If you like using double crochet stitches but don’t like the gaps between them, try out linked double crochet stitches! As the name already suggests, these stitches are linked together, so the gaps between the stitches disappear.
Whenever I learn a new stitch, I like to make something useful with it. So, below, you can learn how to do the linked double crochet stitch, and you’ll also find a free pattern to make a beautiful washcloth using this stitch. Enjoy!
How to Crochet the Linked Double Crochet Stitch (LDC)
Insert your hook into the horizontal bar of the last stitch (you’ll find this bar across the centre of the stitch), yarn over, and pull up a loop. Next, insert your hook into the next stitch on your row and pull up another loop. You should now have three loops on your hook. Finish the stitch like a regular double crochet: yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over again, and pull through the last two loops on your hook. See photos for each step and more details in the washcloth pattern below.
Difficulty
Easy! Once you see where to insert your hook to make the first part of a linked double crochet, it’s just like a regular double crochet.
Summer Washcloth Pattern
Or pin this crochet pattern to your Pinterest Crochet Board for later!
Materials
- You can use any 100% cotton, worsted weight yarn #4/Aran/10ply yarn. I used Lion Brand 24/7 cotton yarn in Bubblegum Pink.
- Crochet hook 5mm
- Scissors
- Yarn needle for weaving in the ends.
Dimensions
8.5″ x 8.5″ (21.5cm x 21.5cm)
Gauge
16 stitches x 9 rows worked in linked double crochet = 4″ square
Abbreviations (US Terms)
Ch = chain
St = stitch
DC = double crochet
LDC = linked double crochet
Special Stitches
Linked Double Crochet (LDC): Insert hook into the horizontal bar of the last stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (two loops on hook) Insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook, yarn over and pull through the last two loops on hook. (Watch a short video demonstration of the linked double crochet)
Pattern Notes
- The size can be easily adjusted by chaining more or less for your foundation chain (any odd number) and working more or fewer rows.
Written Pattern
Ch 29 or any odd number of chains.
Row 1: Insert hook into the second Ch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Insert hook into the next Ch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops on hook. That was the first LDC, see photos below or watch a short video demonstration.
To make the next linked double crochet, *insert hook under the horizontal bar of the last stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, see photos below. Insert hook into the next Ch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops. That’s another linked double crochet done. Continue from * across the row.
Row 2: Ch2 and turn. To make the first LDC, insert hook into the first Ch (second Ch from hook), yarn over and pull up a loop. Then insert hook into the first St, yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through last two loops. See photos below for each step. Continue with linked double crochet stitches across the row.
Row 3-15 (or until you have a square): repeat row 2.
Border
Rd 1: Ch3, turn. Skip one stitch and work a DC into the next St. *Ch1, skip one stitch, DC into next St. Repeat from * across the row.
Corners: Ch3 and DC in the same St.
Sides: Continue working DC, Ch1 along the sides, working into each last St of the rows (15 rows = approx. 15 Sts).
Go all the way around the washcloth. At the end of this round, Ch 3 and slip stitch to the first stitch.
Rd 2: Chain 2 (you don’t need to turn). Work two LDC into each Ch1 space between the DC stitches around the washcloth, placing 4 LDC into each corner space. At the end, slip stitch to first St.
Fasten off and weave in all ends! If you like to purchase the ad-free PDF, you can get it from my Etsy or Ravelry store.
What else can you make using the Linked Double Crochet stitch?
The linked double crochet stitch texture is reversible and looks the same on both sides! I think it would be a great stitch for blankets, including baby blankets since there are no big holes between the stitches like with normal double crochet stitches. The texture looks beautiful and it’s easy to do. What would you make using this stitch?
The Summer Washcloth pattern was featured in The Washcloth of The Month CAL, hosted by Rhondda from Oombawka Design and Amy from The Stitchin’ Mommy. Check out other featured washcloths:
- Herringbone Half Double Crochet Washcloth by Oombawka Design
- Moss Stitch Washcloth by The Stitchin’ Mommy
Enjoy, and Happy Crocheting!
Other Crochet Stitch Tutorials
- Elizabeth Stitch Crochet
- Honeycomb Crochet Coasters
- Alpine Stitch Crochet Tutorial
- Even Moss Stitch Crochet Tutorial
- Suzette Stitch Crochet Tutorial
- Crochet Thermal Stitch