A while back I did a video tutorial for Foundation Single Crochet (FSC), which shared my method for making that stitch. Now to complete the job, I’ve made one for Foundation Double Crochet, usually abbreviated as FDC!
Foundation Double Crochet Tutorial
How to Crochet the Foundation Double Crochet Stitch – Right Handed
How to Crochet the Foundation Double Crochet Stitch – Left Handed
Written Instructions for Foundation Double Crochet:
The First FDC Stitch: Ch 3. Yo and insert hook into the chain furthest from the hook, yo, and pull up a loop. Yo and pull through the first loop on the hook. This acts as the starting ch for this stitch. Yo and pull through two loops, yo and pull through the last two loops on the hoop, as when making a dc stitch. This completes the first FDC.
Subsequent FDC Stitches: Yo and insert hook into the V at the bottom of the previous stitch. Yo and pull up a loop, then yo and pull through the first loop on the hook. Yo and pull through two loops, yo and pull through the last two loops on the hoop, as when making a dc stitch.
This stitch is great for all the same reasons that FSC is great:
- No counting tiny chains to make sure you have the right number – just count your nice big stitches!
- When you are starting a new project and don’t have an exact stitch count, you can work to the width you want without having to frog a bunch of stitches to get the right ch count.
- No working into the chain stitches, except for that very first stitch! No picking and poking, and no twisting the chain either.
- This is also a great alternative for those who have trouble with making their chains too tight or too loose. Once you’ve got the hang of it, these “chains” are always at your usual stitch gauge.
- It creates a far stretchier edge than a chained edge, which is very desirable for garments in particular. And it looks really great, very polished.
- Lastly, since it counts as the chain row AND the first row of dc, it’s a time saver, getting you to the fun part faster! Once you’ve finished a row of Foundation Double Crochet Stitches, you just go on to the second row of your project as written.
I hope this has made it all clear for you! FDC is one of my favorite ways to start a project, especially when I don’t know how many stitches I’m going to need. Or when I making a neckline or cuff, or….
Thanks again for watching, and if you have any questions, comments, or ideas for videos you’d like to see, please let me know in the comments!
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Michaele R. Wilkins says
I Love To Learn New Stitches and Patterns Also.
Jenny B says
I just love this concept and I thank you for posting these video tutorials. I have a scarf pattern that I created and doing a Foundation Half Double Crochet makes the pattern work up much easier. I am hoping to sell my pattern on Craftsy.com and I would like to ask permission to send my customers to your website for the tutorial on this stitch. Thank you for your help! -Hooked by Jenny
moogly says
Jenny, that would be great! Thanks so much!(and you are very welcome!)
Angel says
Hi,
When using FDC in a project with written pattern directions that call for a chain first, do I just ignore the chains I made at the beginning of FDC or do those chains count as my first dc as they do with most patterns.
When I watch your video and you count at the end, 3 FDC, there looks like 4 stitches, because of the first chains. Would those chains count as the first dc when I work my next row?
Thank you for all the work you do teaching.
Angel
moogly says
Angel I would just follow the directions from the pattern and use whatever looks best in what you’re making. If the pattern uses the first few chains as a dc you could do that here too, or you might find that skipping it and working into the FDC looks better – there’s no hard and fast answers I’m afraid! I know that sounds like it’s frustrating, but think of it as liberating – you can always do what you think looks best, and it’s never “wrong”!
Jennifer says
I this is a little confusing to me too. What did you end up doing?
Angel says
I did use the chains as the first DC. With my particular pattern, once the first row is made it is worked in the round. When my first round was worked it covered that chain and the last FDC.
Angel says
I will try it both ways.
I have restarted my very long FDC several times this morning. I was having trouble with it wanting to twist, because the side that acts as the chain side had much more tension. After the forth start I tried pulling the loop that acts as the chain up a good bit before finishing with the dc. Now I have a flat FDC, but very stretchy.
Do you foresee any problems with that? I am doing a mile a minute pattern and the FDC is the center of each strip.
moogly says
I haven’t done any mile a minute patterns myself, so it’s hard for me to say for sure, but I can’t imagine it would cause trouble? It’s definitely a very stretchy stitch!
Spacey says
Thank you for making this comment! I had the same problem and your post helped a lot.
Nicole says
This has changed my life!!! I had never heard of this before and the worst part of crocheting for me is not so much making the chain but how long it takes for me to complete the first row. Thanks for the tutorial!
moogly says
You’re very welcome Nicole! 😀 It’s a great technique – and one of the best things is the amount of stretch you get with it!
Patti says
Love the technique!
I am currently working on a scarf that calls for
DC, DC, CH 10, Skip 10 DC, DC,DC (4 times)
I get the FDC but how do I then go on to chain the next 10?
Or is it best to just do it the old fashioned way?
