Chainless Starting Double Crochet (csdc)
Do the first 3 chains at the start of a row count as a double crochet? If so, you can replace them with a Chainless Starting Double Crochet (csdc). There are different methods for making a chainless starting double crochet, but the one I’m going to teach you is my personal favorite right now.
A chainless starting double crochet offers several advantages:
- It looks almost identical to a regular double crochet (similar in height and thickness)
- It creates a significantly straighter and cleaner edge compared to using 3 chains
- It avoids a gap on the side of the row
- It gives a V-shape at the top, just like a regular double crochet.
Check out the video below for a quick tutorial on how to crochet the Chainless Starting Double Crochet. I’ve tried to keep it short so you can dive right in. However, I recommend watching it carefully before picking up your hook. You’ll also find a written explanation below the video.
Video Tutorial Chainless Starting Double Crochet
Written instructions: Chainless Starting Double Crochet
Step 1
Pull up a loop to approximately the height of a double crochet. Keep a firm grip on the loop with a finger against the hook.
Step 2
Rotate the hook in a counterclockwise direction around the loop. Keep holding the loop.
Step 3
Insert your hook into the first stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
Step 4
Complete the stitch as you would a standard double crochet, ensuring that you maintain a firm grip on the loop with your finger. (so yarn over, pull through 2 loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through the last 2 loops on the hook).
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