Today I’m featuring a stitch that I first discovered by majorly screwing up the foundation single crochet (fsc) stitch when I was first learning it. I dubbed it the “double chain” and stitched merrily away with it, even though I have never once seen a reference to it in a pattern or even – until a week ago – on the internet.
My curiosity about this stitch finally moved me to search for it via the moniker I had been using, and LO AND BEHOLD – it is actually called the Double Chain. Perhaps this is simply the most logical name for it, or maybe this is evidence of some collective crochet unconscious – we mortals may never know.
Whichever the case, the double chain is hugely useful.
Foundation chains can be difficult to stitch into and often give a stiff, awkward quality to the beginning end of whatever you are making – not to mention looking weird, since the gauge for your chain stitch is rarely the same as for your pattern stitches. The alternative to single chain foundations is often the foundation single crochet. I find fsc to be almost as irritating as single crocheting into the foundation chain (a task that after seventeen years I STILL despise). In lacy patterns, the foundation single crochet also adds height and bulk where you may not want it.
The double chain, on the other hand, is a snap to stitch up. It adds less height and bulk than the foundation single crochet, long strands of it lay fairly flat (say goodbye to that horrid curling that you blame for your drinking problem), and it has a slightly elastic quality that guarantees your edge will be less stiff and awkward.
So let’s do this thing.
Step 1: Ch 2 in the normal fashion.
Step 2: Insert your hook in the LEFTMOST loop of the second chain from the hook. If you are a sinister lefty, you would insert your hook into the RIGHTMOST loop of the second chain from the hook (and for you leftmost = rightmost from here on out).
Illustration of the LEFTMOST loop of the second chain from the hook.
Step 3: Yarn over.
Step 4: Pull up a loop through that same LEFTMOST loop, ending with two loops on the hook.
Step 5: Yarn over once again.
Step 6: Pull through both loops on the hook, completing one double chain stitch.
Step 7: Insert your hook under the LEFTMOST loop of your previous stitch.
Step 7 Ct’d: And then yarn over.
Step 8: Draw up a loop, ending with two loops on the hook.
Steps 9 & 10: Yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook.
Repeat steps 7-10, each repeat counts as one double chain stitch completed. You can substitute this bad boy in a lot of different instances where you would use a regular foundation chain – it’s MUCH easier to stitch into.
-MF
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I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to run across this!
I’ve never heard of it before and I’ve been crocheting for 35 years.
I’ts great because I make a lot of necklaces and I usually chain stitch and then slip stitch back through those to secure .
This will save a lot of time!
I know, it’s weird that this stitch isn’t more common since it’s so handy! I use it for everything 🙂
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These are truly wonderful ideas in about blogging. You have touched some good points here.
Any way keep up wrinting.
thank you! I’ve been making bandanas to tie my hair back, and I wasn’t a big fan of using a chain for the ties. I tried doing a 2-stich row, and that looked awful. I couldn’t find a good solution. Today I found your post! This worked up into a nice flat “ribbon” – perfect! And your explanation was super clear.
Oh thank you thank you!! Exactly what I hoped this post would be good for 🙂 I’m so glad you liked it!
Valuable information. Fortunate me I found your website unintentionally, and I
am surprised why this accident didn’t happened in advance! I bookmarked it.
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I guess I will have to wait for the movie . . lol…. I am doing it just as you say but it comes out looking rather,,,,,loose. I will practice tho!
xoxo….. susan in sb
It’s a fairly loose stitch, I definitely wouldn’t be surprised if you were doing it just right and it came out looking different – it can be especially loose when you are first learning, just like with any other stitch 🙂
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Very good info. Lucky me I came across your site by accident (stumbleupon).
I have saved it for later!
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Should call this the sideways single cord. It’s the same as sc but just into a different spot
What a great stitch! For foundation stitch in regular crochet, but also as a firm and yet stretchy start for tunesian crochet.. And yes… Necklaces, bracelets… Laces, cords… I’m gonna try this with rope and leather wire… I see so many great uses for this!! When you turn this around is has a great weave like appearance.
Thank you so much for sharing, as with all other gems on your site(s). I love your creations. They inspire me tremendously.
Aww thank you, I’m so glad you like! 😀
I just KNEW there had to be something like this… your instructions are crystal clear, and very much appreciated. You know, Mask Elastic is impossible to find: but I did score some spools of elastic thread (you know the kind). Using the double chain stitch is so much better than just straight chain with elastic thread. This will be tender to the ears, more so than regular elastic. Plus subtle extra style, with the weave effect as Ayesha pointed out (above).
Thanks very much for generously sharing your knowledge!
Oh awesome! I am so glad it’s helpful! You know, I hadn’t even though about this for masks but that’s an excellent idea! Thanks for the feedback 🙂
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The double chain stitch is described in the Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Needlework (publ. 1979). But your instructions are better and more detailed. Me, I dislike the foundation single crochet.
Thank you so much for citing that! I actually think I have that book stashed somewhere deep in the bookshelf from a garage sale – I’ll have to go look it up! <3 <3 You rock! 🙂 But yes… WAAAY better than foundation chains in my opinion lol
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I’ve been looking for a way to attach a Loop on a potholder. The potholder is done in thermal stitch, but that one is just too bulky and a chain stitch (which was recommended) is too flimsy. This looks just right, and I’ve saved your article on three ways to make cord as another reference. THANK YOU!
You are so welcome! I’m really glad you found it helpful 🙂 🙂
Thank You for being here ☺️.
Aww thank you <3 and you're welcome!! 🙂
Easy! Thanks so much for the brilliant pictorial. I’ve been fighting with uneven cords and this one is so simple and clean looking. Love it! 😻
hooray! Thanks for the feedback – I’m so glad you enjoy this type of cord, it’s my favorite! 🙂
Oh WOW! What a game changer!!! I am so excited to have learned this. Thank you! I am a YouTube/online taught crocheter of 4 years now and the fsc frustrated me to no end. I still don’t know if I ever did it correctly?!?! But it doesn’t matter anymore. The double chain is now my go to! Thank you so much!
Hooray!! I’m so glad you value this stitch as much as I do. I also HATE FSC and never use it since I discovered double chain. 😀 Thanks for the great feedback, cheers!