Thanks
moogly says
Thanks Patti! If the first row (after the chain) is what you typed out, then I don’t think fdc will work for you, unfortunately. It works best if the entire Row 1 of the pattern is a row of dc worked into the chains. I can’t think how you’d do this though, I’m sorry. One thing you could do is work as many FSC as you are supposed to make chains (minus the chains that give you the first dc or get you to the height for it). It will give you a more solid edge than a simple chain, but without seeing the pattern it’s hard for me to tell if that would be good or bad.
Ruth says
I love your tutorials, so clear and concise 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much, Ruth!
Cara Louise says
I always love finding just what I need on your site, thank you! I just linked up this video in my blog post- http://carascrochet.weebly.com/1/post/2013/06/fdc-foundationdoublecrochet-and-fantasticdesigncomponent.html
Tamara Kelly says
Love it Cara – thank you so much for your kind words!
Michelle says
Just wondering if I’d be able to use this if the first row contains increases and decreases? Is there anyway to do increases and decrease in a fdc?
Tamara Kelly says
It’s easy to increase – just work a “regular” dc in the same base chain part as the previous fdc. For decreasing, when working the base chain, work the appropriate number of “extra” chains before starting the next actual fdc. I hope that makes sense!
Sara b says
Hi. I just fell over this site and is hoping you’re still up and running. I have a pattern saying to do a FDC increase, and I looked everywhere but can’t find a video. I’m more visual … Is it possible for you to do a video on it?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Sara! Definitely still going strong. 🙂 I can think of at least two ways to increase with FDC, but my best guess is that they mean that you should work the first of two fdc sts normally, then going into the bottom as you normally would, work a standard dc instead of an FDC. Then go into that same bottom stitch again and continue as you normally would. That’s just a guess based on what you said though!
Ruby says
Thank you Tamara, for sharing. I am glad I found your blog. Your tutorials and videos have helped me to refine my crochet skills. Looking forward for more great things from you.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so much Ruby!
Diana says
Thank you so much! I not only like the idea of bypassing a row of chain stiches but the “stretchiness” of the edge! I think this will work very well arm & leg warmers I’m wanting to make for Christmas gifts. I found your page on Facebook & then your site, had no idea there was anything this helpful out there.
Thank you again.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you Diana! I’m glad you like it – it’s great anywhere you need more stretch!
Penny says
I learn so much from you. Thanks for this tutorial. It is awesome! I just started your Cuddly Cat Scoodie for a Christmas gift. And, I learned a new stitch from you. This FDC is gonna save me time on future patterns, too. Thank you!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 You’re very welcome Penny! It can be a huge time saver indeed!
Jody says
Were has this been all my life?! Fantastic, thank you so much for the tutorial!
Meegan says
Trying, trying…my bottom is wonky. Is there any chance that you could post a picture when you’re about 10 stitches in? My head wants my work to be horizontal while I’m making the FDC, but the work is hanging down. I’d love to see a close up of a good start of this, with at least 10 FDC’s made. I am attempting the Eloise Sweater, and it’s never a good sign when step one flummoxes me.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Meegan – do you mean that the first row is curved, with the ends pointing down? This happens when the first chain of each stitch is a little too tight. When you make the FDC, make sure that the first chain of each stitch – the one that represents the foundation chain – is pulled up a bit higher or larger than normal. Additionally, a very slight curve will be straightened out when you work the second row.
Meegan says
Oh, ok. Will make that correction on the foundation chain part. I wasn’t finding the “V”, but I practiced like a crazy woman and have the hang of it…at least it doesn’t look like popcorn anymore, lol! Started my sweater…boy this is quicker than knitting!
Thank you very much! 🙂
Clotilde/Craftybegonia says
Very nice tutorial! I always love to learn new ways of doing crochet, thanks for sharing!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! 😀
BARB says
Moogly has come through for me again! I tried several sites and couldn’t figure them out. Your written instructions are very clear and easy to follow. Keep up the great work- I appreciate you!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so very much Barb!
Christine says
Thanks for the great tutorial. After all my years crocheting, I learned something new today!
Mary says
When making a certain number of Foundation Double Crochets, do you count the beginning ch 3? In the tutorial video, you did not. I’m am wondering how to handle this in the Eloise Baby Sweater because the instructions don’t mention it. Thanks for your help!
Tamara Kelly says
Some people do, but personally I do not. In the Eloise Baby Sweater they do not count. 🙂
Julie says
Thank you!
MARY baribeau says
Maggie,
I have a question on your pattern Sweater for Girls, it says to chain 43 then to do Foundation Double Crochet. This is confusing to me. Which do I do? I am making this for one of the little girls at my church. I’ve made 2 from different patterns but I wanted to switch up patterns. I would appreciate your response to this. I’m learning new stitches as I do crochet. This is a new stitch. I’ve learned how to do a half double crochet chainless foundation. I love learning new stitches. Thank you on advance for your help. I really love your patterns.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Mary! The Eloise Girls Sweater doesn’t include directions to chain. Perhaps you’re reading the stitch count at the end?
