How to Double Crochet (dc) - Easiest Way For Beginners

Double crochet stitch is one of the most versatile and commonly used crochet stitches. This stitch creates a crocheted fabric that is soft and resilient. If you know how to double crochet, you can create anything! It is twice the height of single crochet stitches, so it works up nice and quickly and gives a softer, more draping fabric than single crochet does. Continue reading to learn how to do a double crochet with this easy, step by step tutorial.

Double Crochet Tutorial

WHAT IS A DOUBLE CROCHET STITCH?

Double crochet is one of the basic stitches beginner crocheters should learn where the yarn is wrapped over from back to front and before putting the hook through the stitch. It produces a higher stitch than single crochet so makes up items faster. It also looks a little more lacey or open than single crochet.

Double Crochet Abbreviation

Double crochet (referred to as a dc crochet by some) is written as dc or DC on a pattern.

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Double Crochet US vs UK Versions

It is important to note that the UK and US terms for double crochet are different. If you are learning how to do a double crochet by following crochet patterns, it is always necessary to know what county the designer is in.

United States (US)	United Kingdom (UK)
single crochet (sc)	double crochet (dc)
double crochet (dc)	treble crochet (tr)

As you can see, what the US calls double crochet, the UK calls treble crochet (tr). Below is what the UK and US call double crochet. You can see the UK version is much denser with tighter stitches.

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Double Crochet Height

Double crochet is taller than single crochet and makes up must faster. It is also taller than half double crochet but shorter than a treble.

Symbol for Double Crochet

Many crochet patterns use symbols to represent the different stitches. Double crochet (referred to by some as a DC crochet) is displayed as an elongated T with a small diagonal cross across the middle of the bar.

What is the Double Crochet Turning Chain?

When you turn rows in crochet, you need to do a turning chain at the beginning of each row to bring the new row to the correct height. Double crochet requires 3 chains at the start of a new row. Thus 3 chains are equivalent to one double crochet. This will be abbreviated ch3. Occasionally a pattern may state to chain 2 instead and if you tend to crochet loosely, you may use 2.

How to Double Crochet - Supplies

Supplies required for learning how to double crochet. In order to learn how to do a double crochet you just need a hook and yarn.

• YARN - You can use any type of yarn. Try to choose one that doesn't split easily. Read more about types of yarn for crochet. I used a medium weight yarn.
• HOOKS - Use the recommended hook for your yarn thickness, which is usually printed on the yarn band which is wrapped around your skein. Read more about crochet hook sizes including conversion charts for different countries.
• BASICS - It is also useful to have a pair of scissors and a tape measure handy, once you start working on specific items.
• SUGGESTIONS - If you are using scraps to practice on, use a light weight yarn (Double Knit) and a G/6 to H/8 (4-5 mm) hook.

HOW TO DOUBLE CROCHET STEP BY STEP - US DOUBLE CROCHET TUTORIAL

If you have a crochet pattern from the US, this is the stitch they are referring to when you see dc in the instructions.

If you are new to learning to crochet, read my article on how to crochet for beginners to get an overview.

First Row:

Step 1 - Double Crochet Foundation Chain

• Start with a slip knot and make a chain (ch) of your desired length then do 3 extra stitches. For example, if you do 23 stitches - 20 of these stitches form your foundation chain, the other 3 are your turning stitches.

Tip: A double crochet stitch is the same height as 3 chain stitches.

Step 2 - Yarn Over

• Wrap your yarn over the hook from back to front. (Written as yo which means yarn over)

Step 3 - Insert Hook

• Insert the hook into the fourth chain (ch) from the hook. (This gives the turning 3 chains, and your first double crochet (dc crochet) will be into this fourth loop. When counting chains, don't count the chain on the hook.)

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Step 4 - Yarn Over and Pull Through 1

• Wrap the yarn over the hook again.
• Draw this loop through the chain stitch and up onto the hook. (3 loops on your hook.)

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Step 5 - Yarn Over & Pull Through 2

• Bring the yarn over from back to front again.
• Draw this loop through only the first 2 loops on the hook. (You will now have 2 stitches on the hook.)

