Step By Step How To Foundation Double Crochet (FDC) (2024)

ByCrystal MarinJanuary 11, 2019November 27, 2023Updated onNovember 27, 2023

Learn how to crochet the foundation double crochet stitch in this step by step tutorial with video. The Fdc or foundation dc is a way to crochet the the first row of stitches without working into a long chain.

Today I’m excited to share one of my favorite crochet stitches with you. The foundation double crochet or fdc is a way of working the beginning chain and the first row of double crochet stitches at the same time. Which totally eliminates the need to make long chains and then work back into them in your crochet project.

This post contains affiliate links, I may earn a fee. Read more disclosure policy.

For me, starting chains are usually the hardest part of a new project-both as a designer and as a crocheter. As a crocheter they’re just a pain.

My chains are my most inconsistent stitch-some too tight and some too loose. And it doesn’t seem to matter if I’m chaining 20 or 100+ I can’t get the number of chains right. Just me?

As a designer, I’m usually working with measurements, so I need to crochet to certain widths. Well, reworking a starting chain over a dozen times does not make that fun.

But using chainless foundation stitches I can just pull out a few or add on to the number of stitches at the end. I don’t have to start a long foundation row all the way over again!

Another great part of fdc is that the bottom of the stitch looks like a stitch, so it’s easy to crochet into when adding borders or edgings to your work. So what’s not to love? Why haven’t we learned this one sooner?

Honestly it can be a bit tricky. When I first learned them I had to keep looking it up. It takes a few stitches too before you can really “see” what’s happening. But that’s why I created this tutorial.

Photo Tutorials

If you’re working with the single crochet stitch then I made a Foundation Single Crochet Video last year that has been one of my most popular videos. It’s definitely a technique that improves your crocheting. So check it out and take the time to practice on your next project.

Check out the tutorial for how to crochet the Foundation Half Double Crochet stitch too. You can use foundation crochet stitches with all the basic stitches.

Foundation DC Video Tutorial

You can watch how to crochet the foundation double crochet stitch in my YouTube video. Sometimes a video is more helpful. For those who prefer, the step-by-step tutorial is down below.

Materials

For this tutorial I’m using Red Heart Amore yarn in the color Chai and my Clover Amour Hook*. I sized up my hook to a 6.5mm (K) for this tutorial so you could see the loops more easily.

Stitches/Abbreviatons

US terms

ch – chain

fdc – foundation double crochet (this tutorial)

yo – yarn over

Pin it

Foundation Double Crochet Picture Tutorial

Foundation Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Estimated Cost: $1

The FDC is a great way to crochet the chain row and the first row of double stitches at the same time.

Materials

• Any weight yarn works for this stitch, so use what you have on hand! #4 medium worsted weight yarn is what I'm using here.

Tools

• Choose a crochet hook to match your yarn weight. Usually 4mm - 6mm hooks works well with #4 medium weight yarn.

Instructions

1. Start with a slip knot on your hook.
2. Chain 3.
3. YO and insert hook into the 3rd chain from your hook.
4. YO and pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook).
5. YO and pull through the first loop (3 loops left on your hook). This forms the “chain.” Keep holding on to this first chain as you continue on to the next step.
6. Now you will complete a double crochet: yo and pull through 2 loops (2 loops on your hook).
7. YO and pull through last 2 loops on your hook (1 loop left on your hook). You’ve made 1 fdc and your starting ch 3 can count as your first stitch (or not, depending on your pattern or preference).
8. To make your next stitch, YO and insert your hook into the “chain” that you made, marked here by the yellow yarn needle in this picture. It’s just under the normal dc. It helps to hold on to the spot as you work so you know where to place your hook.
9. YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 1 loop (3 loops left on your hook).
10. Now complete the dc part: YO and pull through 2 loops, YO and pull through last 2 loops, your next fdc is done.
11. Continue to repeat Steps 7-9 until your foundation double crochet row is as long as needed. Once you get to the last stitch, turn your work and you're ready to start the second row!
12. One of the nice things about foundation stitches is that the bottom looks like the top of your stitches and is easy to crochet into!Since I used a larger hook for the tutorial I worked up a few fdc with my 5.5mm Alpha Series from Furls*, which is more compatible with this yarn size. And it looks lovely!
    Eccola! I hope this tutorial has helped you learn the foundation double crochet stitch. If you’re like me, you’ll have to look at it over and over until it finally sticks. And that’s ok, because it’s totally worth it!

    No more fighting to work into those long blanket chains. Or counting hundreds of chains again and again-I always get a different number, how does that happen?!

    If you already knew this stitch I hope this was a good reminder to use it. What is your favorite project to use foundation stitches on?

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 

  CLOVER Amour Crochet Hook (7.0 mm)

• 

  Red Heart Amore, Chai Yarn

• 

  Furls Handmade Wood Crochet Hooks - Ergonomic. Beautiful. Alpha Series

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram