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We’re continuing our beginner series here by learning how to do a double crochet stitch. This easy crochet stitch is used widely and is a very popular stitch used in so many patterns.
Once you’ve mastered the single, half double and double crochet stitches, you’ll be well on your way to being a crochet pro!
In this tutorial, I will take you step by step through the process of making a double crochet stitch, as well as showing you how they can be used, and sharing some beginner crochet patterns you can try out.
Table of Contents
What is a Double Crochet Stitch?
A double crochet stitch is a fairly simple stitch that can be used in any crochet project, from homewares to blankets to garments and toys. It can be worked in rows and also in rounds and spirals.
The double crochet is similar to the single crochet with a few extra steps. It is a much taller stitch than the single crochet.
The double crochet is a US crochet term. In UK crochet terms, this is called a treble crochet. Double crochet is abbreviated to dc in crochet patterns (UK treble crochet is a tr).
How do you Make a Double Crochet Stitch?
Before you start this double crochet stitch tutorial, you’re going to want to make a slip knot on your hook and a foundation chain (a row of crochet chain stitches).
If you’re just starting out your crochet journey, you might want to check out some of the other posts in the beginner series to make sure you don’t skip the foundations:
Step by Step Video Tutorial
Before we get started press play and watch along as I crochet some double crochet stitches in this short video tutorial:
Step by Step Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial for Beginners
Supplies you’ll need
I used Wildflower Worsted by Herrschners in Rose Clover for the tutorial photos which is a lovely, category 4 (worsted) weight yarn, 100% Acrylic, 448m, 489yds, 226g, but you can use any yarn that you like. If you’re a beginner I’d recommend using a category 4 or 5 weight yarn so you can see your stitches easily.
You’ll need a corresponding crochet hook for the yarn you choose. If you look at the ball band, it usually gives you the recommended hook size. The hook I’m using is a Dots hook from WeCrochet.
If you only have one hook and ball of yarn though, just use what you’ve got. The important thing is to start crocheting!
Here is a short description of how to make a double crochet. Further down is a step by step guide with pictures.
How to make a double crochet stitch –
- Wrap your yarn around your hook and insert your hook under the top 2 loops of the stitch (they look like a ‘v’).
- Wrap your yarn around your hook and pull it back through the stitch. You’ll now have 3 loops on your hook.
- Wrap your yarn around your hook again, and pull through two of the loops on the hook. You’ll now have 2 loops on your hook.
- Wrap your yarn around your hook again and pull through the remaining two loops to complete your first double crochet stitch.
Note: when working your first row into the foundation chain, this will look slightly different. You will be inserting your hook into just 1 loop of each chain in the first step, instead of under the 2 top loops.
1. Wrap your yarn around your hook.
2. Insert your hook under the top 2 loops of the stitch (they look like a ‘v’) and yarn over.
3. Draw the loop back through the stitch. You’ll now have 3 loops on your hook.
4. Wrap your yarn around your hook again.
5. Pull through two of the loops on the hook. You’ll now have 2 loops on your hook.
6. Wrap your yarn around your hook again.
7. Pull through the remaining two loops to complete your first double crochet stitch.
Once you’ve completed your first double crochet stitch, continue to repeat this across your row, working into each subsequent stitch.
Turning
At the end of the row, turn the piece around to work back along it. We then make a turning chain of 3 chains before carrying on the double crochet stitches. This brings the hook up to the right height for the next row of stitches.
In lots of patterns the chain 3 counts as a double crochet stitch, which means that you skip the first stitch and work your first double crochet into the second stitch.
You may notice in some patterns that they only require 2 chains for turning on a double crochet row. And in this case, it is often that the turning chain does not count as a stitch, and so you would work your first double crochet into the first stitch.
Always check the pattern notes for clarification!
There is also the option to replace the turning chain entirely and use a stacked single crochet stitch instead.
Top Tips for Double Crochet
- Try to hold your yarn in a way that creates a good amount of tension, but be careful not to pull the stitches too tight.
