Crochet standing stitches are a handy alternative to beginning chains, especially when joining a new yarn or starting a new round. Instead of using chains to imitate the height of your first stitch, you begin with an actual crochet stitch, giving you a cleaner and more seamless-looking start.
Standing stitches are especially useful for granny squares, motifs, and other projects where you’re joining a new color. And the best part? They’re really easy once you know the trick!
If you’re working in the round, you can pair a standing stitch with my Invisible Join and Fasten Off technique for an even cleaner finish.
What Is a Standing Stitch in Crochet?
A standing stitch is worked just like a regular crochet stitch, except you begin with a slip knot already on your hook rather than starting with a turning or beginning chain.
You can use the technique for different stitch heights, including a standing single crochet, standing half double crochet, or standing double crochet. Simply begin with a slip knot and work the stitch as you normally would.
In the example below, I’m working on my Little Boy Blue Blanket Pattern, which calls for double crochet stitches. I’ll show you how to work a standing double crochet step by step.
How to Crochet a Standing Double Crochet
Step 1: Start with a slip knot on your hook.
Step 2: Yarn over, holding onto the yarn tail so it doesn’t flip back around.
Step 3: Insert your hook into the first stitch.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should now have 3 loops on your hook.
Step 5: Complete the stitch just as you would a regular double crochet: yarn over and pull through 2 loops, then yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops.
That’s it! You’ve made a standing double crochet without using beginning chains.
Using Standing Stitches for Other Crochet Stitches
You can use the same basic technique for other crochet stitches. Start with a slip knot on your hook, then work the stitch as you normally would.
For a standing single crochet, insert your hook directly into the stitch and complete a single crochet.
For a standing half double crochet, yarn over before inserting your hook, then complete a half double crochet as usual.
For a standing double crochet, yarn over before inserting your hook and complete a regular double crochet, as shown in the tutorial above.
Standing stitches are especially helpful whenever you need to join a new yarn or color because they eliminate the telltale beginning chains and help the first stitch blend in with the rest of your work.
I use this technique pretty much any time I need to join a new yarn. Once you get used to starting rounds this way, I think you’ll find it handy too!
You can find more helpful crochet tutorials and tricks on my Crochet Tutorials Page.
Tutorials You May Find Helpful
- How to Crochet Buttonholes
- How to Fix Your Yarn Ball Winder
- Free Metric Conversion Guide for Knitting and Crochet
- Four Crochet Techniques That Will Bring Your Craft to the Next Level
Thanks so much for such a clear, concise tutorial. I finally understand this stitch!
Thank you, Kara. I will be trying this tip for sure!
I’ve been crocheting for almost 65 yrs I have been less than diligent about new stitches and techniques but since I have struggled with beginning chains for years thought I would check this out. Thank you so much. I have to practice but first attempt was impressive.
I always have had trouble with missing the last stitch when making a back and forth crocheting project resulting in an uneven edge and having to take out and redo. Then one day at the beginning of a row I did not make my usual chain 3 turning chain, but instead I simply made a double crochet in the first stitch after the turn. It doesn’t look right since it seems very bulky, BUT when I got to it on the end of the next row I found the last stitch very easy to find and once the last dc is completed it looks totally correct AND makes for a very clean end of row and turn.
So, instead of making a chain 3 turning chain: yarn over, insert into the first dc of the next row, pull up a loop resulting in 3 loops on hook, continue as usual for a dc. It works wonderfully.
Great tip! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Vera. I have trouble with that too. I’m definitely going to try your tip!
My only problem with this method is that the pattern I am working on right now is in the round (making lots of squares for an heirloom afghan), and when I come back around to the standing DC the joining just doesn’t look quite right. Any tips for joining it after going through a round?
I’d like to see a video of this on YouTube linked here. Any chance?
This also works even when you’re not joining a new thread. What I do is turn, sl st into first st, yo, insert hk into same st, yo, then complete dc as normal. For a sc, start with the sl st, insert hk into same st, and complete as normal. Same for hdc.
This is absolutely briliant!