainly. But I will see if I can get a video up demoing it as the very first st soon! Another alternative would be using fdc for the first row, if it works. :)
It's so much thicker. Does it settle into the rest of the stitches? It seems like it would bulge out more rather than blend it. I will try it however and see how it works!!
It's not perfect for every project - I always compare this stitch vs a ch 3 when I'm starting a new project to see what looks best with that particular stitch pattern. :)
quick question, if the pattern calls for chaining 155 and to use a turning chain you would have 153 stitches if you skip the 1st stitch. but if i use this technique i will have 155?
Hi Jennifer! This technique is typically only used after the first row is made - I would recommend Foundation Double Crochet for the first row if you want to avoid turning chains in Row 1. :) www.mooglyblog.com/foundation-double-crochet-fdc/
If do this in the round, like for a hat, Would it make a difference whether you continue going in the same direction or after chain, turn and go back in the opposite direction?
Tamara Kelly I guess what I meant was really when making a hat using this starting, does the finished project appear to look better if I just keep going in same direction, not chaining up-vs- chaining up, turning, then proceeding on to every round?
I haven't tried this yet, so this may be a stupid question 🙈 but... When you're starting your work, after you have created the starting chain, can this replace skipping chains to make the very first stitch? Thanks!! ❤️ I can't wait to put this technique to use!
You can! You have lots of options for starting a row of double crochet. Ch 3 is the usual way - it acts as both turning chain and first stitch. Ch 2 and dc in the first stitch is a popular alternative - the ch 2 does not count as a stitch, and is ONLY the turning chain. Then there are the dc substitutes, like chainless starting double crochet, and stacked single crochet. Different methods work well for different projects. :)
@@mooglyblog Thank you! I'm using some super bulky yarn, it's misbehaving (splitting/fluffing) when I try it. I'll practice on some Worsted weight! Appreciate you taking the time to reply.
Tamara, THANK YOU!!! I've used this before, but haven't croched in quite awhile & I'm so glad to have found it again! Wouldn't this basically eliminate the seam when crocheting in the round, such as beanies?
Thanks for such concisely crafted information! You're my go-to for crochet tips and patterns! Tamara, I have developed my own standing double crochet, which is quite easy once you get the hang of it. Would you like to see it? I could send a video. You could try it out and let me know what you think of it.
LOVE THIS! I just recently learned the standing double and starting double from your tutorials and love them, but the base felt weird to me. I'm glad you revised it :). Wonderful! Thank you so much
Thanks for this video! Actually, I've done the "improved" csdc before. I couldn't tell if I was doing the (original) csdc wrong or was too clumsy. So, I went into the 1st stitch to yo right after wrapping the hook and found it was much easier to complete the stitch AND it looked good : ) This accidental tweak became my go-to for doing the csdc (great minds, huh... Lol)
my crops are flourishing, my skin is clear, my depression is cured, I’m thriving…. seriously though, the straightness of my edges is so satisfying
Best comment ever lol!!
This is so much better than chain 3! Everyone should use this technique. I can't imagine why it's not more widely used.
Just completed a simple DC scarf using this technique at the beginning of each row. Was amazed at the results--totally straight edges! I've only been crocheting a year now and this scarf is by far the most pro-looking think I've made. This stitch is my new favorite crochet hack.
same! I made scarves for my in-laws and comparing the first one to the last one using this ingenious stitch it's day and night!
How's your work 5 years later? 😁
I love this alternative to a ch3! No gaps at the edges! Another benefit is that the top of the stitch (the v) is so much easier for me to see and work into at the end of the next row than when I use a ch3.
Thank you! Over the years I have experimented on alternatives to the beginning chain 3 so it looks like a dc. Your way is the best! This makes me so happy. Thank you again.
I love this!! I’ve even started this technique when working into a magic chain for my lovey blankets. Seriously so wonderful!
Please use this improved method to update your other video How to Crochet: Chainless Starting Double Crochet in the Magic Ring. Thanks!!!
