Crochet Tips: Linked Stitches Part1

Lately I've been working with Linked Stitches and when searching for information I've found it to be very varied and confusing. I've also seen them called Connected Stitches. So here's my attempt at a definitive guide!

I foolishly assumed this was a relatively new stitch but then I found it in a reprint of the Nineteenth Century "Encyclopedia of Needlework" by Therese De Dillmont. Her instructions were confusing to say the least.

Although I could probably talk for hours about this stitch I will try to be succinct!

The important things to know are:

1. This stitch is like a vertical Tunisian stitch.
2. This stitch has a right and a wrong side, or rather it looks very different from the back. So if you want all your stitches facing the same way you need a work around.
   
3. You can link any stitch from Htr (Hdc-USA) and upwards in height. [Below are, Htr, Tr, Dtr.]
   
4. You'll need to use a much larger hook size than usual.
5. Everyone avoids telling you how to work in continuous rounds. Don't worry we'll be covering that in Part2 next week!

 Let's start with how to keep all your stitches facing the same way. In Robyn Chachula's "Crochet Stitches-Visual Encyclopedia", she suggests using an alternate row of Front Loop Dc (Sc-USA). This gives a nice extra horizontal line.

Dora Ohrenstein in her fabulous book "Top-Down Crochet Sweaters", uses Htr (Hdc-USA).

Here's how to make a Linked Stitch. 

Let's make a Trtr (Dtr-USA) (I'm working into a row of Foundation Dc) 

All rows start like this. Don't turn at the end of the previous row. Chain 4 sts. 

 

Pull up a loop in the back loop of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th chain from the hook. 

 Now turn and pull up a loop in the first stitch. 

 

Yarn Over (YO) hook and pull thru the first 2 sts on the hook.

 Repeat the last action 3 more times. [1st St made] 

For each consequent stitch: 

Pull up a loop in each of the three horizontal bars, from top to bottom. Place the hook down thru the horizontal bar, YO hook and pull up a loop.

Pull up a loop in the next stitch.

YO hook and pull a loop thru the first 2 loops on hook as before.

Repeat the last action three more times. [2nd stitch made]

 

To create a Dtr start with 3 chain sts, pulling up loops in the 2nd, and 3rd chain, but otherwise follow the instructions above.

A Tr starts with 2 chain sts, pulling up a single loop in the 2nd chain only, but otherwise follow the instructions above.

A Htr is just a tiny bit different.

Start with 2 chain sts. Pull up a loop in the 2nd chain st, and the next st. 3 loops on hook.

YO and pull thru all 3 loops on hook.

For all consequent stitches, pull up a loop in the horizontal bar and another in the next stitch.

YO hook and pull thru all 3 loops on hook.

Come back next week to find out how to join stitches in continuous rounds. I've got two different methods for you to try.

And don't forget to say Hi! if you pop by!