Hi, I will show you exactly how to FDC, also know as Foundation Double Crochet, what it is, and why and when to use it when you crochet.
Chaining is easy, but how many times have you chained loads, lost count, then when you’ve worked in the chain you’ve accidentally twisted the chain?
I’ll be honest, I used to do this all the time. Not anymore, since learning how to FDC.
I’ll start with the basics
FDC = Foundation Double crochet (USA)
FTr = Foundation treble crochet (UK)
FDC is my absolute go to start any crochet project.
A lot of my designs use this technique, for example:
>>>Kids Easy Christmas Sweater
Please Pin this for later using the Photo below
What is FDC?
FDC stands for Foundation Double Crochet
This is a great way of starting a project that needs you to start with a chain as you have NO TWISTED CHAINS.
Why use FDC?
- No twisted chains
- Easy to count your stitches
- Have a very straight edge
- Get uniform stitches
If you start with a chain it is really tricky to
- Stop the chain from twisting
- Stop the chain getting really tight (top tip – use a larger hook size if you do chain)
- Work out what loops to crochet into.
With the foundation stitch – You know where you are going to crochet as the chain is made as you go along.
FDC gives you a super smooth edge, much nicer than when you chain to begin.
Some of my crochet patterns that use FDC as as starting point are:
When can you use Foundation Double Crochet (FDC)?
You can use FDC in any pattern that wants you to chain a number of times, then work a row of DC across.
If your patterns for calls FHDC – find out about this here>>>
This could be:
But you can’t use FDC for a Chevron Blanket, as you chain, then miss chains to get the shape.
Can you use FDC instead of chaining?
Yes, but see above as there are some rules.
If you want to modify an existing pattern, just reduce the number of chains by 3, to get your starting number of FDC.
e.g. Chain 103, then working in the 3rd chain from the hook
for FDC you’d FDC 100.
When you can’t use FDC instead of chain to start crochet
When making something that
- Starts with a magic ring
- Or when you chain to make a circle, like in a granny square
- Starts with a chain that you miss/ work double the stitches in (Like a chevron blanket)
- When you want curly crochet
Foundation Double Crochet
- Chain 3
- Yarn round hook, Insert hook into 3rd chain from hook
- Pull yarn back through
- Yarn round hook, and pull through 1 loop (New chain made)
- Yarn round hook and pull through 2 loops twice (like a normal DC)
- Stitch made
- To continue, yarn round hook, insert the hook to the new chain made in step 4, and repeat from step 2-5.
Foundation Double Crochet Video
It’s my stitch of choice definitely, so I’ve made this handy video to share it with you.
Here you go, Foundation Double Crochet – the how to guide!
>>>Get the free pattern here – 1 ball super chunky Wrist warmers
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