Learn the Stacked Single Crochet Stitch (stsc) which is an alternative turning chain with this complete photo and video tutorial by Nana’s Crafty Home!
I am always on the look out for new techniques that will improve the look of my finished crochet projects. I have never been a fan of the gap caused by a turning chain 3 at the beginning of a row or round of crochet. The Stacked Single Crochet stitch is a great substitute for that turning chain.
When I released my Autumn Rhapsody Stitch Sampler Blanket I used the standard turning chain 3 to begin each row and I just wasn’t happy with the gaps created with these chains. Especially noticeable after adding the border!
So, before I released my Spring Rhapsody Stitch Sampler Blanket I went on a search for a replacement and used the Chainless Starting Double Crochet in place of the turning chain 3. This was a BIG improvement in eliminating that gap.
I used the Chainless Starting Double Crochet in several additional projects; the Marjorie Pocket Scarf, the Mountain Trail Tweed Poncho – basically every project I released that used a turning chain 3.
And I do think it looks most similar to a standard double crochet stitch. However, it is a technique that is confusing at first and takes some practice. Your stitch can look different from row to row depending on how high you get that first loop. Many of you tried that technique following my photo and video tutorial and really struggled with it.
So, the search began again for the easiest way to replace that turning chain. I finally found the Stacked Single Crochet Stitch which is an absolute game changer for me and I think you are going to love it, too! So easy – it provides the bulk of the double crochet stitch keeping the same appearance throughout your project and you can make it as tall as you want. Just keep stacking your single crochets to create a turning chain 4 for your treble or chain 5 for a double treble.
You are essentially working single crochet stitches in the first stitch of the row (or round) to the height of a double crochet (or treble, etc.) You will have straighter edges and no more gaps – YAY!
Check out the difference from left to right in the photo below. Beginning chain 3 on the left and the Stacked Single Crochet Stitch on the right. Gaps are gone and your edges are perfectly straight.
I am providing a complete photo tutorial below as well as a complete video tutorial so you can see it in action. If you are unable to view the video here on the blog I also have it on YouTube. Â Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to get notified whenever I post a new video.
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Try out the Stacked Single Crochet Stitch with the following free crochet patterns by Nana’s Crafty Home:
1. Boho Market Bag 2. Spring Lark Scarf 3. Mountain Trail Tweed Blanket
- Boho Market Bag free crochet pattern
- Spring Lark Scarf free crochet pattern
- Mountain Trail Tweed Blanket free crochet pattern
Stacked Single Crochet Alternative Turning Chain Tutorial
Supplies shown:
Lion Brand Heartland in Acadia* yarn
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself. This post may contain affiliate links that if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Size J (6.0 mm) crochet hook
Abbreviations:
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble crochet
st = stitch
ch = chain
Time needed: 1 minute
Alternative ch 3 at beginning of a row
- After turning DO NOT chain, sc into first stitch
- insert hook into 2nd leg of sc just made and work a single crochet stitch
- If you need to replace a beginning chain 4 for a row of treble stitches, work another stacked sc in the same manner for a total of 3 stacked single crochet stitches.
- At the end of a row (or round) you will work your final stitch into the top of the stacked sc stitch.
I hope you have found this tutorial helpful and if you are looking for ways to improve your finished crochet projects let me know what you are interested in – I would love to hear from you! Email me at nanascraftyhome@gmail.com.
Happy Crocheting!
Tonya 🌸💕
Copyright 2021 Tonya Bush/Nana’s Crafty Home
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Hi! Thank you so much for being here! I am Tonya the designer behind Nana's Crafty Home. As a wife, mother, Nana of 9 & with 2 fur babies, my days are filled with love, laughter, hugs and yarn! Here you will find colorful and creative crochet designs for yourself or loved ones. My hope is that you will be inspired to learn and create along with me!