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 t