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Easy linked double crochet stitch tutorial for beginners. Learn this super dense and thick crochet stitch perfect for many projects!
Linked double crochet stitch is one to definitely have in your crochet dictionary! It is an amazing crochet stitch that will come in handy for many projects.
The beauty of this crochet stitch is in its characteristics. The main advantage of this stitch is no gaps. That’s right, it is a super dense stitch that has virtually no gaps.
The stitches are connected together through the middle as well as the top and bottom. This creates a crochet fabric that has very little gaps and dense texture.
The standard abbreviation for linked double crochet stitch is ldc.
However, some designers have their own abbreviation they use.
Although, there is nothing wrong with that, they should always explain in their abbreviations list which one they are using.
It has the height of standard double crochet. But because you join the stitch through the middle too, it looks like you are crocheting two rows at the same time.
This is because you replace the traditional yarn over for double crochet with inserting your hook through the front bar of the previous stitch.
It creates a horizontal bar across the front with optically looks like another row.
This makes linked double crochet stitch great for projects that could use some density. But without the bulk of a single crochet stitch.
It can add shape and structure to an otherwise floppy piece.
What Can I Use Linked Double Crochet Stitch For?
As I mentioned above, the linked double crochet stitch is dense with no gaps. So, thinking down this line of requiring fabric with no gaps, you can use it for many of the following projects.
However, do not think it is only limited to the projects below.
As a crochet garment designer, I have used this crochet stitch for a couple of very different projects.
Firstly, my Crochet Coatigan uses linked double crochet. This is because I wanted to create a cardigan that can double up as a coat in transitional weather.
It has no gaps so it keeps you nice and warm on a chilly spring or autumn morning.
Secondly, I have used this pattern for my Chunky Tidy Up Basket.
This is a great crochet basket that keeps things organised and tidy. By things I naturally mean more yarn… The main point of a basket is to keep things in.
By using linked double crochet stitch you will create a dense and thick crochet basket that will keep your items safe.
From the point of a crochet garment design, I would use this stitch for items like coats and jackets that will need a little structure.
Garment elements like pockets and collars would be great in this stitch too.
Amongst other items, I would use this stitch for handbags, baskets, backpacks or project bags that will hold crochet hooks or knitting needles.
That brings us onto make up pouches, notion pouches or crochet hook holders.
You can also make some kitchen items like dishcloths, potholders or placemats and coasters. You can also make items like rugs or bath mats and even crochet blankets.
If you are after super warm blanket, linked double crochet stitch will be a great choice.
Linked Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial
This is a great textured and dense stitch that every crocheter should know. It is a beginner friendly crochet stitch that has one little change from the standard double crochet.
It is easy to memorise and get into the swing of it.
I think it is the perfect choice of stitch for sturdy and strong projects. This can be further supported by a choice of sturdy yarn and smaller than suggested hook.
As an example if you pair up linked double crochet stitch with chunky or T-shirt yarn and hook a couple of sizes smaller than suggested, you have a sturdy project!
However, you can use this stitch for garments too. Items that require extra layer of being sturdy like coats or jackets are perfect.
On the other hand, if you adjust your choice of yarn and hook, you can achieve the opposite.
Your fabric will still be dense with not gaps. However, you can achieve lighter fabric with more drape.
You can do so by opting for a thinner yarn like 4-ply or light DK weight yarn.
Paired with 4 or 5 mm crochet hook and linked double crochet stitch, your finished items will be light and have drape but no gaps.
This would be useful for items like spring cardigan or vest, lighter scarf for transitional weather.
WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS:
ABBREVIATION: ldc
linked double crochet – insert hook under the horizontal bar at the front of the previous stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, insert your hook into the next stitch (you can insert through back loop only for extra texture), yarn over and pull up a loop = 3 loops on the hook, (yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the hook) twice to finish off the stitch.
I hope you have found the above video tutorial helpful. I have demonstrated the linked double crochet stitch on my Chunky Tidy Up basket pattern.
If you think your crafty friends would find this tutorial helpful, why not share it with them?
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Do not forget to pin this tutorial to your favourite Pinterest Board so you can easily find it later too.
Other stitches you might like
If you enjoyed this tutorial, you might also like these:
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- Standing Double Crochet Tutorial For Super Neat Crochet Edges
- Crossed Double Crochet Stitch Free Tutorial
- Beautiful Crochet Lotus Stitch – FREE Video Tutorial
- Crochet Tweed Stitch – Free Video Tutorial
- Half Double Slip Stitch – Free Video Tutorial
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Love the pattern. Plan to use it on a sweater.
that’s great, glad you like it!
Thank you for the written instructions and video. Your video was clear, slow enough to follow and audio was good tone and precise. I want to try this stitch right away. I’ll start with a hot pad to ensure I get it right and then I’ll move to a basket, which I really need to hold those little run-away rascals of scrap yarn that I am using for a project. Thank you too for the basket pattern!
Thank you for your ingenuity and willingness to share with others.
Thank you for your kind comment!