How to Knit the MCDD Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial with Tips

Ready to try something new? Learn how to knit the MCDD Stitch in this step-by-step tutorial featuring my knitting tutorial page.

If you’ve ever looked at my Chain Socks and thought, “What on earth is that beautiful, twisty texture?”—you’re in the right place. Today, I’m diving into how to knit the MCDD Stitch—a stitch that looks super impressive but is surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it.

This little stitch packs a punch in all the right ways. It’s unique, sculptural, and the perfect detail for adding some serious interest to your knitting. I’ve used it in the Chain Socks, and I can’t wait for you to see it in action in the upcoming Chain Bonnet, Chain Beanie, and Chain Tee. They’re all coming soon—and trust me, you’re going to want to knit every one.

Before we get into the how-to, let’s chat materials. In my tutorial video (which I’ll mention more below), I use KnitPicks Heatherly Sport (affiliate link) for the yarn. It’s squishy, smooth, and has that perfect stitch definition to make the MCDD stitch shine. My go-to needles for this tutorial? My trusty KnitPicks interchangeable knitting needles (affiliate link). I love how smooth they are, and the joins don’t snag—essential when working a stitch with a few steps like this one.

Now let’s walk through how to knit the MCDD Stitch, step-by-step. Whether you’re a right-handed or left-handed knitter, I’ve got you covered. And if you’re more of a visual learner, don’t worry—I’ve got a YouTube video just for you, and yes, it’s left-handed-friendly.

What Is the MCDD Stitch?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to knit the MCDD Stitch, let’s take a quick look at what makes this stitch so special. MCDD stands for “Modified Centered Double Decrease.” Sounds a little fancy, right? But it’s just a beautifully balanced way to decrease two stitches over three in a way that creates this charming braided or linked effect—hence the name “Chain.”

This stitch has a unique way of drawing in the fabric, which is part of why the Chain Socks are so well-fitted through the ankle and top of the foot. It’s decorative and functional—my favorite kind of combo.

Materials Used in the Tutorial

Before we get started on how to knit the MCDD Stitch, here’s what I used in the video tutorial and what I recommend for practice:

Yarn: KnitPicks Heatherly Sport (affiliate link)
Needles: KnitPicks Interchangeable Knitting Needles (affiliate link)

Feel free to substitute with your favorites, but if you’re planning to make the Chain Socks, I’d pick with Hobbii Unicorn (affiliate link) so your gauge and texture match.

Left-Handed Tutorial Video

If you’re a lefty like me, you know how hard it can be to find tutorials that don’t require you to mentally flip everything backwards. That’s why I made sure to film a left-handed YouTube tutorial showing you exactly how to knit the MCDD Stitch from the left-handed perspective. You can find it on my YouTube channel, or head to the tutorial page on my blog to watch it right there. It’s clear, close-up, and goes at a pace that won’t leave you feeling rushed or confused.

How to Knit the MCDD Stitch (Written Instructions)

In these instructions, the working needle is the one doing all the work, and the holding needle is the one holding the stitches you’re working into.

Let’s break down how to knit the MCDD Stitch, step by step:

Slip 1 stitch knitwise from the holding needle to the working needle.

Knit the next stitch on the holding needle.

Pass the slipped stitch over the stitch you just knit.

Now, look at the stitch you just knit—you’re going to pick up the back loop of that stitch with your holding needle.

With the back loop lifted, knit 2 stitches together (the lifted loop and the next live stitch on the holding needle).

Done! You’ve just worked an MCDD Stitch—decreasing 2 stitches over 3 and creating that lovely linked texture.

It may sound like a lot of steps, but once you’ve done it a few times, it flows beautifully. Trust me, once you get it in your fingers, you’ll be popping it into all kinds of projects.

Why Use the MCDD Stitch?

Once you learn how to knit the MCDD Stitch, you’ll start seeing opportunities for it everywhere. It’s perfect for when you want a decrease that’s more decorative than your standard k2tog or ssk. It adds a vertical movement to the fabric that mimics cables without actually cabling.

In the Chain Socks, it adds structure and shape to the foot while also giving that standout detail. In the soon-to-come Chain Bonnet, Chain Beanie, and Chain Tee, the MCDD Stitch plays a starring role in shaping and styling. Whether it’s running up the sides of a hat or featured in the body of a tee, it catches the light and elevates the project with very little extra effort.

Tips for Knitting the MCDD Stitch

Here are some helpful tips from my experience learning how to knit the MCDD Stitch:

Tension is key. If your stitches are too tight, it’s going to be tough to pick up that back loop. Keep your yarn relaxed and your stitches even.
Use a pointy-tipped needle. My KnitPicks interchangeable needles (affiliate link) are perfect for this. Blunter tips might make picking up the back loop frustrating.
Practice on a swatch before starting the Chain Socks. It’s easier to get the rhythm without worrying about the rest of the project.

What Projects Use the MCDD Stitch?

I first introduced the MCDD Stitch in the Chain Socks—a cozy, sleek ankle sock pattern that uses this unique decrease to add texture and shape. If you haven’t knit them yet, go grab the free pattern on my blog!

👉 Chain Ankle Socks Free Pattern

And get ready, because I’m releasing three more patterns over the next few weeks that also feature this stitch:

Chain Bonnet – A sweet vintage style bonnet that uses the stitch as an all over pattern.
Chain Beanie – A snug little hat with MCDD columns running vertically for a clean, sculpted look.
Chain Tee – A lightweight top perfect for spring and summer, with MCDD detailing in all the right places.

Once you know how to knit the MCDD Stitch, you’ll be ready for all of them!

Trouble with the Back Loop?

If you’re struggling with picking up the back loop of the stitch you just knit, here’s a little tip. After you knit that second stitch and pass the first one over, give your knitting a gentle tug and look for the “V” of the knit stitch. The back loop is the strand that’s closest to the next stitch you are to knit. Use the tip of your holding needle to sneak into the center of that stitch (front to back), then angle up to pick it up cleanly. It gets easier with every repeat, I promise.

Practice Makes Progress

Like most things in knitting, the first few times might feel clunky. That’s okay! Take your time, go slow, and be patient with your hands. When you learn how to knit the MCDD Stitch, you’re learning a motion that’s just a little out of the ordinary, but not out of reach.

Keep a swatch nearby while you’re watching the YouTube tutorial or reading this post so you can follow along in real time. Once you’ve practiced it a few times, I guarantee you’ll feel confident enough to jump into the Chain Socks or one of the new patterns.

Final Thoughts

I hope this tutorial helped you feel confident in how to knit the MCDD Stitch. It’s a fun, structural decrease that adds character and movement to your knitting. Whether you’re making socks, beanies, or baby bonnets, it’s a great tool to have in your knitting toolbox.

If you’ve tried it out, I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let me know what you think, or tag me on Instagram @knitinthewomb so I can cheer you on. And don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more tutorials—including the left-handed version of this one!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work and helping me offer all my patterns for free!

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