How to: Do a Foundation Double Crochet (FDC)

ByJenn Giam Smith September 22, 2020April 16, 2023

The Foundation Double Crochet or FDC is a method for beginning a project that allows you to work your foundation row (or chain row) at the same time as your first row of double crochets. It’s great for long foundation projects or when some extra give (like a hat or headband) is needed that a chain start won’t have. It creates a slightly different look to the traditional ch then stitch rows and is a wonderful quick make.

This stitch is one of use with my Birch Leaf Ear Warmer.

I love it for this pattern. It gives a lot of stretches and makes it more comfortable than a starting ch.

Below is the How-to in writing with photos and I have included the YouTube Video I did as well.

OK, Now On to The Pattern

Terms to Know

Ch(s): chain(s)

YO: Back Post Double Crochet

St(s): stitch(es)

Materials

Pattern:

1. Chain three

bamboo crochet hook and yellow yarn demonstrating the chain 3

2. YO, insert hook into very first chain made

bamboo crochet hook and yellow yarn demonstrating the hook being inserted into the very first chain of the chain 3

3. Pull up a loop (three loops on the hook).

bamboo crochet hook and yellow yarn demonstrating the 3 loops on the hook after pulling up loop.

4. YO, pull through one loop (three loops on hook).

bamboo crochet hook and yellow yarn demonstrating and showing the pull through into 1 loop

5. YO, pull through two loops.

bamboo crochet hook and yellow yarn demonstrating the two loops left on the hook after pulling through 2 loops.

6. YO, pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.

bamboo crochet hook and yellow yarn demonstrating first foundation double crochet completed.

First complete!

Now, continue by doing the following:

7. YO, insert hook into both sides of the BOTTOM of the previous stitch

bamboo crochet hook and yellow yarn demonstrating where to insert hook.

8. Pull up a loop (three loops on hook)

bamboo crochet hook and yellow yarn demonstrating the three loops on hook.

9. YO, pull through one loop (three loops on hook)

bamboo crochet hook and yellow yarn demonstrating after the YO, pull through one loop with three loops on hook.

10. YO, pull through two loops

bamboo crochet hook and yellow yarn demonstrating where the YO and pull through is done.

11. YO, pull through the remaining two loops on the hook

bamboo crochet hook and yellow yarn demonstrating the finished YO, pull through remaining two loops on hook.

Continue repeating 7-11 to your desired length (or amount of Double Crochets for pattern) acquired.

Need a better visual?

Here’s the video tutorial on how to do a Foundation Double Crochet.

Now you’re ready to make the Birch Leaf Ear Warmer.

Want to know how to connect it to connect your foundation double crochet for “in the round” projects? Check out my blog post on that (video included).

If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below. Don’t forget to share it on Social Media, tag me on Instagram or Facebook using #alwaysjennsmith or @alwaysjennsmith! I LOVE seeing your makes!

Want to remember this post? Pin it to your favorite Pinterest Board!

How To: Foundation Double Crochet Pinterest Pin

How To: Foundation Double Crochet with video Pinterest Pin

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