As a designer, you are always trying to come up with different techniques and easier ways of crocheting the projects while keeping a smooth even look to the project.
Most of you know that when a pattern tells you to chain 3 at the beginning of a row that it typically stands for the first double crochet stitch in that pattern. It’s just the standard way of writing a pattern. You can find it written in my patterns too.
Lately, I’ve been playing around with different way of achieving the height of the chain 3 without actually doing the chain 3… Hope that makes sense. You’ll always see this technique done in the Naturally Southern Shawl and Scarf!
When a pattern tells you to chain 3 at the beginning of a row try this instead:
Ch 2, insert your hook in the back bump (or bar) of the first chain, YO, pull up a loop (2 loops on the hook), YO, pull through both loops.
If you typically crochet tight, you’ll want to make an effort to do the 2 chain stitches a little loose in order for it to reach the same height as the normal double crochet stitches.
I’ve included videos for both the right and left-handed crocheter to show you how to perform the technique. I hope you’ll like it. You may already know this technique or may decide it’s not for you. That’s okay too. I just wanted to share something that’s been working for me!
I love the way you helped us start with a properly sized DC. Thank You!!!!
What is the name of pattern you showed in video thanks
Hi Peggy. The pattern is called The Naturally Southern Shawl.
Thank you so much! I have always disliked the gap the chain 3 leaves at the beginning of the row. I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks so much Kathy! I was wondering if this could also be used when starting a row as in when you make a magic circle and want to make 6 dc?
Do you mean in the Round Virginia? I say try it out and see what you think!
Brilliant stitch – how I wish I’d found this before I started the rug I’m working on – super neat finish. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks. I had started just chaining 2 for sometime, but I am anxious to try your method. Should be more substantial for edge of row.
Thank you Kathy for sharing this technique! It’s certainly simple enough! I’m currently in the middle of a project that has the ch 3 for the first stitch so I really can’t change mid-stream, but I’ll definitely keep this fix on hand!
Thank you, Kathy. I plan to try your method in my next project. It looks great, I”ll just have to get the hang of it.
Thank you. What a terrific tip. I always wondered if there was a way to begin rows of double crochet without the “chain 3” gap. Can’t wait to try it!
LOVE this. I’ve always hated that gap, and trying to find that third chain to crochet into. Thanks!
thank you Kathy you really do have some exallent ideas , I use them and it really works Thanks Sandy.
Thank you Sandra!
Kathy, absolutely a game changer!! You are brilliant! What an awesome difference this stitch makes in a finished project! I love it and appreciate so much you sharing this with all of us!
Kathy, Thank you So Much for such an Awesome new technique! I will certainly try your ch3 alternative at the beginning of a dc row! Thank you for sharing your creativity with us!
Thank you so much for sharing. I am most definitely going to give this one a try. It looks great and easy to do.
Wow, thank you so much for showing another version with the starting chain Kathy. I will try it out in some of my projects. I been trained to use the chain 3 at the start and now I have another one that can use.
Kathy, you are so awesome! I have learned so much following you and can’t thank you enough for being such an outstanding mentor. Bless you for sharing all your marvelous hints and patterns. Love your newsletter too! I’ve shared my projects with my local cancer center and they are so delighted with your hats. Thank you so much!
I’m so happy you found it useful to you Eileen! I know those patients are so appreciative of you.
hi Kathy
wow! it is a question of “why did I not think of that!” and I have been crocheting for many years!
thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Kathy.
I love learning new techniques that will enhance my crochet journey. This one will certainly clean up those nasty edges that we get with the chain 3.
I have crocheted for many years and have never liked the way the end stitch looked. I will be using this technique and I thank you for showing it to us.
You’re so welcome Betty!
Thumbs up, for sure!! Sure will make those DC edges a lot neater. Thanks, Kathy.
Hi Kathy! Thanks for sharing this. I do something like this when crocheting in the round so I won’t have that gap at the seam and I’m terrible at stitching into the top of the chain 3. I join with a slip stitch and ch2 then do a dc in the same stitch and continue. This way when you join at the end of your round, you are joining under a stitch instead of in top of the ch3. Kind of like your technique in reverse. I do the same with sc, hdc, etc.. Now you’ve given me a much needed way to do it on straight rows!
Thank you for this I like it looks more professional….
What a clever technique! I’ve used chainless starting dc (learned from Moogly’s instructions online) to achieve the same effect in the past, but this technique looks easier and I like how it creates an easy-to-find stitch at the top.
Thanks that works wonders. Looks good on both ends.
Awesome, thank you!!
This is wonderful – thank you for the video tutorial! I”ll definitely be using this going forward! Thank you again!
Simply Genius!!! Love it!! Will be using this from now forward!!!
I love this !! Thank you so much !!
Thanks Kathy! I’ve been using a different way, but I like this better. Looks better and seems more like the surrounding stitches.