Technique Tuesday – How To Make the Foundation Double Crochet StitchWhat is it? The Foundation Double Crochet stitch technique (abbreviated Fdc) is an alternative to the instructions at the beginning of a crochet pattern that tell you to chain a certain number of stitches. This technique simultaneously creates a row of "chain" stitches AND a row of Double Crochet stitches (abbreviated dc) without making two passes. Basically, it takes the place of two rows of stitches: the "chain" row that makes up the beginning base and the next row of Double Crochet stitches worked into that row of chains. As with our Foundation Single Crochet and Foundation Half Double Crochet tutorials, we are using " " around the word chain because this isn't REALLY a chain stitch but it LOOKS like a chain stitch when the stitch is completed. Be sure to go check out our other foundation stitch tutorials: How To Make the Foundation Single Crochet Stitch How To Make the Foundation Half Double Crochet Stitch Why Use It? The primary reason we use foundation stitches like the Foundation Double Crochet stitch in our work is the elasticity or, more accurately, the consistent stitch tension, it provides at a hem, cuff, neckline or any beginning section of crochet stitches. A crochet chain row tightens up significantly once the next row of stitches is worked into it because the loops of a crochet chain are made by pulling new loops through previously made loops. Since the chain loops are connected to one another this way, pulling on one of the loops by inserting a hook into the chain and making a stitch there tightens the neighboring loops. The result is a chain that is significantly shorter than we probably need and a fabric edge with little or no elasticity at all. And, unfortunately, even the almighty fix-all techniques in blocking will only get you so far… fibers only stretch so much before they are ruined or "killed" zapping them of all bounce and elasticity. This unfortunate tightening of stitches doesn't happen when using the Foundation Stitch technique since the "chains" we make are connected to the stitch (Single Crochet, Half Double Crochet, Double Crochet, etc…) we create simultaneously on top of the "chain". The next "chain" we make is created by coming through the side of the previous stitch and does not affect the tension of the preceding or following "chains." To Work Today's Tutorial Here's a list of materials we used to make today's Foundation Double Crochet (Fdc) tutorial. While you can, of course, use any materials you have on hand, these materials listed are what we recommend you use while you are learning. Yarn Used CYCA 4 Worsted Weight, 100% Pure Wool Hook Used H-8/5.00mm Crochet Hook NOTE: You can click on any of the photos in our tutorials to enlarge them for greater detail. Break It Down
TAADAA!! A Final Word… Or Two… As with all new skillz, the Foundation Double Crochet (Fdc) technique will take some practice. Be patient, practice, and compare your work with the photos in this tutorial. You will get it! Thanks for dropping by for another Technique Tuesday! Our aim is to build the skillz of our FAB fiber community here on the web and it's always FAB to hear from you all that what we are doing is helping you and your fiber friends. Check back often or, better yet, click on that RSS Feed button over there in the right-hand column of the page you are on right now. That way you will always be up to date and never miss a thing! Stitch On! S&J Oh hey… before you go… Here are a few more pages we thought you might be interested in. Click on any of the photos below… enjoy! Come say hey to us Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest by clicking on one of these icons.
5 Comments
Bessie
12/15/2016 01:05:47 am
Thank you for this tutorial , I'm hoping to pick it up. But even if for some reason I can't. I think it is great that you have links to new stitches. Thanks again.
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Elizabeth
1/11/2018 02:37:00 pm
After completing your dcf how do you begin the next row?
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Mira
5/7/2018 01:27:22 pm
Beautiful tutorial! I have been trying to master the double crochet foundation stitch for ages. This is the first tutorial that made sense and allowed me to start my projects quickly and easily. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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Dianne
5/10/2018 02:30:59 pm
I have bookmarked your tutorial page, so the next time I'm stumped, I can come back and learn how to do thing right. Thanks for sharing these wonderful tutorials. Every crocheter can learn something new here, and help make our projects more professional looking. You're the best!
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