Tamara, you are pure genius! I have been using your prior method and was happy with it. Now, however, I am on cloud 9. I LOVE this new technique!! Thank you for sharing with us.🤗
Thank you so much!! I've been crocheting for a couple years and have always hated using chain 3 - this looks soooooooo much better!!!
Wow, thank you so much. I just today learned this „old“ stitch and found it so frustrating. This new, your, way is so much better. Thank you!,
I've used your original method for several years now and appreciate the updated version. 👍
Thank you. I really like this method. It's much neater. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed night! ❤
I've already tried and used many times the previous version (even in magic circles!) and I thought it's perfect. Till now. This technique is much better! I can see the difference, specially when the next row comes and I have to start with new DC - two strings on the top ("v") are better build and easier to use. Thank you for the tip!
Amazing! You totally just upped my entire crochet game! Thank you so much for sharing this ingenious technique!
You Tamara, are a magician! Thank you, 1,000 x's over!!
Very clear explanation. I turned the speed to 75% and went slower. People do this so fast you cannot see where to place the head of the crochet hook where it is to go. Thank you 💯
Thank you... That is awesome! I've always started with a sc row first because of the look of using the chs as your 1st stitch. I can't wait to try it out!
I love this. I've been doing it for a year or so now, and can't bring myself to use a chain anymore! I just did my first beginner tutorial, and left a link to this video in my info area. So that everyone can learn how to do this!
Thank you so much!!
Love this improved version! I'm making your Blackberry Salad Striped Baby Blanket for my unborn daughter and this is a MAJOR game changer. I can't wait for the final result ❤
Thanx, again, Tamara!! I learned something new!! (Yaaaay!!). I DO like the result of how you do it this way-it looks like it “fits” better and the side is much “cleaner” looking. I’m just starting The More The Merrier Blanket. I used your technique of the FDC-the foundation double crochet and it makes those first “2” rows melt into one!! So much easier than fiddlin’ with that first row of chains. Especially when there’s 247 to start!! So a huge THANX to you!! You’re the BEST!!!! 💜
Thank you for sharing! I love the way this stitch looks like! It is very close to regular double crochet stitch and easy to make.
Wow! I tried this and it looks really awesome! You can't even tell either from the front or the back, that it's not just another regular double crochet stitch ;)
Much better technique! You're a genius! Thank you!
Hi Tamara. It's nice to see another video from you. I will definitely be trying this in the future. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day!
I've been waiting for you to improve this technique. The perfectionist in me always got annoyed that it wasn't really attached to the stitch below- causing a lift. I took a year off crocheting, came back, and found this! I knew you'd figure it out for the rest of us! Thank you!
This is exactly what I was looking for with the treble crochet. Thanks for the video!
Love this version ..Thank you. Stay safe and have a good day.
Love this technique even more than the original way, which I used all the time. Thank you!
This is the first video I've seen on TH-cam that does this. Other's I've watched, did it the other way; yo first then finishing the stitch. I'm going to use this method for sure. It really resembles the dc stitch much better. This is great, thank you for your tutorial!
Thank you Tamara... I will be using this one from now on!
What a beautiful way to create a much nicer edge! I have been so frustrated by the chain 3 turn,, as I always end up with odd edges. Thanks!
I am always looking for ways to improve my craft. Thank you Moogly, for offering improvement tools for free! I found your foundational crochet videos a few years ago and utilize those techniques as often as I can. Now I can add this amazing technique to my toolbox, and I can already see the difference in my blanket edges. Thank You!!
Wow! Thank you so much. You made this so simple to understand!!
I think this is a better way. Thanks for always trying to improve methods for us
GENIUS! Definitely using this from now on.
Thank you for sharing this technique! It's so much better than the chain three method and it gives a much cleaner look. 😁🧶😁
Thanks - I've been using a different chainless method, but I think your new technique probably looks better. I'll give it a try.
I agree this is a small change yet a much better look!!
I love this stitch! It looks so much better than chaining.
