Double Crochet: Learn How to Double Crochet

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The double crochet is one of the most common crochet stitches and is a basic crochet stitch. In fact, you will usually see it abbreviated as DC in crochet pattern. So, in this crochet tutorial, you will learn how to do this basic crochet stitch, step-by-step.

What is the Double Crochet Stitch?

A row of double crochet stitches made using orange yarn to a text area which says "Tutorial: Learn How to Double Crochet, thecrochetfox.com" next to a row of double crochet stitches with a chain made using orange yarn

A double crochet stitch is approximately twice as tall as a single crochet. The resulting fabric is fairly solid but not as stiff as the fabric created by using just single crochet stitches. It is a great, versatile stitch that can be used in a number of ways, e.g., for sweaters, shawls, afghans, etc.

Just to be clear, this tutorial is using US crochet terms only. However, if you are looking for a tutorial for the UK version of this stitch, you will find it here: UK Double Crochet (US Single Crochet)

Double Crochet in UK Patterns

As mentioned previously, there is a difference between the US version and UK version of this crochet stitch. In fact, the US Double Crochet is the same as a UK Treble Crochet.

Confused?

Unfortunately, you will find that crochet patterns are written in either US crochet terms or UK crochet terms. As it is important that you know the difference between these, we have an article that clearly explains the differences between them. You can find this article here: Crochet Terms: The Differences Between US vs UK Crochet Terms Explained.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Double Crochet

Before you can start working your first row, you need to make a slip knot and a foundation chain. If you are not familiar with how to make these, you can find our step-by-step tutorials here:

Working Row 1

How to Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 14 chains made using orange yarn

1.	Start by making a slip knot.
2.	Chain 14 (that is just what has been used for this example).
3.	From back to front, bring the working yarn over the hook.
4.	Skip the first 3 chains from the crochet hook.
5.	Insert your hook into the 4th chain from the hook. Make sure to insert the hook through the center of the stitch (the V). The hook should be under the back bar of the chain.

How to Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 14 chains and 3 loops on it made with orange yarn

1.	Bring the yarn over the crochet hook from back to front.
2.	Pull the working yarn through the chain stitch and up onto the working area of the hook.
3.	You should now have 3 loops on the crochet hook.

How to Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 14 chains and 3 loops with an arrow under the two

1.	From back to front, bring the yarn over the hook again.
2.	Pull the working yarn through the first two loops on the hook.

How to Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 14 chains and 2 loops

3.	You should now have 2 loops on the hook.

How to Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 14 chains and 2 loops and the yarn en brought over the loop

1.	Bring the yarn over the hook, from back to front, one more time.
2.	Pull the working yarn through the 2 loops remaining on the hook.

3.	You have now completed one double crochet.

How to Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 12 double crochet stitches made with orange yarn

1.	Continue to work one double crochet in each remaining chain.
2.	After working in each chain across, count the number of stitches.
3.	You should now have 12 double crochet stitches. That includes counting the first three chain stitches you skipped at the beginning of the row as a double crochet.

Working Row 2

How to Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 12 double crochet stitches made with orange yarn turned over

1.	Keep your crochet hook in the loop and turn your work counterclockwise – this will allow you to work back across the first row.

1.	Chain 3 to make a turning chain. This will bring your working yarn to the correct height for working the first stitch on row 2.

1.	As the three chains in the turning chain counts as the first double crochet of the new row, skip the first stitch in Row 1.
2.	Work your next stitch into the second stitch in Row 1.
3.	Start making the crochet stitch by making a yarnover (bringing the yarn over the hook from back to front).
4.	Insert the hook under the top 2 loops of the second stitch in the row below.

How to Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 12 double crochet stitches on the first row and 2 double crochet stitches on the second

5.	Make a yarnover and pull the working yarn through the two loops and up into the working area of the hook.
6.	You should now have 3 loops on the crochet hook.
7.	Make a yarnover and pull the working yarn through the first two loops. You should now have 2 loops on your crochet hook.
8.	Make another yarnover and pull the working yarn through the two remaining loops.
9.	You now have made a double crochet.

1.	Repeat 3 to 9 in Step #3 in each remaining stitch across the previous row until you get to the end of the row.

How to Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 12 double crochet stitches on the first row and 11 double crochet stitches on the second

2.	Make sure to work the last double crochet into the top of the three skipped chains from Row 1. You do this by inserting the crochet hook into the center of the V (and back bar) of the top chain of the third chain of the beginning chain.
3.	Count your double crochet stitches – you should have 12 of them on the row.
4.	Continue repeating Row 2 until you have the desired height and fasten off.

Fastening Off

When you have achieved the desired height, you need to fasten off.

1.	After the last stitch, cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch (approx. 15.5 cm) tail.
2.	Draw your crochet hook straight up, pulling the cut yarn tail completely through the loop on the hook.
3.	To close, pull the yarn tail tight.
4.	To secure the yarn tail, thread it onto a yarn needle.
5.	Weave back and forth through the stitches until it is secure.