The foundation double crochet stitch (FDC) is a great way to start your next crochet project when working with double crochet stitches.
The FDC creates a chain stitch and a double crochet in the same stitch, which is why it is often referred to as the chainless foundation double crochet or the double crochet foundation chain.
The steps for this stitch are quite simple, and once you understand the basics, it is easy to crochet. So let’s dive into this foundation double crochet tutorial.
Find both photo, video & written instructions below.
Find more: Easy Crochet Stitches.
Table of Contents
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The steps of Foundation Double Crochet
A quick written description:
- Chain 4.
- Yarn over. Insert hook into 4th chain from hook, pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through first loop (making the chain). *Yarn over and pull through 2 loops*, then repeat from *to* once.
- Yarn over. Insert hook into previous chain you made*, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through first loop (making the chain). *Yarn over and pull through 2 loops*, then repeat from *to* once.
- Repeat step 3 until you’ve made enough stitches**.
*It should look like you go through a resemblance of a normal stitch, with 2 strands of yarn.
*4th chain in step 1 makes 1 stitch, step 2 makes 1 stitch & every time step 3 is repeated you make 1 stitch.
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About the Foundation Double Crochet
Learn how to crochet the Foundation Double Crochet. The FDC creates a chain stitch and a double crochet in the same stitch.
The foundation double crochet stitch (FDC) is a great way to start your next crochet project when working with double crochet stitches.
Project level: Easy
Materials
Crochet Hook
Use any crochet hook size that works with your yarn.
Yarn
Use any yarn you like for this stitch.
If you’re following a crochet pattern, use the crochet hook and yarn suggested to get the correct gauge.
Abbreviations
The foundation double crochet is abbreviated FDC in crochet patterns.
Learn more about crochet abbreviations & find a complete list on our Crochet Abbreviations & Terms post.
Instructions for the Foundation Double Crochet
Step-by-step Photo Instructions
The first step of the FDC stitch is to make a slip knot.
Chain 4 stitches.
Fourth chain will count as a stitch, and you should work into that stitch when crocheting the next row after you finish the row of foundation stitches.
Crocheting the first foundation double crochet
Yarn over from back to front, the same way you would on a regular double crochet.
Crocheting the first foundation double crochet
Insert crochet hook in first chain and pull up a loop.
Crocheting the first foundation double crochet
Yarn over (yo) and pull through the first loop on the crochet hook, to crochet the first base chain. This is the chain part of the stitch.
Crocheting the first foundation double crochet
Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook. This is the double crochet part of the stitch.
Crocheting the first foundation double crochet
Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook. This is the double crochet part of the stitch. You have now finished the first foundation stitch (first fdc stitch).
Crocheting the following foundation double crochet stitches
Yarn over from back to front, the same way you would on a regular double crochet.
Crocheting the following foundation double crochet stitches
The next step is to identify where you should insert your crochet hook. In the middle of the picture you can see two loops looking like a “normal” stitch. This is the “chain” you should insert the crochet hook into on next step.
Crocheting the following foundation double crochet stitches
After identifying the chain, insert the crochet hook.
Crocheting the following foundation double crochet stitches
Pull up a loop.
Crocheting the following foundation double crochet stitches
Yarn over and pull through the first loop on the crochet hook. This is the chain part of the stitch.
Crocheting the following foundation double crochet stitches
Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook. This is the double crochet part of the stitch.
Crocheting the following foundation double crochet stitches
Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops on the crochet hook, you have now finished the second FDC.
Repeat step 1-7 to crochet more foundation double crochet stitches. Repeat until you have the number of stitches needed in the pattern you follow.
Foundation Double Crochet Crochet Chart Symbol
The foundation double crochet chart symbol is related to the double crochet (dc) and chain (ch) stitch chart symbols.
It is a “T” with one line across it representing the yarn over you do when you crochet a double crochet, but also has a oval circle representing the chain stitch.
It will be turned in the direction it will lay in your finished crochet work.
Photo showing the FDC crochet stitch chart symbol.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you replace chains with foundation double crochet?
To replace regular chains with the foundation double crochet on a project where the first row is double crochet stitches, you start the crochet project with three less foundation double crochet than the number of chains the pattern calls for as the first dc stitch row. Then you continue the crochet pattern as usual on the second row.
This is because you usually start in 4th chain (4th ch) from hook when crocheting the first double crochet row. Note that in some cases this could be the 3rd chain (3rd ch), then you will start with 2 less foundation double crochet.
Is the Foundation Double Crochet Difficult?
Some find the foundation half double crochet difficult and they may need to try it, frog (rip it out), and try again a few times before they get it. But everyone love the foundation double crochet once they get the hang of it.
Can you crochet foundation stitches on pattern using any basic stitch?
Yes, you can crochet foundation stitches on any easy pattern using basic crochet stitches.
Why use a foundation double crochet?
The reason why you may want to use a foundation double crochet instead of regular chains is because it creates a more stretchy edge for your crochet project.