Thanks, Tamara. I'm practicing this stitch before incorporating it into my next (double crochet) scarf (a belated Christmas gift).🤗
We love this stitch over at Crochet au Lait Community on facebook. We were just having conversation about it this morning. No more gaps! Thanks for the tutorial. :)
This is funny! I have been doing it this way since I first learned about the chainless standing double crochet!
I agree that it looks very similar to a double crochet. No more nasty gap! Thank you so much for improving on the method and sharing with us! Now, to make this around the post of the dc below and my seamless crochet ambitions will all be realised :)
I really like this method. Thank you, Tamara.
Thank you! The other videos aren’t as clear as yours !
I love this Tamra..thanks very much for a nice looking, better DC option rather than a Ch3.
Can you start a double crochet foundation chain with this method? I just tried it. I had to chain one and wrap the yarn and then went into the chain one and chained one and then completed the double crochet and it worked
Yes - it's just fiddly! :)
You always have the most clever tips and techniques!
Thanks for the link in your pattern...hoping I can adjust this for my left handed crocheting ✌😁
There is a left-handed version as well, at www.mooglyblog.com/improved-csdc/ :)
I found the other video earlier this month and found it quite hard to do. This is soooo much easier. I wish I would have found it first!!
Thanks! I'll try this on my next project.
This is a game changer! I tried this on a shawl I'm making and it makes the beginning of the rows look so much neater!
Love this! Thanks for the updated video!!!!
Thank you so much! About to start a shawl, and the pattern tried to explain how to do a chainless beg dc but I didn't get it at all hahaha. Your videos are all so clear!
Awesomeness! I love it when there is always something new to learn. Thanks for sharing!
I really like this stitch it gives a much neater edge.x
Me, too! What an easier way to do it!
Thank you for another great technique, Tamara!
It looks so Good! Looks so precise! Great method! Love it!
Thanks! Love this and just found it! So happy about the way it looks.
Thank you for sharing. I think this will be easier for me to use. Going to try this right away.
I had to size down my hook significantly to avoid a VERY loose stitch upon completion. I'm working with a 7mm and had to use a 4mm to do this stitch. There's just not enough room on larger hooks unless you want a massively saggy finished stitch.
Hello, can you use this method when changing a yarn color on a shell stitch granny square to avoid that chain three start?
I don't see why not! :)
As usual, a great tutorial and really helpful and clever tips! Thank you!
That's the way I've always done it. I found the other way was still too spindly. I do a starting hdc this way too.
That was very helpful! Exactly what I needed 😃 Thank you!
Stating a new project with this stitch! Thanks!
Oh wow! That's brilliant. Thank you Tamara 😘
Love this Tamara! Thanks for sharing as always.
It even works with a cluster ❤
This is a such a good tip, I'm Glad you made the improved version. It takes practicing but it's very beneficial. I have a question, when you do the following row where do you put the stitch that goes over the chainless double crochet? Thank you for your videos.
Thank you! The next row or round's stitch goes under the top two loops that are formed right at the end of the Chainless Starting Double Crochet, just as they would with any stitch. These can be hard to spot later though, so putting a stitch marker under those two loops as soon as you make the stitch is a big help!
can any stitches be used with the chainless foundation double crochet stitches
Very nice! Thanks for sharing! It looks much better than the ones with chains.
Thanks I just Learn a new way to do a stich.
I am going to be using this for the sea glass summer cardi but have a question for you- I was trying to use this method for a half double crochet but not working out. Do you have a method for cleaner edges when using half double crochet stitch?
I prefer a tall ch 1 for hdc. :)
And for the very beginning of a project after chaining the number of stitches you need? How would we do a standing double crochet there?
It isn't the best for the first row, unfortunately - pulling up that last ch big is tricky!
@@mooglyblog So we should still leave a few chains to count as the first stitch on the first row, and then on the others do the standing crochet?
That is easiest, certainly. But I will see if I can get a video up demoing it as the very first st soon! Another alternative would be using fdc for the first row, if it works. :)
It's so much thicker. Does it settle into the rest of the stitches? It seems like it would bulge out more rather than blend it. I will try it however and see how it works!!