Sherre twigg says
Tamara, I just found your page this morning and have abandoned my latest John Grisham book (my original plan for the morning) because I watched one of your tutorials and then another and then, well…..here I am an hour and a half later. Your instructions are so clear, and your tutorial videos are easy to follow. I can’t wait to try some of the new stitches. My mother taught me to crochet 30 years ago and I’ve made some nice things, but this time spent on your site got me excited again about crochet. Well, maybe it’s a combination of your instructions and my brand new two week old granddaughter to make beautiful things for. Thank you SO much!
Tamara Kelly says
Oh my gosh, thank you so much Sherre! 😀 And congratulations on your new granddaughter!!
Shannah says
How would you join a foundationless chain to make an infinity scarf? I like the look and stretchiness of a foundationaless chain, but have not been able to figure out how to seamlessly join the beginning and end of the chain to work in the round. You can’t just use a slip stitch, as it only joins the top of the chain. I’m sure someone has likely figured this out, I just haven’t been able to find a tutorial.
Thanks,
Shannah
Tamara Kelly says
Ah, great question – and I have just the tutorial for it! 😀 Click here
Andra says
This is an amazing stitch! I can hardly wait to try it! Thank you for your video to share it with us!! Hugs from here… 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you Andra!
Sharon b says
Tamara – you’re amazing! I am just now tackling foundation stitches after re-starting to crochet this past fall (after a 15 yr break). I read book instructions, a couple of sites & watched another video on this but it wasn’t until YOUR video that the one part that was confusing me them most (what loops of the chains to work under) was made clear. THANK YOU! I usually work under the back bump of starting chains too, all the sites would refer to the “ch” created in FDC but no one would talk about all the different loops as clearly as you do. I have been a fan of your designs & blog since I started crocheting again, you have really helped me get up to speed technique-wise! Just added you as a fave designer of mine on Ravelry (what took me so long??). Much appreciation & keep up the excellent work!
Tamara Kelly says
Wow, thank you so much Sharon! I have to admit, foundation stitches always confused me too until one day it “clicked” for me what all the parts were doing! 😀
isabrode says
Thank you from France 🙂
Jo says
Thanks! Your instructions are clear and concise.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you Jo!
Angela says
I am so grateful for your blog. I learned to crochet watching YouTube videos, and your blog has done WONDERS in teaching me so much about fun stitches and patterns! This is an AWESOME blog ::-). And your foundation stitches have completely cuhanged the way I crochet!
Tamara Kelly says
Wow, thank you so much Angela!! ♥
mere says
I only recently realized you had your Eloise sweater in girls’ sizes, after a long time wishing I’d found the baby version in time to make for my niece. (I’m slowbrained sometimes.)
I’d like to do skirt in linked double crochet because I love the way it looks and the more solid fabric it creates. I’m wondering if it’s possible to do foundation linked double crochet, because otherwise, the foundation row being unlinked while the rest is linked will really bother me. Of course, I’m doing this wondering when I have no yarn or hooks at hand for trial and error.
Should it be possible to work the fdc as usual, except after the YO pull through one loop to make the chain part, go through the previous stitch instead of a YO to start the double crochet part?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi mere! You can absolutely combine FDC and Linked stitch – just do the “go through the bar” rather than the yarn over to start each new fdc. 🙂
mere says
Thanks! I will have to give it a try once I’m home.
Sarah says
I tried to watch the video but there was not one for the foundation double crochet and I just cannot figure out how to do it. What happen to your nice video I read so much about? Please could you post another one. Thank you so much.
Tamara Kelly says
I’m sorry, I’m not sure what you mean – it’s right here on the page. If it’s not loading up for you, maybe going directly to youtube will help: https://youtu.be/y__JXaQU8F0 🙂
Arlene Green says
Tamara, I’m working on a top that is done in rounds – and the base chain is 288 stitches. After trying twice to stop from twisting on the first DC row, I remembered your FDC tutorial – I’m now about to start my fourth row, all nice and straight because you helped!
Thanks so much for this! Arlene Green
Tamara Kelly says
😀 That is indeed a long one!! I’m so glad it helped!
Cathy S says
I love using the foundation row, whether it’s single or double or whatever, and it’s made my crochet life much easier.
I have a pattern that starts with a base chain, and requires double crochets for the first five stitches, then skip two stitches and put in two chains to replace them. Single crochet in the next chain, then chain two-skip two again. This pattern repeats across the first regular row.
How can I switch to a no-chain foundation, but maintain the pattern? I’m at a loss as to how to accomplish this technique, but still keep the design. Please help!