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Step 6 - Yarn Over & Pull Through 2

• You will still have 2 loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn over again and draw it through the last two loops on your hook. (You will end up with one stitch.)

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Step 7 - Repeat for Rest of First Row

Well done! Your double crochet stitch is now complete. One loop remains on the hook.

• Now wrap the yarn over again, insert the hook into the next chain stitch, and repeat the instructions.
• Continue all the way along your row of chain stitches.

Second Row:

Step 8 - Turning Double Crochet

Each double crochet stitch looks like a little column. When you get to the end of your foundation row of chain stitches, turn your work around so that the back is now facing you, and you will be working from the right-hand side again. (For right-handers)

• Chain 3 stitches again. (Once again this is your turning stitch and will be counted as 1 dc.)

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Step 9: Continue Second Row

• Put the yarn over hook again, from back to front.
• Skip the first double crochet stitch below your turning chain and insert your hook into the second stitch.

IMPORTANT - You must insert the hook through the top TWO loops of this stitch.

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• Repeat the steps again to work double crochet stitches in each remaining stitch along the previous row.
• When you get to the end of the row, your last double crochet will be inserted into the top chain of the previous row.
• Chain 3 and turn around again.

TIP: Do not work a double crochet stitch into the first stitch of the row. Always skip that stitch, or you will find you have an extra stitch on each row. This will make the fabric that you are creating wider and wider as you go along. Keep counting and checking that you have the correct number of stitches.

Finishing Double Crochet

Once your fabric is the correct length, it is time to fasten off.

• Pull the end loop a little larger and remove the crochet hook.
• Cut the end of the yarn leaving enough to weave in later.
• Pass the end of the yarn through the loop.
• Pull tight.

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How to Double Crochet - Increasing and Decreasing

If you want to create items of clothing that need to be shaped, you will need to learn to increase and decrease stitches.

To Increase Double Crochet

Simply crochet 2 dc into one stitch in the row below. Your crochet pattern should specify where to do this. In the photo below I have increased in the middle of the row.

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To Decrease Double Crochet

There are two methods commonly used to double crochet decrease and your pattern would normally specify which is best for your item. You may see in the pattern the abbreviations dc dec, sk st, or even dc2tog.

Decreasing by Skipping

The first, simplest method is to skip a stitch, which, in effect turns your two stitches into only one in the next row. The disadvantage of this quick method is that sometimes a gap will be created where you have skipped the stitch. While you can see the gap in the close-up photos below, I find that this is not really noticeable when you are making larger items.

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Decreasing by Double Crochet 2 Together

Double crochet two together is usually abbreviated by dc2tog. This second method is slightly more complex, but gives you a smoother, more even finish.

1. Start your dc stitch as normal - Yarn over, insert hook, pull through a loop (3 loops on hook).
2. Yarn over, pull through first 2 loops (2 loops on hook).
3. Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, pull through (4 loops on hook).
4. Yarn over, pull through first 2 loops (3 loops on hook).
5. Yarn over, pull through 3 loops (1 loop on hook).
6. Continue as normal for rest of row.

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This may look awfully intimidating broken down into steps like this, but as long as you can do double crochet and chain, you can do this easily!

How to Change Yarn Color for Double Crochet

There are several ways to change yarn color for crochet but here is the easiest way:

• Crochet as normal to the end of the row until you have one loop left.
• Pull through a loop of the new color.
• Crochet as normal for the new row.

Once this tightens up you will have a secure color change.

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Double Crochet Border

Double crochet can be used as a stable border to your projects. Use a contrasting yarn color for an eye-popping effect. Using double crochet as a border hides any uneven edges or missed stitches.

How to Double Crochet in the Round

Double crochet in the round can be used to make beanies, coasters, and even baskets. It can be crocheted as rounds that are slip stitched together at the end, or a spiral. I have a full tutorial on crochet circles.

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Troubleshooting Double Crochet

• Uneven Edges - If you have uneven edges you may be crocheting too loosely. Try using 2 chains as the turning chain.
• Large Gaps in Granny Squares - For gaps that are too large when making granny squares, eliminate the chain between clusters and reduce the corners to 2 chains. This will give a tighter appearance.

