How to Double Crochet for Beginners (Easy DC Stitch Tutorial)

Double crochet stitch is one of the most versatile and commonly used basic crochet stitches. This stitch creates a crocheted fabric that is soft and resilient. Often abbreviated as dc, this basic stitch is taller than single crochet and half double crochet, making it ideal for blankets, scarves, granny squares, garments, and many everyday crochet projects. Once you learn how to double crochet, you can create countless crochet patterns and textured stitch combinations. This tutorial will show you how to double crochet step by step for beginners.

What is a Double Crochet Stitch?

Double crochet or dc 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. Learn more beginner crochet techniques in the complete crochet stitch guide for beginners.

How to Double Crochet (Step by Step)

1. Make the Double Crochet Foundation Chain

• Start with a crochet 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.

❤️BEGINNER TIP: A double crochet stitch is the same height as 3 chain stitches.

2. Work the First Double Crochet Stitch

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

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

• 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.)

• 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.)

3. Continue Across the 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 for the first double crochet row.

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

4. Turn the Work (Second Row)

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.)

5. Continue the 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.

• 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.

BEGINNER 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.

6. Finish the Double Crochet Fabric

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.

BEGINNER TIP: Count stitches at the end of every row.

Double Crochet Basics

Before you begin learning the double crochet stitch, it helps to understand a few important crochet terms and techniques. These basics will make it easier to follow patterns, count stitches correctly, and create smooth even rows.

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)

Double Crochet Techniques

How To Increase Double Crochet

If you want to create items of clothing that need to be shaped, you will need to learn to increase and decrease crochet stitches. Simply crochet 2 dc into one stitch in the row below. Your crochet pattern should specify where to do this. You can increas the crochet in the middle or end of the row.

How 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.

1. Skip Decrease: 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.
2. 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.

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.

Troubleshooting Double Crochet Patterns

• 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.

Variations of Double Crochet

• V stitch just uses double crochet and chain stitch in combination, and gives you a lacier effect.
• Half double crochet stitch or HDC is a versatile stitch that is halfway in height between single and double crochet.
• Cluster Stitch
• Front Post Double Crochet
• Back Post Double Crochet

Double Crochet Stitch Projects

Learning how to double crochet will greatly expand the number of possible projects you can try. There are endless projects and free crochet patterns that you can crochet with a double crochet stitch. This basic stitch is one of the most used of all the stitches. These projects can all be made with simple squares or rectangles of double crochet fabric. (Or V stitch!)

• How to Make Round Crochet Coasters
• Double Crochet Scarf
• Granny Squares
• How to Crochet Blankets and Afghans
• Baby Hats
• Sweaters

Double Crochet vs Single Crochet

Here is a comparison of double crochet and single crochet:

Double Crochet	Single Crochet
Taller stitch	Shorter stitch
Softer drape	Denser fabric
Faster project growth	Slower project growth
More open texture	Tighter texture
Better for blankets and garments	Better for amigurumi and firm fabric

Double Crochet FAQs

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How to Double Crochet – In Conclusion

The double crochet stitch is one of the most useful beginner crochet stitches because it creates soft flexible fabric while working up quickly and easily. Once you understand the yarn over movement and basic stitch structure, double crochet becomes rhythmic and relaxing to crochet. Because double crochet is used in so many crochet projects and stitch combinations, mastering this stitch opens the door to blankets, garments, granny squares, textured stitches, and many advanced crochet techniques.