How to Double Crochet

How to Double Crochet: How to Crochet Double Stitch

Knowing how to double crochet is an essential skill for anyone learning how to crochet. The craft of crochet is a needlework technique, typically done with a crochet hook and (in modern times) a type of yarn or crochet thread. 

Crochet is a great hobby to pick up for anyone who loves working with all types of fabric, is an avid sewer, or is just learning how to sew. Better yet, you don’t need to learn to sew to become a crocheting pro! 

Ready to add “how to double stitch crochet” to your list of crocheting skills? Read this article to learn what is a double crochet stitch is, what it looks like, and how to make a double crochet stitch for beginners. 

Keep reading to the end for a summary of the most important crochet techniques for beginners and sample projects that utilize the double crochet technique. After reading this article, you’ll never have to ask: “How do you make a double crochet?” again.

What Does Double Crochet Mean?

What is a double crochet stitch? It’s a basic stitch that’s “taller” than both the single and the half-double stitch. In crochet, taller stitches take up more vertical space in a project. 

A variety of stitch heights helps to create shapes and unique elements of designs. See the list below for the most common crochet stitches in order of increasing height.

1. 1. Single stitch
   2. Half-double stitch
   3. Double stitch
   4. Treble stitch
   5. Double treble stitch
   6. Triple Treble stitch
   7. Quadruple treble stitch

The double crochet stitch is created using a “yarn over” technique, where you wrap the yarn from the back to the front prior to inserting the hook. In short, the answer to the question, “What’s a double crochet stitch?” is a slightly taller stitch using the yarn-over method.

What Does Double Crochet Look Like?

Beyond knowing what is a double crochet, it’s crucial to know what a successful double crochet looks like in practice. Identifying the stitch is the first step to learning how to do a double crochet.

Image Source: Fiber Flux. Blogspot

A double crochet stitch can be described as two loops positioned on top of each other. This effect is a direct result of the stitching technique, from when the yarn is pulled through the loop. 

Double crochet provides a beautiful texture to hats, blankets, sweaters, toys, and scarves. Compared to the single stitch, the double crochet stitch creates a less stiff fabric without sacrificing strength or density.

As you’re learning how to crochet double crochet, your stitches will improve over time. Don’t despair if your first double crochet stitches don’t look the same as the tutorial images. Be patient and keep practicing to achieve the perfect double crochet stitch.

How to Double Crochet for Beginners

Now that you’re familiar with what double crochet is and what it looks like, you’re well prepared to start your first stitches. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your first row of double crochet.

How To Do a Double Crochet Stitch for Beginners: Row 1

1. 1. Create a slip knot.
   2. Sitch a chain (using the chain stitch). If you’re unsure how many chains to make, 15 is a safe starting place.
   3. Make three more chains to create the turning chain. Turn your work.
   4. Yarn over (from back to front). At this point, you should have one loop and one wrapped yarn on the crochet hook.
   5. Place your hook into the fourth chain away from the hook. There are multiple ways to achieve this. For beginners, it’s easiest to place the hook between the two loops that form a sort of “V” shape on the foundation chain and under the back ridge of the loop.
   6. Yarn over the hook. Tug the wrapped yarn through your chain stitch. You should have three loops on your hook.
   7. Yarn over the hook again. Now, you should have three loops and one wrapped yarn on the crochet hook. This time, pull the wrapped yarn through the first two loops on the hook. After pulling the wrapped yarn, you will see only two loops still on the hook.
   8. Yarn over the hook. You’ll have two loops and one wrapped yarn on the crochet hook.
   9. Bring the wrapped yarn through the final two loops on your hook. The double crochet is complete. You should have one last loop still on your hook.
   10. To finish the double crochet row, repeat steps five through ten as you move into the next chain of your foundation.

How Do You Do A Double Crochet Stitch: Rows Two+

After you’ve finished your first row of double crochet, the steps change slightly. Follow these steps for rows two and beyond of your project.

1. 1. Chain three. This becomes the “turning chain.”
   2. Flip the piece so the back side faces you.
   3. Yarn over the hook.
   4. Skip the first stitch of the row right below the turning chain you just made. Instead, place your hook into the next stitch. This will be the fifth stitch away from the crochet hook.

Image Source: Itchin For Some Stitchin

      5. Repeat steps five through 10 from the instructions above for each of the following crochet stitches, until your 15th double crochet stitch.

