How to Crochet the Linked Double Crochet & Other Linked Stitches

If you’ve ever wanted to create a solid, sturdy crochet fabric without gaps between stitches, then linked stitches are a game-changer. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to crochet linked stitches, including linked half double crochet (LHDC), linked double crochet (LDC), linked treble crochet (LTRC), and linked double treble crochet (LDTRC).

These stitches are perfect for blankets, garments, and accessories where you want a smooth, professional look and no holes — and the best part is, once you’ve learned one, the rest follow the same simple idea!

Why I Love This Kind of Project

I love experimenting with different stitch textures, and linked stitches are one of my favourites for creating neat, solid fabrics that don’t stretch out of shape. They’re also fantastic for making projects warmer and denser — no holes for draughts to sneak through! This makes them ideal for pet blankets as there are no holes for their tiny paws to get caught in.  You can check out my Cat Blanket No.1 pattern to see this stitch in action.

What Makes This Stitch Special

What makes the linked stitch family so special is how each stitch connects to the previous one. Instead of starting fresh in the next stitch, you link your hook into the previous stitch’s horizontal bar. This “link” closes the gaps and gives a woven, seamless texture that looks especially polished (the front looks very similar to Tunisian crochet).

What Inspired This Tutorial

I first came across linked stitches while testing a sweater pattern for another designer. Once I learned how to crochet linked stitches, I was hooked (pun intended)! They give such a clean, even texture and are surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it.

Choosing Your Yarn and Hook

Linked stitches work best with smooth yarns that show off the stitch definition. I recommend using a light or medium-weight yarn (DK or Aran) with a standard hook size suited to your yarn. Because linked stitches are tighter than their regular counterparts, you may wish to go up a hook size for a softer drape.

Is It Beginner Friendly?

Absolutely! If you can already make basic stitches like half double crochet, double crochet, or treble crochet, then you’ll pick these up easily. It’s just a small change to where you insert your hook — the rest of the stitch is the same.

Shopping List!

You don't need anything fancy for a practice swatch, you probably already have everything in your yarn kit.  If you are just getting started, Amazon is a great place to shop for everything you need at reasonable prices.

• Yarn: Any yarn you like (I used an Aran weight yarn for the sample).

• Hook: The hook size recommended on the yarn ball band is a good place to start.

• Scissors

• Yarn needle

Linked Stitches Video Tutorial

Watch the full tutorial here to see exactly how each stitch is worked, with extra tips to keep edges nice and straight and gap free.

Special Stitches

Linked Double Crochet (LDC)

1. Insert your hook into the horizontal bar of the previous stitch and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).

2. Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).

3. Yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops.

Linked Half Double Crochet (LHDC)

1. Insert your hook into the horizontal bar of the previous stitch and pull up a loop.

2. Insert hook into next stitch and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).

3. Yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook.

Linked Treble Crochet (LTRC)

1. Insert your hook into the top horizontal bar of the previous stitch and pull up a loop.

2. Insert your hook into the next horizontal bar of the same stitch and pull up a loop.

3. Insert hook into the next stitch, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).

4. Yarn over and pull through two loops at a time until one loop remains on hook.

Linked Double Treble Crochet (LDTRC)

1. Insert your hook into the horizontal bar of the previous stitch and pull up a loop.

2. Insert your hook into the next horizontal bar of the same stitch and pull up a loop. 

3. Repeat with next horizontal bar of the same stitch.

4. Insert hook into the next stitch, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook).

5. Yarn over and pull through two loops at a time until one loop remains on hook.

Finishing Touches

Once you get the hang of these stitches, you can use them in any project — blankets, scarves, sweaters, or even bags. They’re a great alternative to standard stitches especially when you need a denser fabric.

Projects Using Linked Stitches

Pocket Tissue Cosies

Cat Blanket No.1

I hope you enjoyed learning how to crochet linked stitches! Whether you’re working the linked double crochet, linked half double crochet, or one of the taller variations, these stitches will open up so many creative possibilities. Don’t forget to check out the rest of my stitch library for more tutorials to expand your crochet skills.

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