Standing Crochet Stitches for Cleaner Round Starts

A standing stitch begins with a slip knot already on the hook and is worked like a normal stitch into the chosen location. It is especially useful when joining a new colour.

Prepare the first loop securely

Make a slip knot and hold it steady on the hook. For a standing double crochet, yarn over with the working strand while controlling the knot, insert at the join point and complete the stitch normally.

Choose a discreet joining point

In motifs or rounds, start away from the previous round's join when the pattern allows. This distributes small irregularities rather than stacking them in one visible line. Follow any pattern instruction that fixes the start at a corner or repeat boundary.

Finish the round cleanly

Mark the standing stitch immediately because it can resemble every other stitch. Join to its top as directed, then weave the starting tail securely in more than one direction. Compare the height with neighbouring stitches and adjust the initial slip knot on the next sample if it looks loose.

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