Chainless Starting Double Crochet & Seamless Join Tutorial

Eliminate unsightly seams and gaps when working double crochet in the round with a chainless starting double crochet and seamless join technique.

What is the Chainless Starting Double Crochet?

The chainless starting double crochet is a technique used to begin a round or row of double crochet without a traditional starting or turning chain. It mimics the look and height of a regular double crochet stitch and, when used in the round, creates a much less visible seam.

In this post, you’ll not only learn how to make the chainless starting double crochet, but also how to create a seamless join when working double crochet in the round.

Chainless Starting Double Crochet Abbreviations

The chainless starting double crochet is commonly abbreviated as CSDC, but abbreviations can vary slightly between designers. It should not to be confused with the standing double crochet, which is a different technique entirely.

Always check your patterns abbreviation list.

How to Make the Chainless Starting Double Crochet

A chainless starting double crochet stitch is worked as the first stitch of a row or round, replacing the traditional chain 2 or chain 3 start.

Here’s a quick written breakdown:

1. Pull up your working loop to approximately the height of a double crochet stitch. Hold this loop firmly in place with your index finger.
2. Yarn over by swinging your hook down and behind the working loop.
3. Insert your hook into the first stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
4. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook (2 loops on hook).
5. Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops to complete the stitch.

When to Use a Chainless Starting Double Crochet?

The chainless starting double crochet can be used wherever you would normally begin a row or round of double crochet with a chain 2 or chain 3.

It’s particularly useful when working in joined rounds, as it creates a more seamless-looking join.

It can also be used when working in rows to create a neater, straighter edge without the gaps that you sometimes get with a turning chain. However, when working double crochet in rows, my preferred method is the stacked single crochet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pull up your working loop to approximately the height of a double crochet stitch. Hold this loop firmly in place with your index finger.

2. Yarn over by swinging your hook down and behind the working loop.

3. Insert your hook into the first stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop just as you would for a regular double crochet. Do not let go of the loop on your hook (3 loops on hook).

4. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook (2 loops on hook).

5. Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops to complete the stitch.

Seamless Double Crochet Join

1. Make the working loop slightly longer and remove your hook.

2. Insert your hook from back to front under both top loops of the chainless starting double crochet and place the working loop back on your hook.

3. Pull through.

Turn your work back around so that the right side is facing you. Continue with the next round beginning with a chainless starting double crochet.

Chainless Starting Double Crochet Tips

• Keep the working loop secure. Hold the loop firmly with your finger while making the stitch to prevent it from slipping or becoming too loose.
• Match the height of your stitches. Pull the working loop up to roughly the same height as a regular double crochet stitch (this may take some practise). If it’s too short or too tall, the beginning of the round may look uneven.
• Use a stitch marker if needed. If you find it difficult to identify the top of the CSDC, place a stitch marker through the top of the stitch to make joining the round easier.
• Keep your tension consistent. The CSDC should have a similar tension and height to the surrounding double crochet stitches for a neat finish.
• Practise before using it in your project. The technique can feel a little awkward at first, so practise a few stitches until you’re comfortable controlling the working loop.

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