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Cathy! Sometimes foundation chains just won’t work for a first row. I can increase and decrease, but creating chains at both the top and bottom while using foundation stitches isn’t possible, as far as I know. I’d love to find out I’m wrong though!
sharon perkins says
son of a biscuit! That’s so easy!!! of course I’m going to watch it again with hook in hand so i can do the Moroccan market tote 😀
thanks!! merci, gracias, danke!!!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Glad it helped!
simona says
Hello Tamara,I’m pretty new to the crochet and I’m working on my first “big” project (for me at least). The pattern says: ” work additional 60 fdc ” The work is already began and I have already worked 60 dc in this row that is the 25 th. I have learned how to do the fdc thanks to your tutorial, but I don’t understand where I have to start the new fdc, if at the top of the last d.c. ( and so I will have like a step in my work and it seems weird to me) or at the bottom the last d.c., that makes more sense but isn’t specified and I’m not sure how to put the yarn there. There is a right way to do it? Thank very much,
Simona
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Simona! Without seeing the pattern I can’t say 100%, but it sounds like they want you to do this: https://www.mooglyblog.com/extending-rows-fsc/ but of course with double crochet sts, not sc. 🙂 Does that work?
Simona says
Oh yes!!! Now I have understood what I have to do!!!! Thank you so much!!
Tamara Kelly says
Oh good, I’m so glad! 🙂 Thank you!
Barbara says
World domination? I think you are there with this mind bending but simple solution to the heart break of a tight edge from the original chain!!! My allegiance is yours.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I’m so glad you like it Barbara! Thank you! (And mwahahahahahahah!)
Kathi says
Ok, this I definitely need to see a left handed version of! This almost seems too good to be true and it’s what we’ve all been waiting for and never thought of. I am having problems trying to mirror image it though, so could you show left handed video, perhaps?
Tamara Kelly says
Oh wow, we made this so long ago I wasn’t doing left handed vids yet, and I didn’t realize we never came back to it! I’ll add that to the to-do list, thank you Kathi!
Kat Williamson says
I too would be interested in a lefty vid. The written instructions sound workable, but it’s definitely nice to have visual backup!
Tamara Kelly says
It’s on my to-do list for sure! I’m still surprised I missed it so long!
Sarah says
Well, this was so much easier than I was expecting. Thank you so much for you easy to follow instructions and awesome tutiorial videos, I am so excited to try the ear warmers pattern.
Sarah
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I’m so glad to hear it! Thank you Sarah!
Sarah Skilton says
I make crochet fingerless mitts to where I have to start with a 40ch ss into first chain to make a circle, then treble (uk) into each chain. So could I do this instead to start my mitts I always make the chain too tight and struggle to get the hook through or miss a chain or twist the round.
This makes the starting round so much easier. Thank you so much.
Sarah
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Sarah! Yes, I love this stitch for cuffs, hat brims – anything where you want stretch and don’t want a tight chain! 🙂 I hope you enjoy using it!
Melissa Hungria says
I so appreciate you doing this! I am a newbie crocheter, and while I understand the double-crochet, when I saw the FDC in a recently purchased pattern, I had no idea what the pattern was referring to. This tutorial helped me so much and while it is a bit wonky in parts, you’re right – it’s a bit more stretchy which is necessary when a pattern calls for a chain stitch as the foundation. Happy to find your site and I’ll be visiting again. Thanks again!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so much Melissa! Have a wonderful new year!
Marilyn Culp says
Hi Tamara. I am trying to learn how to do the foundation double crochet and am having trouble with it curving. I am working on a test swatch right now in preparation for making a cape and hope it won’t be a problem. Any suggestions on how to stop that happening? Thanks in advance for your help.
Marilyn
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Marilyn! This happens when the first loop – the one that makes the chain – it a little too tight. Try pulling that loop up a little bigger than the rest. 🙂
Marilyn Culp says
Thanks Tamara for your reply. Practice makes perfect eh lol
Happy hooking,
Marilyn
Tamara Kelly says
Indeed! 😀 And I meant to add before, a very slight bend isn’t usually an issue at all – it will straighten out fine as additional rows are added. 🙂
Denise Sullivan says
Thank you so much!!!! I’ve been crocheting since I was a teenager and can’t believe I didn’t know this stitch! Just shows even at 60 a girl can learn new tricks! I so appreciate everything you do.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I hope I keep learning new tricks myself – it’s one of the best things about crochet in my opinion – that’s there’s always something new to learn!
Anne says
I’m starting the Eloise baby sweater. I’m afraid I don’t understand the direction at first. FDC: do I chain 27 stitches and then do FDC in each chain ? Or is this method supposed to be a new way to start a piece of work?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Anne! The FDC is one of the “foundation stitches” that includes the chain and first row all in one stitch. 🙂 No chaining needed!