- The first few rows are often the hardest, as there isn’t much to hold onto.
- The chain 3 at the start of each row is called a turning chain. We don’t work into this and it does not count as a stitch, but check your pattern as this can vary.
- Count your stitches regularly to make sure you haven’t accidentally added or missed stitches.
Double Crochet Variations
Double Crochet in the Round
Double crochet stitches can also be worked in the round, that is in a circle.
By adding extra stitches into the same stitch, we can create a flat circle. Or we can increase and decrease stitches to create 3d shapes.
We can work double crochet in the round in two different ways: joined rounds or continuous spirals, but in both versions, the actual double crochet stitch is made in exactly the same way as the double crochet stitch tutorial for rows above.
Joined Rounds
To work in joined rounds, start a new round with a chain 3. Then work your double crochet stitches around. Join your last stitch to the top of the starting chain 3 with a slip stitch to close the round.
Continuous Spirals
This is less common but is still used sometimes. When you get to the end of a round, simply continue to work the first stitch of the next round into the top of the first stitch of the last round without joining or chaining 3. This way you create a spiral shape.
You might want to mark the first stitch of each round with a stitch marker when using this technique.
Double Crochet in Different Loops
Rather than working our double crochet under both loops of the ‘v’, we can choose to work in just one. This is called working in the front loops or back loops.
By doing this, we can create some beautiful texture in our work. You can find out more about front and back loop only crochet stitch in this tutorial.
Front Post and Back Post Double Crochet
We can also work around the post of the stitch, rather than working under the loops of the ‘v’. This technique is used to create many different textured stitches, such as the basketweave stitch, crochet cables, the waffle stitch, as well as being great for making ribbing.
Mosaic Crochet
Mosaic crochet is a beautiful colourwork technique which uses single and double crochet stitches to create wonderful designs. In this mosaic crochet tutorial, you can find out all about the two different types of mosaic crochet: inset and overlay, and how they work!
Herringbone Double Crochet Stitch
The Herringbone double crochet stitch (US) is a great alternative to the traditional double crochet. I like this stitch because it has a wonderful texture and you all know I love a textured stitch! The gorgeous slanted pattern looks beautiful in homewares and garments alike.
Projects Using Double Crochet
There are so many patterns out there that use the double crochet. Here are a few of mine that you might like to try. Some use variations of the double crochet and others use multiple stitches, so you may need to learn a few other stitches before you get started.
This easy triangle shawl crochet pattern uses double crochet stitches working in the front and back loops. It’s a super easy pattern that’s beginner-friendly and fun.
This elegant scarf crochet pattern uses the herringbone double crochet stitch along with some chain spaces to create a wonderfully delicate scarf. If you’re up for a challenge, this one’s for you!
This easy granny square poncho pattern can be made with or without sleeves for either a sweater style or traditional poncho look with a fringe!
With a simple and elegant feel and super easy construction it’s a great beginner crochet pattern using the traditional granny stitch (which is groups of 3 double crochet stitches together) to start making garments with.
Learn inset mosaic crochet with this easy mosaic crochet pattern, and create a stunning blanket or washcloth, perfect for gifting or elevating your home decor!
Inset mosaic crochet uses single and double crochet stitches to create the colourful design.
Next Steps in Your Crochet Journey
Now that you’ve mastered the double crochet, there are so many options ahead of you. Why not find out about some really long crochet stitches that you could create, or perhaps try your hand at some beginner crochet patterns.
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Learn Some More Crochet Stitches With Me
Now that you’ve cracked the basics, it’s time to learn some more crochet stitch tutorials – here are some of my favourite beginner stitches:
35 Easy Crochet Stitches for Beginners
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make a double crochet stitch with me! I really hope you’ve caught the crochet bug and I’d love to share in your crochet journey with you! You can sign up to become a member of HanJan Crochet and I’ll let you know about all the fabulous crochet adventures, offers, lives and more too!
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