A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Double Crochet
One of the most useful crochet stitches; It is tall, open, and very easy to learn 🙂
What is the double crochet stitch?
The double crochet (abbreviated as dc) is a basic crochet stitch that is about twice as tall as a single crochet stitch. Its taller loop means your fabric grows quickly, which is great when you want to finish a project faster. The stitch is also perfect for blankets, scarves, hats, and bags as it gives your work a light, open feel.
For practice, you need:
Step-by-step: how to double crochet
Before you begin, make a foundation chain of about 15–20 chains so you have enough room to practice comfortably.
Step 1- Yarn over: Hold your hook in your right hand (or left, if you’re left-handed). Wrap the yarn once over the hook from back to front. You now have two loops on your hook.
Step 2- Insert hook into the stitch: Insert your hook into the 3rd chain from the hook. Push the hook through the centre of that chain stitch.
Step 3- Yarn over and pull through: Wrap the yarn over the hook once more. Now gently pull the hook back through the chain stitch. You should now have three loops sitting on your hook.
Step 4- Yarn over and pull through two loops: Wrap the yarn over the hook one more time. Pull it through the first two loops only. You will now have two loops remaining on your hook.
Step 5- Yarn over and pull through the last two loops: Yarn over once more and pull through the remaining two loops on your hook. Only one loop remains; congratulations, you have just completed your first double crochet stitch!
Step 6- Repeat across the row: Continue steps 1–5 in each chain. At the end of the row, chain 2 (this counts as your first double crochet of the next row), turn your work, and start the next row.
Step 7- Finish off: Once you are done, cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the last loop on your hook to secure it, then weave it in with your yarn needle.
Common mistakes to avoid
New crocheters often skip the first chain 2 at the start of a new row, or forget to count it as a stitch on the way back. Also, try to keep your tension (how tightly you hold the yarn) consistent, because if it is too tight or too loose, the stitches will look uneven.
Practice the same swatch a few times before starting a real project. Within an hour of practice, most beginners feel comfortable with the rhythm of the stitch.
Happy crocheting!
You are one stitch closer to your first full project! 🧶
You can also learn other basic stitches: Single Crochet, Half Double Crochet
