Double Crochet Tips: Keep Edges Straight and Gap-Free

Double Crochet Tips: Keep Edges Straight and Gap-Free

If you’ve fallen in love with crochet, chances are the double crochet stitch has become one of your go-to favorites. It’s tall, airy, and wonderfully versatile, perfect for cozy throws, boho garments, and delicate lacework alike.

But if you’ve ever noticed your crochet edges turning wavy, uneven, or full of gaps, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Even experienced crocheters can struggle with keeping their double crochet rows tidy and flat.

In this guide, we’ll explore not only the most beautiful double crochet variations, but also how to keep your crochet edges straight, eliminate those annoying gaps, and choose the right edge technique for your project, whether you’re working in rows or in the round.

 

The Classic Double Crochet

The double crochet (dc) is one of the tallest basic stitches in crochet. It’s created by yarning over, inserting your hook into a stitch, pulling up a loop, yarning over and pulling through two loops, then yarning over again and pulling through the remaining two.

It’s beloved for its height and drape — but that height can also cause gaps and uneven edges, especially at the start of a new row.

 

How to Keep Crochet Edges Straight (and Gap-Free!)

Uneven edges and open gaps at the beginning of rows usually come down to one thing: how you start your row of double crochets. Traditional turning chains (like the old “ch 3 = 1 dc” rule) tend to leave little holes and loose edges.

Luckily, there are two modern techniques that fix that beautifully: the Stacked Double Crochet and the Standing Double Crochet.

 First image, the rounds started with ch3 method. Second image, rounds started with standing double crochet

1. The Stacked Double Crochet

The stacked double crochet (stacked dc) is a brilliant alternative to the traditional chain-3 start. Instead of chaining, you work two single crochets stacked on top of each other to create the height of a double crochet — no gaps, no leaning stitches.

It gives your edges a fuller, sturdier finish and blends seamlessly into the rest of the row.

How to make it:

  1. Skip the turning chain.
  2. Insert your hook into the first stitch, yarn over, and make one single crochet.
  3. Insert your hook into the left vertical bar of that single crochet, yarn over, and pull through both loops — just like another single crochet.

Now you’ve built a perfectly even double crochet that stands tall without leaving a gap.

Best for: Projects that need clean, strong edges like blankets, scarves, or structured garments.

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First 4 rows show how bumpy the edge is with ch3 method. Last 2  rows show how straight stacked double crochet makes the edges.

2. The Standing Double Crochet

The standing double crochet (standing dc) is another fantastic technique, especially when working in the round or starting in the middle of a row.

Instead of using a slip stitch and chain, you start a new double crochet completely independently — “standing” on its own without being joined to the previous row.

How to make it:

  1. Start with a slip knot on your hook if changing colour, or if already working in the row or round, pull stitch up, twist round the hook, and hold in place with your finger whilst working the rest of the stitch.
  2. Yarn over, insert your hook into the desired stitch or space, pull up a loop.
  3. Yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the last two loops.

This creates a smooth, seamless start that looks exactly like a regular double crochet.

Best for: Joining a new colour, working in the round, or starting a row anywhere in your project where you need a natural-looking stitch.

Last row shows how similar a standing double crochet looks to a standard dc.

The yellow is a row started with a standing dc.

The Extended Double Crochet (EDC)

The extended double crochet is a lovely variation that adds a bit of extra height and flow to your stitches. It’s great for projects where you want a more flexible, slightly looser drape — like shawls or summery garments.

How to make it:

  1. Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, and pull up a loop (three loops on hook).
  2. Yarn over and pull through one loop — this adds the “extension.”
  3. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
  4. Yarn over again and pull through the last two loops.

The small “extension” in step 2 adds softness and stretch, helping the fabric lay flatter and flow more easily.

Why it’s great:

  • Reduces stiffness and bulk.
  • Helps prevent curling in tall stitches.
  • Adds beautiful drape to garments and scarves.

Best for: Shawls, wraps, and flowy tops where movement and flexibility matter.

 

The Linked Double Crochet (LDC)

If you love the height of a double crochet but not the open gaps it leaves, the linked double crochet is your best friend. It literally links each stitch to the previous one, creating a smooth, dense fabric that’s less see-through but still soft and flexible.

How to make it:

  1. Instead of yarning over, insert your hook into the horizontal bar of the previous double crochet (the “link”).
  2. Pull up a loop (two loops on hook).
  3. Insert your hook into the next stitch, pull up another loop (three loops on hook).
  4. Yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over again and pull through the last two.

Each stitch connects to the one before it, giving your work a clean, woven look.

Why it’s great:

  • Eliminates gaps between stitches.
  • Creates a sturdier, more opaque fabric that holds its shape.
  • Ideal for garments where you want a little more coverage — like tops, dresses, or skirts.

Best for: Clothing, bags, and structured pieces where you want solid coverage without losing drape.

 

Bonus Tips for Perfect Edges

  • Use a ch-2 instead of ch-3 when you must chain at the start of a row — it’s shorter and tighter.
  • Block your work to even out any remaining tension differences.
  • Keep your tension consistent — tight starts and loose finishes cause wavy edges.
  • Count your stitches every few rows to make sure you haven’t added or skipped one.

 

Double Crochet Variations for Texture and Style

Once your edges are neat, you can start exploring all the fun ways to build on your double crochet foundation! Here are a few popular double crochet stitch variants that bring texture and personality to your projects:

Front and Back Post Double Crochet (FPdc & BPdc)

Work around the post instead of into the top of the stitch to create beautiful raised or recessed ribs — perfect for borders, cuffs, and cozy textures.

Crossed Double Crochet

Skip one stitch, make a dc in the next, then go back to work a dc in the skipped stitch. The result is a lovely woven pattern that looks amazing in boho designs.

Double Crochet Shell Stitch

Work five double crochets into the same stitch or space to form a scalloped “shell.” It’s dreamy, vintage, and perfect for soft, feminine projects.

 

Final Thoughts

The double crochet stitch may be simple, but with a few thoughtful variations — like the stacked double crochet for sturdy edges or the standing double crochet for seamless rounds — your projects can look neat, professional, and effortlessly beautiful.

So the next time you pick up your hook, skip that old chain-3 and try one of these modern edge-saving techniques. Your rows will stay straight, your edges smooth, and your double crochets will stand tall — just like the wildflowers that inspired them.

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