How to Crochet: Long Double Crochet (ldc)
By Amy Yarbrough – 9 CommentsThere are certain things I do without intention and one of them is recognizing crochet or finding crochet inspiration in the movies. And I know I am not the only one. (See this post by Cami for example). What I noticed lately inspired me to design my new pattern, the Abigail Hat and Scarf. The pattern uses a very basic stitch to which I’ve added a “twist”. If you want to know how to make it follow along and I’ll show you.
Mouse over pictures for a left-handed view.
What to Do
Choose your favorite yarn and a hook a little larger than the yarn weight calls for. In this example I’ll start by chaining 17, but you can really use any length that you desire.
Step 1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across
Step 2: Chain 6 and turn. This ch-6 will count as one long double crochet (ldc).
Step 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop in the second sc. Pull the loop up almost to the length of the chain 6.
Step 4: Yarn over once and pull through the first two loops.
Step 5: Yarn over again and pull through the last two loops on hook. You have now officially made a long double crochet.
Step 6: To make another long double crochet, yarn over. In next single crochet, pull up a loop nearly the length of the last ldc.
Step 7: Yarn over and pull through first two loops.
Step 8: Yarn over again and pull through last two loops.
Another ldc is complete! Repeat steps 6-8 for the rest of the row.
And this is what you should see. A full row of lacy stitches that look complicated but are really very simple. If they look a little scruffy then just give the stitches a little tug and they should straighten out. But remember, sometimes the disheveled look is just what you need.
If you have any questions leave me a comment below and I’ll get back with you as soon as possible.
This is cool. It looks a bit like broomstick lace! I will definitely be trying it, thanks for the tutorial. 🙂
This is great and so easy to do. I would like a hat and scarf pattern using the ldc.
Thanks!
Hi Fleurdelis,
I’m glad you mentioned it! Here is a hat and scarf design I made with the stitch http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-abigail-hat-and-scarf-set/
That is confusing! When I think of the term long double crochet I think of doing a double crochet that is made into a row or two below the row I am working on.
Hi Darlene! I just thought I’d clarify for you… the type of stitch you describe (worked into a row or two below) is called a spike stitch in crochet.
I don’t know if there’s ever been an official name for the stitch shown in the tutorial, but “long double” sounds fine since there’s already a technique for making stitches taller that are called “extended” stitches.
(For example, an extended double crochet starts the same as usual, but after you pull up the first loop, you yarn over and only pull through the one loop. After that, you yarn over again and proceed as usual working off two loops at a time to finish. This makes a slightly taller stitch, and this method can be used on other tall stitches like triple crochets etc etc also.)
This “long double” tutorial reminds me more of love knots (Solomon’s knots) in crochet, because you also pull up the loop very tall. Love knots are actually just really long single crochets; same principle.
Anyway, I hope this is helpful. Crochet Spot has tutorials and patterns on love knots too.
I am so Glad I found CrochetSpot, It really helps me with knowing more about crocheting and how its looks , I want to thank you all so much, will be visiting here alot . Thank u ty….
Thank you for this pictorial. So many people are incorrectly calling DROPPED Double Crochet stitches (the kind you work in previous rows) by the term LONG Double Crochet these days. I was looking for a way to tell someone about it who was looking for a lacy stitch but didn’t want to have to deal with hairpin lace. Sent her the link to this page to explain what I mean. I have a baby sweater pattern from the 70s that uses this stitch and the sweaters always looked so light and lacy when finished.
Thank you so much!
You’re so welcome, Cat! I’m glad to be of service.
Amy
This is exceptional.