      6.Once you’re ready to make your 15th double crochet stitch, create one double crochet in the uppermost (third) chain of the previous row’s turning chain. Insert your crochet hook into the middle of the “V” and the back bar. You’ve just made your 15th double crochet.

      7. Repeat the first six steps of this sequence as needed.

What Does DC Mean in Crochet?

In crochet, DC stands for “double crochet.” Double crochet can be represented in a few different ways in project patterns and instructions. 

As you can see from the table below, double crochet can also be represented by a symbol. The meaning of these symbols and abbreviations will come naturally to you as you gain experience with crochet.

Double Crochet Notation
Abbreviation	Name	Symbol
dc	Double crochet	Image source: CraftYarnCouncil.com

So now next time a friend asks you how to dc crochet, you know that they’re really asking you “How do you double crochet?”.

Crochet Techniques for Beginners

Technique/Stitch	Used for…	Sample Projects Using the Technique
Start a crochet chain	…building a foundation for your entire project, filling in spaces in a pattern, and (occasionally) finishing off rows/rounds.	Marigold Granny Square
Weave in ends	…keeping your finished projects intact and looking their best.	Afghans
Single crochet	…almost any type of crochet project. It’s also one of the easiest crochet stitches to learn, making it a great stitch for beginners.	Crochet bracelet
Double crochet	…creating common patterns (such as the classic granny square and the v-stitch). It can also be used on its own and is common in many project patterns.	Color-blocked infinity scarf
Half double crochet	…providing more height than a single crochet with a similar yarn over to double crochet.	Easy Baby Blanket
Triple crochet (also called the treble crochet stitch)	…providing more height than a double crochet that is based on the same design (as a double crochet stitch).	Rainbow mug cozy
Change colors	…creating colorful projects. There are multiple ways to change colors in a crochet project.	Crochet mini mandala
Crochet a circle	…forming a base for hats, baskets, toys, amigurumi projects, and other three-dimensional projects.	Woven crochet baskets
Crochet a magic circle	…keeping the (circular) base of a project tight by allowing you to pull the end of the yarn line a drawstring.	Crochet slippers
Decrease in crochet	…shorten crochet rows to manipulate the form of crochet projects. This is used most often in dimensional projects.	Sheep blankie pattern

Samples of Crochet Projects That Require You to Know How to Do a Double Crochet Stitch

If you’re ready to take your new knowledge of double crochet and apply it to your next project, check out this list below.

“Done in a Day” Crochet Baby Blanket

Image source: Dabbles And Babbles

Looking for your first crochet blanket project? This “done in a day” baby blanket is just the project for you. Customize this pattern with your preferred colors, and this chunky blanket will win over the hearts of any new arrival.

Once you’re confident in your double crochet stitch, these quick blankets would make a great product to sell. Keep your brand top-of-mind by adding a custom hang tag to all of your crochet products, and customers are sure to remember your shop.

• • Skill level: beginner
  • Stitches used: chain stitch, double crochet stitch

Crochet Washcloths

Image Source: Cream Of The Crop Crochet

These crochet washcloths make wonderful gifts and can be completed in just a few hours. Using only two very basic stitches, this project is an excellent way to master the double crochet stitch. Get the pattern here.

• • Skill level: beginner
  • Stitches used: single crochet, double crochet

Crochet Mermaid Blanket

Image source: Melodys-Makings

Snuggle up in magic with this whimsical crochet mermaid blanket project. Share with a beloved mermaid enthusiast in your life, or keep all the cozy, fairy-tale fun for yourself. 

This pattern is available in both adult and children’s sizes. Make sure that your one-of-a-kind mermaid tail blanket survives the wash by adding a custom care label.

• • Skill level: beginner-intermediate
  • Stitches used: chain, double crochet, front post double crochet, back post double crochet

Ear Warmers

Image source: Winding Road Crochet

When it comes to wearable double crochet projects, it doesn’t get simpler than these beginner-friendly ear warmers. This project is a great example of just how much can be created with crochet squares and rectangles. 

Ear warmers make great gifts for kids, but you run the risk of them being lost easily! Ensure that your beautiful, handmade ear warmers always find their way back to their owner by adding custom woven labels with their name and an image that reflects their personality.

• • Skill level: beginner
  • Stitches used: chain, double crochet, whip stitch