Double crochet is one of the most common basic stitches, but its variations can behave surprisingly differently. Regular DC gives you that familiar height and drape, while linked double crochet (LDC) and extra‑strong LDC tighten things up, reducing gaps and creating a dense, durable fabric; perfect for sock soles, bags, or anything that needs to last.  When you compare all three side by side, the differences in gauge and density become even more noticeable, making each version useful in its own way.

Let's check out the family members side by side!

Regular Double Crochet (DC)

How to make: Yarn over, insert the hook in the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, [yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the hook] twice (DC made).

What to expect: Regular drape and tension with visible gaps between stitches. It creates an airy, flexible fabric; great for scarves, hats, and garments where stretch, drape, and ease of movement matter.

Linked Double Crochet (LDC)

The linked double crochet (LDC) is worked by linking each stitch through the horizontal bar of the previous stitch, which reduces gaps and creates a sturdier fabric than regular DC.

How to make: Insert the hook through the horizontal bar of the previous stitch, yarn over and pull through (linked yo made); insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, [yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the hook] twice (LDC made).

What to expect: A denser, more controlled fabric with noticeably fewer gaps and reduced stretch. LDC creates a smoother, more uniform surface and a tighter gauge than regular DC, making it ideal for bags, pouches, purses, and other projects that benefit from added stability.

Extra-Strong Linked Double Crochet (LDC)

The extra-strong linked double crochet is worked by linking each stitch through the base of the previous stitch, which further reduces gaps and creates a denser, sturdier fabric than either regular DC or LDC.

How to make: Insert the hook through the horizontal bar of the previous stitch and the diagonal bar below, yarn over and pull through these 2 bars (linked yo made); insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, [yo and pull through 2 loops on the hook] twice (extra-strong LDC made).

What to expect: A significantly denser, sturdier fabric than standard LDC, with almost no stretch and virtually no gaps. Extra‑strong LDC creates the smoothest surface and the tightest gauge of all three variations, making it especially useful for high‑wear areas like slipper and sock soles where durability and comfort really matter.

Side-by-Side: Gauge and Stretch in the Double Crochet Family

Even when worked with the same yarn, hook, and stitch count, these three double‑crochet variations produce noticeably different results. The regular DC swatch measures 4", the LDC comes in at 3.8", and the extra‑strong LDC tightens even further to 3.6". As you can see, a tighter gauge means a smaller finished fabric even with the same stitch count, which is a key consideration when accuracy in size matters.

When to Choose Which Stitch

• DC: drape, speed, softness
• LDC: structure, reduced gaps
• Extra‑strong LDC: durability, reinforcement