HOW TO DOUBLE CROCHET - UK DOUBLE CROCHET TUTORIAL

As previously stated, double crochet in the UK is the equivalent of the US's single crochet!

1. Chain stitch your desired length plus 2 stitches.
2. Insert the hook into the second chain.
3. Yarn over the hook. Pull the yarn back through the chain stitch. (You now have 2 stitches.)
4. Yarn over the hook. Pull the yarn back through the 2 stitches. (You now have one stitch.)
5. Repeat.

Variations of Double Crochet

Once you have mastered the double crochet stitch, you can easily move on to the V stitch, which just uses double crochet and chain stitch in combination, and gives you a lacier effect.

All crochet stitches (except chains) require you to insert the hook into the existing stitches of the previous row. If inserting directly into a stitch, usually you will insert the hook into the top two loops as discussed above.

However, when a stitch or group of stitches is positioned over a chain or multiple chains, the hook is often inserted into the gap made by the chain. If following a pattern read the instructions carefully, because it will make a difference to the appearance of the design whether you insert the hook into the space, or into the actual chain stitch.

Half Double Crochet Stitch

Half double crochet stitch or HDC is a versatile stitch that is halfway in height between single and double crochet. Read the linked article for the full explanation and photos but here is a breakdown.

• Chain your desired length plus two for turning.
• Yarn over.
• Insert the hook into the chain 3 from the hook.
• Yarn over and pull though (3 loops on hook)
• Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops (1 loop on hook)

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Ganny Squares with Double Crochet Stitch

One of the most popular uses of the double stitch is to make granny squares. These squares can be made small and joined together in a blanket or crocheted as one large square. If you know how to crochet double stitch and chain stitch then you are all set to make squares!

How to Do Double Crochet V-Stitch

When making the V stitch as discussed below, your double crochet stitches must go into the gap created by the chain stitch. The crochet V-stitch uses the US version of the double crochet. This stitch is superb for creating larger, lacy items like shawls or blankets.

Step 1 - Chain Stitch

• Crochet a foundation chain that is a multiple of 3 +7 stitches.

Step 2 - The First V Stitch Cluster

• Double crochet (dc) in 4^th chain stitch (ch) from the hook. Chain 1
• Miss one chain of your foundation row.
• In the next chain, work 1 double crochet, chain 1, and again double crochet 1. All into the same chain stitch. It will make a v shape.

Step 3 - The Next V Stitches

• Skip 2 chain stitches. Repeat across your row of chain stitches, until there are 4 chains left.

Step 4 - The End of the Row

• Chain 1. Skip 2 foundation chains
• Dc in each of the last 2 stitches. (In this way, you will have 2 ordinary dc stitches on each end of each row, which gives a nice firm edging.)

Step 5 - Turning to New Rows

• Turn your work and chain 3 for your new row.
• Double crochet into the next double crochet stitch. Chain 1
• Now work your next V stitch into the 1 chain space of your previous row of V stitches. So it will be dc, ch, dc into each ch space along the row.
• Continue along the row of V stitches, working the steps all the way along, until the end, where you will work a double crochet in each of the last 2 stitches. The bottom of the second row of V’s fits into the top of the previous row.

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How to Double Crochet - In Conclusion

Now you know how to double crochet. In conclusion, I simply can’t resist telling you about all the health benefits of crochet! Many studies have been made connecting crochet and knitting with numerous health benefits. The most obvious is that they improve your fine motor skills and dexterity. As well as this, they have been shown to relieve stress and to help relieve depression. They encourage creativity and build self-esteem. They have even been shown to reduce or delay dementia symptoms.

So get out there with your yarn and your hook and experiment to see what you can create. You will have such a feeling of accomplishment when you have created something, however small. And you will build on your skills to make more and more interesting designs! Double crochet is your stepping stone to a huge number of other crochet stitches, which will be discussed in due course!

More Common Crochet Stitches

• Single Crochet
• Half Double Crochet
• Half Treble Crochet
• Treble Crochet