It's not perfect for every project - I always compare this stitch vs a ch 3 when I'm starting a new project to see what looks best with that particular stitch pattern. :)
No it's not! It blend's much better than the other twisted ways I've found!
quick question, if the pattern calls for chaining 155 and to use a turning chain you would have 153 stitches if you skip the 1st stitch. but if i use this technique i will have 155?
Hi Jennifer! This technique is typically only used after the first row is made - I would recommend Foundation Double Crochet for the first row if you want to avoid turning chains in Row 1. :) www.mooglyblog.com/foundation-double-crochet-fdc/
If do this in the round, like for a hat, Would it make a difference whether you continue going in the same direction or after chain, turn and go back in the opposite direction?
Nope, you just need to make sure you put it wherever that first stitch is supposed to be! :)
Tamara Kelly I guess what I meant was really when making a hat using this starting, does the finished project appear to look better if I just keep going in same direction, not chaining up-vs- chaining up, turning, then proceeding on to every round?
I haven't tried this yet, so this may be a stupid question 🙈 but... When you're starting your work, after you have created the starting chain, can this replace skipping chains to make the very first stitch? Thanks!! ❤️ I can't wait to put this technique to use!
Yes! It's a little fiddly, but it can definitely be done! :)
@@mooglyblog Awesome! I'll give it a shot 😁 Thanks so much!
for me i don't chain when doing sc, do an extended sc when doing hdc, and a stacked sc for anything taller like two high for dc or three high for tc!
This is very helpful; however, can you please explain to me why a regular double crochet stitch cannot be used at the start of a row?
You can! You have lots of options for starting a row of double crochet.
Ch 3 is the usual way - it acts as both turning chain and first stitch.
Ch 2 and dc in the first stitch is a popular alternative - the ch 2 does not count as a stitch, and is ONLY the turning chain.
Then there are the dc substitutes, like chainless starting double crochet, and stacked single crochet.
Different methods work well for different projects. :)
@@mooglyblog Thank you!
where was this when i was making a tumbler sleeve last night
Wonderful! Thanks!
HI 👋 will this work for a half double?
Yes, just pull on through! :)
@@mooglyblog Thank you! I'm using some super bulky yarn, it's misbehaving (splitting/fluffing) when I try it. I'll practice on some Worsted weight! Appreciate you taking the time to reply.
Tamara, THANK YOU!!! I've used this before, but haven't croched in quite awhile & I'm so glad to have found it again! Wouldn't this basically eliminate the seam when crocheting in the round, such as beanies?
Yes, pretty much! :D
I've seen others do this, and adopted it as well
I not only prefer the look of this method, I find it easier to do.
Thanks for such concisely crafted information! You're my go-to for crochet tips and patterns! Tamara, I have developed my own standing double crochet, which is quite easy once you get the hang of it. Would you like to see it? I could send a video. You could try it out and let me know what you think of it.
I always love trying new crochet tricks! :)
LOVE THIS! I just recently learned the standing double and starting double from your tutorials and love them, but the base felt weird to me. I'm glad you revised it :). Wonderful! Thank you so much
I've been crocheting for years and never heard of this! It's so much better than chaining. Why isn't this the standard???
I think it's probably a little tricky for beginners, but a game changer once you're ready! ♥
definitely a must-do!!
thank you for sharing with us, tamara!! ❤️
Perfect. Now there’s something to grab onto when having to create stitches in the sides of an afghan in order to make a border.
Thanks for this video! Actually, I've done the "improved" csdc before. I couldn't tell if I was doing the (original) csdc wrong or was too clumsy. So, I went into the 1st stitch to yo right after wrapping the hook and found it was much easier to complete the stitch AND it looked good : ) This accidental tweak became my go-to for doing the csdc (great minds, huh... Lol)
Great explanation thank you👍
Thank you! This is great.
Looks good. Gonna give a go at it 😃
So awesome! Thank you so, so much!
Love it!!! Thank you!
Great tip
do you start your "chainless starting double crochet" after making your initial chain?
You can, but it's a little trickier there! It's easier in subsequent rows or rounds. :)