Today, we’ll learn how to crochet the linked double crochet stitch (ldc). This tutorial covers how to linked dc, increase, and decrease in rows. When decreasing, you’ll learn how to linked double crochet 2 together (ldc2tog) and 3 together (ldc3tog). You can also find tips for crocheting the linked double crochet stitch in rounds and in a flat spiral.
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What is the Linked Double Crochet Stitch?
The ldc stitch is a variation of the classic double crochet (dc) stitch, but the stitches are connected at the horizontal bar in the center of each stitch. This technique creates a solid fabric with defined lines and almost no gaps. Basically, the ldc is how you double crochet with no holes.
The linked double crochet stitch is a single stitch — not a stitch pattern like the alpine stitch. This means that you don’t have to worry about stitch repeats or multiples. Just chain any number + 3 to get started crocheting.
What do I need to Linked Double Crochet (ldc)?
Before we get started learning how to linked double crochet, let’s review the terms, abbreviations, and supplies you’ll be using.
Supplies / Materials
You can use any yarn and any matching hook for your linked double crochet project.
For the tutorial video and photos, I used:
- Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Mystical (discontinued color)
- Furls P / 10 mm Virgo Streamline Swirl
Techniques / Abbreviations
- ldc – linked double crochet
- ldc2tog – linked double crochet 2 together
- ldc3tog – linked double crochet 3 together
- dc- double crochet
- ch – chain
- yo – yarn over
- st – stitch
Note: This tutorial utilizes US crochet terminology.
How to Linked Double Crochet (ldc)
The basic written instructions for a linked double crochet (ldc) are as follows:
Insert hook into horizontal bar of the previous dc, yo and pull up a loop. Insert hook into next st, yo and pull up a loop. yo and pull through two loops. yo and pull through last two loops.
LDC Video Tutorial
I’ve created a video tutorial to help you learn this stitch. If you’re left-handed, watch the flipped tutorial.
How to Start a Linked DC Project from a Chain
To crochet the ldc in rows, ch any number + 3. I chained 10 + 3, which gave me 10 stitches in each row of my practice swatch.
Next, insert your hook into the back bump of the second ch from your hook [photo a]. yo and pull up a loop.
Insert your hook into the back bump of the fourth ch from your hook [photo b]. yo and pull up a loop [photo c]
Now, you’ll finish the stitch like a standard double crochet stitch.
yo and pull through two loops [photo d]. yo and pull through the remaining two loops [photo e].
You’ve officially completed your first ldc!
For the rest of the stitches in the row: insert your hook into horizontal bar of the previous dc, yo and pull up a loop. Insert hook into next st, yo and pull up a loop. yo and pull through two loops. yo and pull through last two loops.
How to Start a New Row
When you reach the end of a row, ch 3. Insert your hook into the second ch from your hook [photo a], yo and pull up a loop. Turn your work. [photo b]
Insert your hook into the first st, yo and pull up a loop. [photos c and d]
There are now three loops on your hook and you can finish like a standard dc. yo, pull through the first two loops, yo and pull through the last two loops. [photo e]
For the rest of the stitches in the row: insert your hook into horizontal bar of the previous dc, yo and pull up a loop. Insert hook into next st, yo and pull up a loop. yo and pull through two loops. yo and pull through last two loops.
Linked Double Crochet Increase
Increasing is the same as for traditional double crochet stitches. To increase with linked double crochet stitches, just crochet a second (or third) stitch into the same stitch. In the photo below, I’ve crocheted two ldc stitches into one st.
How to Linked Double Crochet Decrease
Crocheting decreases is useful for shaping your project. For example, a triangle shawl will increase at the edges of each row to create the triangular shape. Fitted sweaters will decrease at the shoulders and near the bottom of the sleeves.
You can easily decrease with the linked double crochet stitch. It’s similar to double crochet decreases like the dc2tog and dc3tog, but you’ll link your partial stitches at the horizontal bar. I’ll show you how to crochet the ldc2tog and ldc3tog in the photo tutorials below.
How to linked double crochet 2 together (ldc2tog)
Y’know how when you dc2tog, you create two partial stitches first? The ldc2tog is the same — we’ll create two short ldc stitches, then yarn over to finish off and combine the two stitches.
Begin as you normally would, but stop when two loops are on your hook (insert hook into horizontal bar of last ldc, yo, pull up a loop, insert hook into next st, yo and pull up a loop). [photo a]
Insert your hook into the horizontal bar of the half-stitch you just crocheted [photo b]. yo and pull up a loop [photo c]. You’ll have three loops on your hook.
Insert your hook into the next st, yo and pull up a loop. You’ll have four loops on your hook. [photo d]
yo and pull through the first two loops [photo e]. You’ll have three loops on your hook. It will look like there are two half-stitches.
Finally, yo and pull through the remaining three loops.
How to linked double crochet 3 together (ldc3tog)
Begin the ldc3tog in the same way you would crochet an ldc2tog: insert your hook into horizontal bar of last ldc, yo, pull up a loop, insert hook into next st, yo and pull up a loop). Insert your hook into the horizontal bar of the half-stitch you just crocheted, yo and pull up a loop. Insert your hook into the next st, yo and pull up a loop. yo and pull through the first two loops.
You should have three loops on your hook and be able to see two half-stitches. [photo a]
Insert your hook into the horizontal bar of the last half-stitch [photo b], yo and pull up a loop [photo c]. Insert your hook into the next st, yo and pull up a loop [photo d]. You should have four loops and three half-stitches on your hook.
yo and pull through all four loops. Ta-da! You finished an ldc3tog [photo e].
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the linked dc hard to crochet?
Nope, the linked double crochet stitch is easy to crochet. It’s nearly the same as the double crochet stitch, but with a little tweak. Instead of yarning over before starting the next stitch, you’ll pull up a loop from the horizontal bar of the previous stitch.
Can you linked double crochet in rounds?
Absolutely! Crocheting the ldc in standard rounds (like for a cup cozy or cowl) is almost exactly the same as with regular double crochet. The only difference is how you link the last stitch to the first stitch. Briana K Designs has a quick video tutorial.
Crocheting in flat rounds is a little bit tricky, but Moogly Blog has a tutorial to show you how to crochet the linked double crochet stitch in a spiral.
How do you make a linked double crochet blanket?
ch any number + 3, then ldc in rows until your linked double crochet blanket reaches the desired size. The amount of starting chains will vary based on the yarn and hook size that you use.
How do you linked double crochet left-handed?
Crocheting this stitch left-handed will be the same as right-handed. Unlike some crochet stitches, there is no “right” and “wrong” side of the ldc. You can follow the same instructions I shared above, or watch my left-handed video tutorial.
How do you double crochet with no holes?
You’re looking at it, baby! To double crochet with no holes, utilize the linked dc stitch. Since each stitch is joined to the previous stitch, there are almost no gaps/holes in your crochet fabric.
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