Double Crochet 3 Together (dc3tog Tutorial)
Double crochet 3 together (dc3tog) is a way of decreasing crochet work in order to shape your fabric. It creates a cluster of stitches joined at the top, which decreases your row by two stitches every time you work it. If you are already familiar with the double crochet two together, this is very similar. This beginner tutorial will show you exactly how to dc3tog step-by-step, including how to work incomplete stitches and pull the loops together correctly.
Double Crochet Three Together (dc3tog) (Quick Guide)
Here is how to double crochet 3 together. Keep reading for the step-by-step instructions, including photos.
- Yarn over, insert into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. (3 loops)
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops. (2 loops)
- Repeat across the next 2 stitches
- Keep all loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through all remaining loops together.
What Is DC3tog in Crochet?
DC3tog stands for “double crochet three together.” It is a crochet decrease made by partially completing three double crochet stitches and joining them together at the top.
Crocheters use dc3tog to:
- Decrease stitch counts
- Shape garments and accessories
- Create textured cluster stitches
- Make decorative lace and shell patterns
How to DC3Tog Crochet Stitch (Step By Step)
You will essentially be working 3 incomplete double crochet stitches, then completing them all at once, thus combining them into one.
Abbreviations
I will be using US crochet terms in every part of this tutorial. The abbreviation for double crochet three together is DC3tog. The other abbreviations you will need to follow in this tutorial are:
- yo = yarn over
- dc = double crochet stitch
- st (s) = stitch (es)
- ch = chain stitch crochet
While learning and practicing DC3 tog, you can use any yarn with a crochet hook suitable for that type of yarn. It is a good idea to use smooth yarn so that you can see how the double crochet stitches group together neatly.
1. First Incomplete Dc
If not decreasing at the beginning of a row, work dc up to the point where you want to decrease.
Start as though you are working an ordinary double crochet.
- Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch.
- Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops. (Stop here when there are 2 loops on the hook.)
2. Second Incomplete Dc
Repeat the steps above into the next stitch along.
- YO, insert hook into next stitch
- YO, pull up loop (4 loops on hook)
- YO, pull through 2 loops. (You will have 3 loops left on the hook)
3. Third Incomplete Dc
Repeat the steps one more time, into the third stitch along.
- YO, insert the hook into the next stitch.
- YO, pull up loop (5 loops on hook)
- YO, pull through 2 loops. (You will have 4 loops on your hook)
4. Pull Through
- Now yarn over and pull through all 4 loops to complete the stitch.
- You will only have one stitch on your hook and are ready to continue with the next stitch.
5. Repeat For More DC3TOG Stitches
The instructions given above are, in fact, showing how to work this decrease on top of another row. You will just need to repeat all the steps given above for every 3 double crochet together you wish to make.
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Dc3tog Crochet in a Starting Chain
You will still follow the steps above, but instead of inserting your hook into the double crochet stitches, you will insert the hook into the next chain stitch, and the 2nd chain stitch following that, then the 3rd chain stitch following that.
DC3tog Crochet Notes
- Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Technique Type: Crochet decrease stitch and cluster stitch
- Best For: Garments, blankets, lace patterns, textured crochet
- Worked In: Rows and rounds
- Reversible: Usually yes
- Texture: Soft triangular cluster texture
- Special Technique: Three partially completed double crochet stitches joined together
DC3tog is commonly used for shaping and decorative crochet texture. Although it creates a decrease, it can also be used as a design feature in lace, shell, and cluster stitch patterns.
What does dc3tog mean?
Usually, to crochet a decrease when working in double crochet, a dc2tog is used. This forms a small cluster of 2 stitches and decreases one stitch at a time. When a larger decrease is required, your pattern will read dc3tog crochet stitch. This means you will be condensing 3 stitches into 1, thus decreasing 2 stitches at a time. A dc3tog does form a larger, more noticeable cluster, so it can also be used as a textural detail.
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Using DC3tog as a Decorative Stitch
Although dc3tog is commonly used for decreasing, it can also create decorative textured crochet fabric. When spaced with chain stitches, dc3tog forms triangular cluster shapes often used in lace, shell, and geometric crochet patterns.
Dc3tog vs Shell Stitch?
When used as a decrease for shaping, the dc3tog will usually be on the 1st and/or the last stitch of your rows. When worked as a design element, it could be anywhere in your row, any number of times. When worked for its appearance, it is sometimes called a cluster stitch or an inverted shell stitch.
More Double Crochet
DC3tog vs DC2tog
Although dc2tog and dc3tog are both crochet decreases, dc3tog joins three stitches together instead of two, creating a larger decrease and more noticeable cluster texture.
| DC2tog | DC3tog |
|---|---|
| Joins 2 stitches together | Joins 3 stitches together |
| Decreases 1 stitch | Decreases 2 stitches |
| Smaller cluster | Larger cluster |
| Common for shaping | Common for shaping and texture |
Double Crochet 3 Together FAQs
It is exactly the same because you are grouping 3 stitches into 1, which ‘clusters’ them together.
Yes, you can work the cluster of 3 stitches together with single crochet, half double crochet, treble crochet, or any of the taller stitches. Any stitch which creates a ‘post’ (the tall, upright part of the stitch) can be used. Whichever stitch you want to use, work the first part of the stitch, just until the very last step, then work the same incomplete stitch into the next stitch along, and finally into the 3rd stitch along, then group them all together with that final pull through.
Yes. Dc3tog combines three double crochet stitches into one stitch, decreasing the row by two stitches.
Bulky decreases are usually caused by loose tension or uneven loops before the final pull-through.
DC3tog Crochet – In Conclusion
The dc3tog crochet stitch is a useful decrease technique that combines three double crochet stitches into one. It is commonly used for shaping garments, accessories, lace patterns, and textured crochet designs. When your crochet pattern reads dc3tog, you now know exactly what to do: it means double crochet three together!
Double Crochet 3 Together
Difficulty
Tools
- Crochet Hook
Materials
- Yarn
Instructions
- Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, Yarn over, pull up a loop. (3 loops on hook)
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops. (2 loops on hook)
- Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch. Yarn over, pull up loop (4 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through 2 loops. (3 loops left on hook).
- Yarn over, inert hook into the next stitch along. Yarn over, pull up loop (5 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through 2 loops. (4 loops on your hook).
- Yarn over, pull through all 4 loops. (1 loop on hook).
Author - Luisa Clare
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
