How to Crochet the Linked Half Double and Double Crochet Stitches
In this tutorial we will look at how to work linked crochet stitches.
I have combined the linked half double and linked double (that’s half treble and treble if you work in UK terms) crochet tutorial into one post as they are very similar.
You can find a tutorial for the linked treble crochet here (that’s the UK linked double treble crochet)
What are linked crochet stitches?
Linked crochet stitches are simply standard stitches linked together.
To achieve this, the yarn over which you would normally work to start a stitch is replaced by inserting the hook into the previous stitch and pulling up a loop and then working the stitch as normal.
This step at the beginning links the next stitch to the previous one – hence the name.
What are linked stitches used for?
When you work linked stitches, the fabric which you create can look more ‘solid’ than standard crochet because you minimise the gaps between the stitches.
Because of this it creates a more opaque fabric with smaller holes which has a lovely drape.
These properties are fantastic for use in crochet garments.
I have loved working this stitch and you can see it in action in the Corona Summer Vest top pattern.
You can practice linked crochet stitches with a free sampler pattern I’ve created (using the yarn left over from the Corona top) called the expansion scarf which gives you an opportunity to experiment with these stitches.
Linked double crochet (UK treble) tutorial
I will start with the tutorial for the linked double (UK treble) crochet and the linked half double (UK half treble) will follow after.
Once you have the hang creating the linked yarn over, the rest is just working the stitch as normal so you will get the hang of it in no time.
Below you’ll find written instructions, right and left handed videos and photo tutorials so there’s something for your here, however you learn.
Linked double crochet (UK treble) – Written instructions
To start the row you8 will work a beginning linked double crochet (beg-ldc)
Beginning linked double crochet (beg-ldc)
- Chain 3 to start the row (note that depending on your tension and preference you may wish to start with a chain 2)
- Insert hook into second chain from hook, yarn over, pull up a loop
- Insert hook into the first stitch, yarn over pull up a loop
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops twice to complete the first stitch
Once you’ve worked the first stitch of the row you will work a typical linked double for the rest of the row
Linked double crochet (ldc)
- Insert hook under the horizontal bar of previous stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop
- Insert hook into next stitch (or the stitch you’re working into), yarn over, pull up a loop
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops twice to complete the stitch
Linked double crochet (UK treble) – video tutorials
The video below demonstrates the linked double crochet stitch (UK linked treble crochet)
Below is the left handed version of the tutorial for the linked double crochet stitch
Linked double crochet (UK treble) photo tutorial
For the first linked half double crochet stitch of the row
For subsequent stitches
Linked half double crochet – lhdc (UK linked half treble – lhtr) tutorial
Below you will find written, photo and video instructions for the linked half double crochet (UK linked hand treble crochet)
So now you have the hang of the linked double, lets try the linked half double. The first step is essentially the same, then, when you work the stitch, you just work a half double crochet instead of a double!
Lets take a look at the videos first
Linked half double crochet (lhdc) – Written instructions
As with the linked double crochet, you’ll start with the beginning stitch, the beg-ldc
Beginning linked half double crochet – beg-ldc
- Chain 3 to start the row (note that depending on your tension and preference you may wish to start with a chain 2)
- Insert hook into second chain from hook, yarn over, pull up a loop
- Insert hook into the first stitch, yarn over pull up a loop
- Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops complete the first stitch
Linked half double crochet stitch – lhdc
- Insert hook under horizontal bar of previous stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop
- Insert hook into next stitch (or the stitch you’re working into), yarn over, pull up a loop
- Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops to complete the stitch
Linked half double crochet (UK half treble) – Video tutorials
Below you will find a right handed video tutorial for the linked half double crochet. The left handed video follows it.
The left handed linked half double crochet video tutorial is below:
Linked half double crochet – lhdc (UK half treble) – Photo tutorial
Below you will find a photo tutorial for the linked half double. The accompanying captions on the images should assist.
For the beginning linked half double crochet (beg-lhdc):
For subsequent stitches you will work the linked half double crochet (lhdc) stitch, outlined below.
And there you have it!
Once again, if you would like to practice these linked stitches, the expansion scarf pattern is a great way to get to grips with this lovely technique.
You can check out the tutorial for the linked treble crochet here.
I hope you found this tutorial helpful. If you have any further questions, do drop them in the comments section below.
Happy Hooking
Dx
Copyright Dora Does 2019
