Linked Double Treble Crochet: Tutorial + Free Pattern

The linked double treble crochet stitch might sound like a mouthful, but I promise, it’s much easier than it sounds!

Linked stitches offer a unique alternative to their regular counterparts, allowing you to create a beautifully smooth fabric with minimal gaps. The beauty of linked stitches is that you can turn any regular stitch into a linked stitch! 

In the pattern below, we are alternating between rows of linked double treble crochets and single crochets. This creates a distinct right and wrong side, maximizing the effect of the linked stitches on the right side.

How to Make a Linked Crochet Stitch

With a linked stitch, you will pick up loops on your hook (the number of loops determines the height of the stitch) and then work them off two at a time, similar to Tunisian crochet. 

Each loop creates a vertical bar at the front of the stitch, and then on the next stitch, you will insert your hook into each of these vertical bars to pull up the next set of loops. This method links each stitch to the previous one, resulting in a wonderfully smooth and seamless fabric.

Linked stitches are a particularly useful replacement for tall crochet stitches, such as treble or double treble crochets, which can often have noticeable gaps. As the stitches are all linked together, there are no unsightly gaps in between!

What You’ll Need to Make this Washcloth

Yarn

I loved working with linked stitches so much that I made 2 washcloths! I used Drops Paris in 2 colors – Tangerine (71) and Off White (17). This yarn is a worsted weight 100% cotton yarn, making it ideal for any projects where durability and washability are important. The pattern below includes links to a variety of cotton yarns that are perfect for kitchen crochet projects.

Hook

You will need a 5.5mm I-9 crochet hook for this project (or whichever hook size allows you to crochet with an even tension). Linked stitches tend to create a slightly more dense fabric than regular stitches. For this reason, it is a good idea to go up one hook size from that recommended on your yarn label.

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Pattern Notes

Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.

Skill Level

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• beg = beginning
• beg ldtr = beginning linked double treble crochet (see Special Stitches)
• ch = chain
• ldtr = linked double treble crochet (see Special Stitches)
• rem = remaining
• RS = Right Side
• sk = skip
• sc = single crochet
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• WS = Wrong Side

General Pattern Notes

• Ch 1 at the start of a single crochet (sc) row does not count as a stitch.
• Ch 4 at the start of a linked double treble crochet (ldtr) row does not count as a stitch (but forms part of the first ldtr of the row).
• Stitch count for each row is given in square brackets [ ] at the end of the row. If no stitch count is given then the count is the same as the previous row.
• This stitch pattern has a distinct Right Side (RS) and Wrong Side (WS). Ensure the RS is facing before working the border.

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Materials

Yarn

Any #4/Worsted/Medium weight yarn in a cotton or cotton blend. The amounts given here are for Drops Paris (82yds/75m per 50g skein; #4/Worsted/Medium; 100% Cotton). Sample pictured in Tangerine (71) and Off White (17).

Project	Total yds/m
Washcloth	102yds / 93m
Tea Towel	402yds / 368m

Alternative yarn options:

• WeCrochet Dishie (190 yds/174m per 100g skein; 100% Cotton)
• Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran (93 yds / 85m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
• Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (186 yds/170m per 100g skein; 100% Cotton)
• Rico Creative Cotton Aran (93 yds / 85m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
• Lily Sugar ‘n’ Cream (94yds / 86m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)

Hook

5.5mm (I-9) crochet hook

Other Items

• Yarn needle

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Finished Measurements

Washcloth: 8.75″ x 8.75″ / 22cm x 22cm

Tea Towel: 14.25″ x 22″ / 36cm x 56cm

Note: you can also add an optional single crochet border around the edge of your project which will add approx 0.5” / 1.25cm to the width and length.

Please see Adjustments section below for information on making this project in a different size.

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Gauge

15 sts x 6 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over alternating rows of linked dtr (see Special Stitches) and sc.

Note:

Gauge is not critical for this project. However, if your gauge does not match the one listed above then your project may turn out a little larger/smaller depending on how loosely/tightly you crochet, and you may use a different amount of yarn than what is listed above.

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Special Stitches

Beginning linked double treble crochet (beg ldtr)

This is the first stitch in a linked dtr row.

Step 1: Ch 4.

Step 2: Pull up a loop in back bump of 2nd, 3rd and 4th chs. [4 loops on hook]

Step 3: Insert hook into first st of previous row and pull up a loop. [5 loops on hook]

Step 4: (Yarn over and pull through two loops) 4 times.

Linked double treble crochet (ldtr)

Step 1: Pull up a loop in first, second and third vertical bars of previous stitch. [4 loops on hook]

Step 2: Insert hook into next st and pull up a loop. [5 loops on hook]

Step 3: (Yarn over and pull through two loops) 4 times.

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Adjustments

Stitch multiple: any
Starting chain multiple: any + 1

• To adjust the width of your project, simply chain any number to start.
• To adjust the length, simply repeat Rows 2-3 until you reach your desired length. It does not matter which row you end on.

Note: adjusting the size of your project will impact the amount of yarn required.

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Written Pattern

Washcloth: Ch 34. 
Tea Towel: Ch 54. 

Row 1 (WS): Sc in second ch from hook and each ch across, turn.

Row 2 (RS): Beg ldtr in first st, ldtr in each st across, turn.

Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as a st, here and throughout), sc in first st and each st across, turn.

Washcloth: Repeat Rows 2-3 for a total of 13 rows, or until work measures approx. 8.75″/ 22cm in length.

Tea Towel: Repeat Rows 2-3 for a total of 33 rows, or until work measures approx. 22″/ 56cm in length.

Note: It does not matter if you end on a Row 2 or 3 repeat.

BORDER (optional)

Ensure RS facing.

Ch 1 (does not count as a st), sc evenly around the edge of your work, working 3 scs to turn each corner. Join to beg sc with a sl st or invisible join.

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

All done!

If you wish, you can purchase an inexpensive, ad-free PDF version of this pattern through Ravelry or Etsy.

I hope you have enjoyed this pattern, if you have questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me. And be sure to tag your finished project on Instagram or Facebook using @nedandmimi or #nedandmimi!

Happy crocheting!

Sarah