Welcome crocheter to the how to crochet the foundation double crochet stitch which can be used to replace the foundation chain and first row of double crochet for most patterns.

Kate of One of Kate loves using this stitch and does it wonderfully so we have asked her to provide a crochet stitch tutorial for you below! And there will be an ever growing list of patterns at the end that you can use the stitch for! Can’t wait to see what you make!!! If you want to look at the other crochet stitch tutorials, you can find them at Crochet Stitch Tutorial Start Here.

How to Crochet the Foundation Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial

Originally Posted 26 August 2019, updated 17 January 2022.

By Kate Hammitt of oneofakate.com

One of a Kate is about one of a kind, stylish knit/crochet wearables with a simple, luxe aesthetic.  Whether it be a design or finished make, it’s all a piece of me, Kate.  Outside of yarning, I am a pug mom, step mom and racer’s wife.

Step 1: 

Slip stitch

Step 2:

Chain 2

Step 3:

Yarn over, pull up a loop in first chain made

Step 4:

Yarn over, pull through one loop

Step 5:

Yarn over, pull through two loops

This completes your first foundation stitch.

To make the next stitch and/or desired amount of stitches: yarn over, insert hook and pull up a loop into the chain made from step 4, making sure to go into the front and back loops as you would with a traditional double crochet stitch.  Then, follow and repeat from step 4.

Foundation stitches can be used in place of chain stitches for most projects.  I like to use them because it can be tedious and time consuming to chain then have to stitch back into those chains.  I also prefer to use them since it provides more of a stretchy, clean edge that would match the finished off edge.

Foundation stitches can go to whatever height you need as long as you start off with the appropriate amount of chains and yarn overs.  This can apply for half double crochet, treble and double treble.

One of my fave YouTube tutorials on this is by TL Yarn Crafts:

If you like this, you may like:

• Ultimate List of Yarn Dyers

• Crochet Stitch Tutorials Start Here

• Thriving in Life as a Crochet Designer with Facial Differences

Note - This post contains affiliate links, which means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you, should you click through and make a purchase. However, I do not make recommendations for products or websites that I have not or will not use. Etsy, Amazon, and Bluprint are all places that I have purchased patterns and other crochet items and will continue to. Etsy is also an amazing way to support all of these makers that you find highlighted here and in other posts throughout the VAMICreations website.

Here are a number of patterns that use the above stitch so you can practice and make some of your first crochet pieces!!!

If you are left-handed here is a how to crochet the foundation double crochet left-handed for you. :)

If you have arthritis or issues with your hands here are some extra tutorials and tips specifically designed with you in mind. :)

The Arthritis Foundation has an article with specific tips for knitting, crocheting, and cross stitching with arthritic hands. They have specific tips for each craft on things you can do to help make manage your arthritis while still allowing you to enjoy the craft you love.

Every Day Health has an article all about how to knit/crochet with Arthritis with 10 tips for how to keep crocheting/knitting. They even encourage you to crochet and craft with Arthritis because it can actually help you with managing it.

All Free Crochet has a full Crochet and Arthritis Tip Guide for those that have arthritis or issues with their hands complete with information about how to help your hands each time you crochet or craft and tips on how to adjust for your craft based on whether you have a good day or a bad day.

You can also find ergonomic crochet hooks (recommended for those with hand pain to ease it and allow you to crochet longer or at all) among the amazing crochet hook shops of Etsy in an earlier round up of crochet hooks.

YouTube has several videos where people have discussed tips that have helped them with crocheting or knitting with Arthritis or other health issues that cause your hands and body to be stiff.

Jen B discusses how she crochets in this 3 minute video and shows you how to best hold the yarn and more.

Motion Works Blog has an article on tips for crocheting and using your hands despite having arthritis and also gives several stretches that you can do to help your hands while crocheting or crafting.

Laughing Hens has an article specifically about stretches (complete with pictures!) that are great for both crocheters and knitters. I think I’ll start doing these too to help my hands when I’m working on a variety of projects!

Thank you for joining us for this how to crochet the foundation double crochet stitch tutorial! What crochet stitches do you want to learn how to crochet? I’d love to hear from you about what types of resources you want more information on as well as Makers you would like to nominate for a Maker Feature! Please email me or leave a comment on this article! Looking forward to hearing from you and have a great day!