Help

[Paula R]

I am about to start crotcheting for the first time. I bought the Mabel bunny & co book and want to do the dragon. Could someone please advise me that when starting each circle for the body do you do chain stitches. It doesn’t state this in the pattern however my friend stated you should do two chain stitches for a DC at the beginning of each row. Thank you in advance. Paula

[bgs]

Since you are just beginning to crochet here is some helpful info.

https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/how-to-read-crochet-pattern

https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/crochet-pattern-terms-british-american-english-978272

https://www.planetjune.com/blog/tutorials/crochet-tutorials/

First thing you need to know is if pattern is in UK or US terminology.  A UK double crochet is a US single crochet. 

I am guessing its UK because most toys/amigurumi are UK double crochet and I googled to look at cover of book.

There are multiple ways to start your initial ring but for toys the magic ring or circle works best and working your rounds as a spiral is what is commonly done.  These are explained in the third link.   Normally to begin a round of UK double crochet you would just chain 1.  Ending rounds with a slip stitch then chaining to start the next round leaves a gap.  Working in a continuous spiral eliminates this but you must use a stitch marker to mark first stitch of each row so you know where you are.  You can buy stitch markers or use safety pins, hair pins or piece of yarn.

Edited March 20, 2021 by bgs

[NCcountrygal]

Not familiar with the book. Generally speaking ch 1 sc start of row; ch2-3 for dc(us). Whatever the pattern instructs. 
This thread may be helpful.