The double crochet stitch is one of the first handful of stitches most crocheters learn. In fact, I dare say the simple double crochet stitch scarf is one of the very first projects most new crocheters make - and for good reason! It's simple, fast, and a great way to learn all about tension and the importance of counting stitches.
Working in the round is a great next step, opening up the world of hats and bags! There's a simple mathematical formula to working double crochet in the round, and understanding it will help you make sense of patterns and design your own. Here's my explanation:
As I say in the video, it's also important to know when a stitch is really a stitch. If you're counting a ch 3 at the start of the round as a double crochet, then when you join with a slip stitch at the end you'll need to work into that top chain. And that slip stitch from closing up the last round isn't a stitch for working into at all!
Counting the double crochet stitches in each round can be tedious, I know, but there's really no better way to check your work. If you are having trouble identifying the first stitch of the round or the slip stitch from the previous round, then the best solution is to place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and count the stitches before you slip stitch to finish the round. With practice and experience it will get easier, so don't give up. I believe in you!
Thanks again for watching, and let me know in the comments if there are any videos you 'd like to see here on moogly! If there's a stitch that's giving you fits or a technique you need to see to understand, then I'd be happy to help out if I can. (And I could use some new video ideas!)
Be sure to check out and like the moogly Facebook page to get the latest updates, links, sneak peeks, and to order your own ooak moogly items – I’m taking commissions! Moogly is also on Pinterest, Twitter, and now Tumblr – come join the fun!
Janny says
I absolutely love this technique of slipstitching into the first stitch and not counting the chain as a stitch!! Thanks for sharing. Do you use the exact same technique for a single crochet in the round? ie: not counting the chain one and working the sc into the same space.
moogly says
Yes, that's exactly how I do it Janny. 🙂 Thanks!
Janny says
Thanks for your quick response...this has really changed the quality of my finished work. I'm grateful that you shared. 🙂
Susan M J says
Im just so excited to get at some of these video & crochet. Im sel taught senior and wont give up. No live person to help now I have your videos. THANKS SMJ
Meme says
I first watched how to do a dbl crochet instead of doing the 3 ch start. Thank you I have tried to work that one out but strangely enough I was doing then as you are for this one in the round. It's good to know I was on the right track. Thank you for helping us to do a better finish to our craft and especially special projects for our loved ones.
Preeti says
Thanks for sharing,Tamara!! This was very helpful and I really needed this finishing technique. I got the link for this tutorial from the standing DC tutorial which I tried for my project and I am very happy with it:) just wanted to know, is there a similar alternative for ch3 (used for dc) too? I know this video tells about a workaround for the same, still, curious to know .
Tamara Kelly says
The standing dc works to replace both a ch 2 and dc in the same stitch, or a ch 3 that counts as a dc. Is that what you're asking?
Preeti says
Hi Tamara,
I wanted to ask about chainless DC that you have posted recently. Just saw it. Thanks !!:)
Preeti
leolaura says
I am so pleased that you are helping us to improve our crocheting.
It certainly helps in the looks of our work, and also the ease of making the stitches.
thank you,
leolaura