How to Foundation Double Crochet

In this tutorial, you can learn the Foundation Double Crochet (FDC) stitch. It’s a fantastic technique that adds flexibility and stretch to your starting row while also saving you time!

If you have a simple double crochet row as the first row of your crochet pattern, you can skip the starting chain and work foundation double crochet (FDC) stitches instead. With FDC stitches you create the chain and the first row of double crochet stitches in a single step.

Comparison of chains and double crochet row vs. foundation double crochet stitches in golden yellow yarn

How do you crochet without a foundation chain?

If you don’t like starting with a chain, you can start with foundation stitches instead. Check your pattern’s first row to know what type of foundation stitches you need to start with.

If your pattern asks for regular double crochets in the first row, swap them with foundation double crochet stitches. Scroll down to learn how to make them!

There are other foundation crochet stitches that you can use in your projects, such as foundation single crochet, foundation half double crochet or foundation herringbone half double crochet.

What is Foundation Double Crochet (FDC)

The Foundation Double Crochet (FDC) stitch is a crochet technique that combines the starting chain and the first row of double crochet stitches into one step. This approach eliminates the requirement of creating a separate foundation chain and subsequently working stitches into it. By using FDC stitches, you can create a foundation for your crochet project that is both elastic and flexible from the very start!

Why use a Foundation Double Crochet?

The primary reason for using foundation stitches instead of chains is to add more stretchiness to the starting edges of your project! If you want to know more about the benefits of using foundation stitches, check out Foundation Crochet Stitches post for more info!

So, if you’re ready, let’s get started!

How to Crochet a Foundation Double Crochet (FDC)

Materials

Any yarn (worsted or bulky yarn would work better in the beginning as you can see the stitches clearly)
Crochet hook (5mm for worsted or 6mm for bulky)
Stitch Markers (optional)

Abbreviations

Ch = chain

YO = yarn over

DC = double crochet

FDC = foundation double crochet

Note: To better understand the mechanics of this stitch, it’s good to remember that the FDC stitch consists of two parts: a chain stitch and a double crochet stitch. First, you make a chain, followed by a double crochet stitch – that’s one FDC. Then you start with the next chain, followed by another double crochet stitch – that’s the second FDC, and so on. You don’t need to worry about memorizing this; it will become clearer as you practice this stitch a little more.

Foundation Double Crochet Photo Tutorial Step by Step

1. Make a slip knot and chain 3

2. Yarn over (YO) and insert the hook into the first chain. Yarn over again and pull up a loop. This step creates the initial part of the foundation stitch, which is the chain stitch. It’s important to remember this chain stitch for step 5. You can place a marker to help you remember or keep it in mind.

Three chained stitches and a purple hook, illustrating the first step of the foundation double crochet stitch

Three loops on a hook, using golden yellow yarn and a purple hook, demonstrating the second step of the foundation double crochet stitch

3. YO, pull through one loop on your hook. You’ll have three loops on your hook.

Three loops on a hook, using golden yellow yarn and a purple hook, demonstrating the third step of the foundation double crochet stitch

4. YO, pull through two loops. YO, pull through the last two loops. This is the second part of the foundation stitch (the double crochet). The first foundation double crochet (FDC) stitch is completed.

Two loops on a hook, using golden yellow yarn and a purple hook, demonstrating the fourth step of the foundation double crochet stitch

One loop on a hook, using golden yellow yarn and a purple hook, demonstrating the fourth step and the completion of the first foundation double crochet stitch

5. To make the next foundation stitch, YO, insert hook into both strands of the chain stitch you created in step 2. YO and pull up a loop. This is the next chain stitch; remember this stitch for step 8.

Two adjacent photos featuring golden yellow yarn and a purple hook on a white background, depicting the next step of inserting the hook.

6. YO, pull through one loop on your hook. You’ll have three loops on your hook.

Three loops on a hook, with golden yellow yarn and purple hook, illustrating the sixth step of the foundation double crochet stitch

7. YO, pull through two loops. YO, pull through two loops again. (double crochet). The second foundation double crochet (FDC) stitch is completed.

Two loops on a hook, with golden yellow yarn and purple hook, illustrating the seventh step of the foundation double crochet stitch

One loop on a hook, with golden yellow yarn and purple hook, illustrating the last step and completion of the second foundation double crochet stitch

8. Repeat steps 5-7.

FDC Video Tutorial

Watch the short video demonstration of the double crochet foundation stitch here.

FDC Written Instructions

Make a slip knot and chain 3
Yarn over (YO) and insert the hook into the first chain. Yarn over again and pull up a loop. This step creates the initial part of the foundation stitch, which is the chain stitch. It’s important to remember this chain stitch for step 5. You can place a marker to help you remember or keep it in mind.
YO, pull through one loop on your hook. You’ll have three loops on your hook.
YO, pull through two loops. YO, pull through the last two loops. This is the second part of the foundation stitch (the double crochet). The first foundation double crochet (FDC) stitch is completed.
To make the next foundation stitch, YO, insert hook into both strands of the chain stitch you created in step 2. YO and pull up a loop. This is the next chain stitch; remember this stitch for step 8.
YO, pull through one loop on your hook. You’ll have three loops on your hook.
YO, pull through two loops. YO, pull through two loops again. (double crochet). The second foundation double crochet (FDC) stitch is completed.
Repeat steps 5-7.

How to use Foundation Double Crochet in a Pattern

If you want to replace the traditional chain and row of double crochets with Foundation Double Crochets in a pattern, it’s easy! Look at the total number of stitches for the first row in your pattern, and that is the number of double crochet foundation stitches you need to make.

For example, the pattern says: Chain 80. Row 1: double crochet in the third chain and across the row. (78)

You see the total number of stitches in the first row is 78, so you need to make 78 foundation double crochet stitches.

If the first row of your pattern is anything other than regular DC in each stitch, then you may not be able to use foundation double crochets.

I hope you like this tutorial on how to make the foundation double crochet stitches!