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How to Foundation Double Crochet (FDC)

Now that the weather is getting cooler, I’ve been working on a lot more blankets, scarves, and ear warmers lately.  Many of these patterns start with foundation double crochet (FDC) stitches as an alternative to a starting chain and then double crocheting across the chain.

You can start a project either way, but for some of these projects (especially those with a longer starting chain), starting with foundation stitches has many benefits.

FDC stitches can save time because you are creating the chain and the first row of double crochet stitches as the same time. Also, if your foundation chain is too long or short, it is easy to just add or remove stitches as needed, rather than unraveling the whole row of DC stitches to change the length of your starting chain and then reworking all of those DC stitches again. In addition, FDC stitches create more even looking stitches and a nicer finished edge. What’s not to love about that!

Here is a quick photo tutorial to help you start making foundation double crochet stitches. Once you have them down, you can practice them by making a CRISS CROSS INFINITY SCARF or CRISS CROSS EAR WARMER.

If you like video tutorials, check out the Foundation Double Crochet Video Tutorial on my YouTube channel (and subscribe too, if you’d like!) 

I hope you found this Foundation Double Crochet photo tutorial helpful! If you are looking for a pattern to test your skills on, check out the Criss Cross Ear Warmer or the Criss Cross Stitch Infinity Scarf!

**You may make and sell any items made from my patterns, but please link back to my blog or Loops & Love Crochet as the designer. Please do not copy and post claiming it as your own. Please do not re-publish my photos as your own. Thank you!**

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