No-turning-chain-dc

This is a technique that makes a fully formed double crochet stitch at the beginning of a new row as an alternative to the traditional turning chain (i.e., ch 3 and count as a dc). It eliminates the bumpy edge and big gap between the next dc stitch. Update (3/13/09): This stitch can also be used when working in the round. It can replace Ch 3 (counts as first dc) in a pattern. Turn your work. Pull the loop to about the length of a dc. Hold the top of the loop with your index finger on the top of the hook. Heres the trick yarn over with the two strands of the LOOP. So now, you have the strand youre holding with the index finger & two strands of the loop on the hook. Dont let go for the stitch, but if you let your finger go, it just looks like you twisted the loop. Ok, to continue, yo with the new yarn & pull through the 2 strands of the loop. Is your index finger still holding the top of the loop? Yes, good! Yo w/ the new yarn & pull through 2 loops. Voila! A fully formed dc