If you aren't using stacked crochet stitches instead of standard turning chains, then you're missing out on a more beautiful finished product each time that you crochet. The stacked double crochet stitch allows you to achieve straight edges on all double crochet projects instead of seeing holes or gaps at the start of each double crochet row.

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What Is a Stacked Double Crochet Stitch?

Most crochet patterns have you begin with a ch 3 at the start of a double crochet row and it counts as a stitch. It's the height of other double crochet stitches, so it definitely works. However, the stacked double crochet provides a better option. It is a true double crochet instead of a chain-3, so it looks more cohesive and you don't have any gaps at the edges of your rows.

Benefits of Stacked DC

The stacked double crochet is worked very similarly to a regular single crochet stitch. However, it is made in two parts. The result is a beautiful stitch that looks just like a dc and it has a nice “v” at the edge. You will get clean double crochet edge and a straight edge every time. And the V creates an easy border that you can work into cleanly if you're crafting a border all the way around the edges of a piece.

Stacked Treble Crochet

Of course, you could work a stacked treble crochet as well. In this tutorial, you'll learn the stacked double crochet, but you can apply the same idea to perfecting the alternative starting chain for replacing a chain-4 with a stacked treble.

Stacked Single Crochet

Note that you could work the first half of the stacked double crochet to create a single crochet stitch at the beginning of a single crochet row (rather than using a ch-1). However, when people talk about a “stacked single crochet stitch,” they're actually usually referring to the stacked double crochet. They're calling it that because you essentially stack one single crochet on top of another to get the look of the double crochet.

Stacked Double Crochet Video Tutorial

Bookmark this video so that you can watch it when you have your next double crochet pattern.

Video Tutorial

Stacked DC Written Instructions

Hopefully you can use the video tutorial to learn how to work this technique. However, you might also want the written instructions, right? Here they are:

• Do not chain any stitches.
• Insert your hook into the very first stitch in the row.
• Yarn over, pull up a loop so that there are two loops on the hook.
• Yarn over and pull through to complete what would be a single crochet stitch.
• Pierce the stitch that's between the two strings that are just under your hook, in the stitch you just created. Need help finding it? The video shows you but another way to identify it is turn the work slightly and look at the two strands of yarn that are now on the side of the single crochet – they form a V shape and you want to work into that.
• Yarn over, pull up a loop so that there are two loops on the hook.
• Yarn over and pull through to complete what would be a single crochet stitch. You have “stacked” two single crochet stitches. It looks like a double crochet stitch.

Is a Stacked Double Crochet the Same Thing as a Standing Double Crochet?

Once you begin to explore different crochet techniques, you'll discover that there are many different ways to achieve similar effects in the craft. For example, instead of a Ch-3 for a double crochet stitch, you might know how to make a standing double crochet stitch. Is that the same as a stacked double crochet stitch? Nope.

You use a standing stitch when you want to join new colors with a single crochet or join with a double crochet. So you do this when starting a new color or joining a new yarn.

Start with a slip knot on your hook. Yarn over. Insert your hook into the stitch where you're joining the color. Yarn over and pull up a loop so there are three stitches on your hook. Yarn over, pull through two, yarn over, pull through two, creating the standing double crochet stitch.

So, you use this to replace a chain-3 but you need to be starting the row with new yarn rather than carrying the yarn from the previous row. In the latter case, you'll use a stacked double crochet instead.

Stacked Double Crochet Projects

Want to try out this new skill that you learned? You can work this great crochet stitch instead of a CH-3 to start a double crochet row in any project at all.

Try some of these great double crochet projects to test it out.

• Chevron Waves Lacy Wrap
• Granny Lace Crochet Cardigan
• Super Simple Shawl
• One Ball Crochet Shawl
• Throw Me a Kiss Shawl

Again, you can use this stitch to replace ANY ch-3 that counts as the first DC in a row. However, I've specifically written some of my patterns to use the stacked double crochet. Check these out:

• Super Simple Lucky Strikes Shawl
• Closing Time Cowl
• Blossom Crochet Hat with Bill
• Rylan Crochet Cable Cowl or Scarf
• Go To Crochet Baby Shower Blanket
• Crochet Swancho Pattern

We also used stacked double crochet stitches in the crochet pattern options for Tournament of Stitches 2022.

And here are a couple of Yarnspirations pattern where the designer specifically recommends stacked stitches:

• Red Heart Sensational Crochet Shawl
• Clementine Chic Sweater
• Margaux Chic Shawl (this one uses stacked treble crochet!)

Stacked Double Crochet in Chevron Crochet

There are many different ways to crochet chevron stitch. Double crochet is a popular approach. Therefore, you can use stacked double crochet stitches when working this way. We covered this in BiCrafty Bootcamp: Crochet Lessons for Knitters in Lesson 4 on How to Chevron Crochet. This includes a crochet facecloth free pattern. The complete video tutorial for this lesson provides additional information and tips for working with the stacked double crochet stitch:

Note that we talked about the stacked double crochet again in Lesson 5 on Beginner Crochet Edgings.

What I am Wearing

Wondering what pattern I was wearing in the stacked double crochet video tutorial? It was my Super Simple Shawl.

The Free Crochet Pattern Super Simple Shawl uses a crochet crowd favorite small filet crochet mesh stitch combined with an easy picot border. Made with the amazingly soft and ultra colorful Colorscapes yarn by Red Heart Yarns, this shawl is sure to become a favorite accessory either draped around the shoulders or around the neck like a shawlkerchief (my preferable way of wearing it ;-))

You can find the FREE pattern on my website by clicking this link: https://marlybird.com/free-crochet-patterns/super-simple-shawl/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a stacked double crochet?

A stacked double crochet (also called a standing double crochet or modified turning chain) replaces the traditional chain-3 turning chain at the start of a double crochet row. Instead of making 3 chains (which usually leaves a visible hole or gap at the edge), you build a stacked dc using a slip stitch and a regular double crochet that together create the height of a double crochet without the gap. The result? Cleaner, straighter edges on all your double crochet projects.

Why should I use the stacked double crochet instead of a regular turning chain?

The classic chain-3 turning chain has a dirty little secret… it almost always leaves a visible hole at the beginning of the row that looks messy. Some patterns tell you to “treat the turning chain as a stitch” and some don't, which is confusing! The stacked double crochet solves all of this. Your edge stitches are solid and clean, there's no hole, and you never have to wonder whether to count the turning chain as a stitch or not. Once you switch to this method, it's hard to go back.

Is the stacked double crochet hard to learn?

Not at all! It takes about 5 minutes to learn once you see it demonstrated. It's essentially a slip stitch into the top of the last stitch plus a double crochet into the same place. Marly has a video tutorial that shows you exactly how to do it in real time. Try it on your very next double crochet project and you'll immediately see the difference. Your edges will look so much more polished!

Can I use this technique on all double crochet projects?

Yes! Any flat (worked in rows) double crochet pattern can use this technique in place of the turning chain. It works for blankets, scarves, dishcloths, garments… any project where you're turning your work at the end of a row. It's particularly beautiful on projects where the edges are visible and not folded under or seamed, like a scarf or shawl edging. Your work will look clean, professional, and intentional.

Does the stacked double crochet count as a stitch?

Yes! That's one of the benefits… the stacked double crochet counts as your first double crochet of the row, just like if you had worked an actual stitch there. So you start the rest of your row in the second stitch from the beginning, not the first. This keeps your stitch count accurate and your edges even. No more guessing whether the turning chain should be counted… the stacked dc makes it clear and consistent every time.