If you’re new to crocheting or ready to expand your skills, learning how to double crochet is a fantastic step forward! This versatile stitch is a cornerstone of many crochet patterns, allowing you to create everything from cozy blankets to stylish scarves and more.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of making a double crochet stitch, breaking it down into easy-to-follow steps with helpful tips along the way. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just need a quick refresher, you’ll be ready to master this stitch in no time. Grab your hook and yarn, and let’s get started!
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How to Double Crochet
Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn (or other yarn type)
Equipment:
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:
Instructions:
- Begin with a foundation to add your stitches into.We made a slip knot and chains here, but you can also create a magic circle.
- Hold the working yarn in your non-dominant hand and use your finger and thumb to hold the chains close to the hook.Wrap the working yarn around your hook, going counter-clockwise around the hook.This is called a “yarn over”.
- Insert your hook into the chain or stitch you’d like the double crochet stitch to be in.(Generally with a double crochet you’ll insert your stitch into the 4th chain from the hook to keep your rows straight.)You can also work a double crochet into a magic circle or a stitch from the previous row.
- Yarn over. (Wrap the working yarn around your hook in a clockwise direction.)
- Guide the top part of your hook back through the same chain.
- You should now have 3 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over again.
- Pull your hook with the working yarn through the first 2 loops on your hook.You should end up with 2 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over one last time.
- Pull your hook and the working yarn though the 2 loops on your hook.This will leave 1 loop on your hook, the starting point of your next stitch.Your double crochet stitch is complete!
Helpful Tips:
- In crochet patterns you’ll see the “dc” abbreviation to represent double crochet. You may also see “dcs” to symbolize the plural.
- Double crochet (dc) is known as treble crochet (tr) in the UK. We write all of our patterns using US terminology.
- When you’re working a double crochet into stitches (rather than chains), make sure you insert your hook through both of the top loops, unless the pattern states otherwise.
How to do a double crochet:
Follow along with our video tutorial or our written step-by-step tutorial above for detailed instructions on how to make a double crochet stitch.
Or, to put it more simply:
- Yarn over
- Insert your crochet hook into a chain or stitch
- Yarn over
- Pull the hook (and working yarn) through the chain or stitch
- Yarn over
- Pull the hook (and working yarn) through the first two loops on your hook
- Yarn over
- Pull the hook (and working yarn) through both loops on your hook.
What’s the difference between a single crochet and a double crochet?
The primary difference between a single crochet and a double crochet is their height. A single crochet is shorter and denser, while a double crochet is taller and creates a looser, more open texture.
In terms of how the stitches are made, a single crochet doesn’t have an initial yarn over, and it involves fewer steps.
What projects are best for using the double crochet stitch?
The double crochet stitch is ideal for projects like blankets, scarves, and shawls, as it works up quickly and creates a flexible fabric. It’s also great for lacy or openwork patterns when paired with chains and other stitches.
Do I need to chain a certain number of stitches to start a row of double crochet?
Yes, at the beginning of a new row of double crochet, you’ll usually chain 3 stitches to count as your first double crochet. This ensures the correct height for your row.
Check your pattern, as some may specify a different number based on the design.
Now that you’ve learned how to double crochet, you’ve unlocked a world of creative possibilities! This stitch is not only versatile, but is also a great building block for more advanced techniques like granny squares, lace patterns, and textured designs. With practice, you’ll find that the double crochet works up quickly, making it ideal for larger projects like blankets or cozy shawls.
Remember, consistency is key — focus on maintaining even tension and practicing the stitch until it feels natural. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different yarns and hook sizes to see how the double crochet transforms your work. Soon you’ll enjoy bringing your crochet ideas to life one stitch at a time!
Here’s even more crochet craft ideas:
Crochet Lavender for Beginners
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon Canada
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