How to Start a Row of Double Crochet
When a row begins with a double crochet, the way to make that double crochet is to do three chains as the first stitch.
This counts as the first double crochet of the row.
Crochet Row Started With ch 3 for First dc
The photo above shows three chains made that will count as the first double crochet of the row. It is basically the same height as a double crochet stitch and, since it isn’t possible to make a double crochet in the usual way as the very first stitch of a row, the three chains work fine as that first double crochet stitch for the start of a row. This is a common method for starting a crochet row that needs to have a double crochet as the first stitch.
Common Crochet Abbreviations for Terms Used in This How To:
ch = chain, ch-3 = chain 3, chs = chains, dc = double crochet
Explanation above written by Sandi Marshall from her own long-time experience with crocheting. Photo is by Sandi Marshall.
Related How To:
Photo shows where to make 2nd dc in a dc crochet row.
