A standing stitch is a great way to start a round or row that are supposed to have a different color from the previous one. Usually we start by making a chain that counts as a stitch but if you use standing stitches instead the first stitch will look like the rest. In combination with an invisible join a standing stitch will make the seam disappear!

You can make a standing stitch for many types of stitches. I will show you how to make one for a single crochet and double crochet (US terms) below .

Standing single crochet (US terms)

Start by making a loop on your hook (image 1). Insert the hook into the stitch that you are supposed to start from (image 2).  Yarn over and pull up a loop (image 3). Yarn over and pull through both loops on hook and you standing single crochet is done (image 4).  Now you can go on with the rest of the stitches on the round/row (image 5).

Standing double crochet (US terms)

Start by making a loop on your hook (image 1). Yarn over and hold on the loop with your finger so that it doesn’t move (image 2). Insert the hook into the stitch that you are supposed to start from (image 3).  Yarn over and pull up a loop (image 4). Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on hook. Yarn over once more and pull through the last two loops on the hook. Your standing double crochet is done (image 5).  Now you can go on with the rest of the stitches on the round/row (image 6).