Left Handed Double Crochet: Learn How to Double Crochet

This may post contains affiliate links. You can learn more in our disclaimer.

One of the most basic crochet stitches that you can add to your collection is the double crochet. In fact, it is one of the most common stitches and is abbreviated as DC in crochet patterns. So when you are ready, learn how to left-handed double crochet step-by-step in this crochet tutorial.

What is the Double Crochet Stitch?

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

The double crochet is about twice as tall as the single crochet stitch. Another thing is that it results in a fairly solid fabric. On the other hand, it is not as stiff as the ones you get from using single crochet stitches. This tutorial will teach the Left-Handed Double Crochet.

This versatile stitch lends itself well to a variety of projects like sweaters, shawls, afghans, etc.

For this tutorial, note that the terms we will use in this tutorial are US crochet terms. For a tutorial using the UK version of this stitch, you can look it up here: UK Double Crochet (US Single Crochet).

Double Crochet in UK Patterns

There is a difference between the US and the UK versions of this stitch, as mentioned previously. As a matter of fact, the Double Crochet in US terms is the same as the Treble Crochet in UK terms.

Confused?

It is essential to know these differences because crochet patterns are written in either US or UK crochet terms. As such, we have just the article for you to help you keep track of the differences between the two. You can check it out right here: Crochet Terms: The Differences Between US vs UK Crochet Terms Explained.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Double Crochet

Before starting with your first row, you will have to make a slip knot as well as a foundation chain. If you want to have a guide on how to make them, check out these handy step-by-step tutorials here:

Working Row 1

Left-Handed Double Crochet Tutorial: A crochet hook with 14 chains made using orange yarn

1.	First, make a slip knot.
2.	For the purpose of illustrating it, chain 14.
3.	Bring the working yarn over the hook from back to front.
4.	Then, skip the first 3 chains from the hook.
5.	Insert the hook into the 4th chain from the hook. Ensuring that it is inserted through the V at the center of the stitch. Also, make sure that the hook is under the back bar of the chain.

Left-Handed Double Crochet Tutorial: A crochet hook with 14 chains and 3 loops on it made with orange yarn

1.	From back to front, bring the yarn over the hook.
2.	Draw the working yarn through the chain stitch and up on the working area of the crochet hook.
3.	Now, you should have 3 loops on the hook.

Left-Handed Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 14 chains and 3 loops with an arrow under the two

1.	Once more, bring the yarn over the hook from back to front.
2.	Draw the working yarn through the first two loops on the hook.

Left-Handed Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 14 chains and 2 loops

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

Left-Handed 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 again, from back to front.
2.	Pull the working yarn through the 2 remaining loops on the hook.

3.	You have now completed one double crochet.

Left-Handed Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 12 double crochet stitches made with orange yarn

1.	In each remaining chain, continue to work one double crochet.
2.	Once you have worked in each chain across, count the number of stitches.
3.	You now have 12 double crochet stitches.

Working Row 2

Left-Handed Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 12 double crochet stitches made with orange yarn turned over

1.	Keeping your crochet hook in the loop, turn your work counterclockwise. This will let you work back across the first row.

1.	Make a turning chain by chaining 3. This brings your working yarn to the right height for working the first stitch on row 2.

1.	Skip the first stitch in Row 1, since the three chains in the turning chain count as the first double crochet.
2.	Next, work your next stitch into the second stitch in Row 1.
3.	Start the crochet stitch by making a yarnover, bringing the yarn over the hook, back to front.
4.	Then, insert the hook under the top 2 loops of the second stitch in the row below.

Left-Handed Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 12 double crochet stitches on the first row and 2 double crochet stitches on the second

5.	Yarn over, then pull the working yarn through the two loops up into the working area of the hook.
6.	You now have 3 loops on the hook.
7.	Yarn over again, then pull the working yarn through the first 2 loops. Now, you should have 2 loops on your hook.
8.	Yarn over once more and draw the working yarn through the last 2 loops.
9.	You have just made a double crochet.

1.	In each remaining stitch across the previous row, repeat steps 3 through 9 in Step #3 until you get to the end of the row.

Left-Handed Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 12 double crochet stitches on the first row and 11 double crochet stitches on the second

2.	Take care to work the last double crochet into the three chains you skipped from Row 1. Do this by inserting the hook into the center of the V and back bar of the top chain of the starting chain’s third chain.
3.	Count your double crochet stitches. You should have 12 on the row.
4.	Finally, repeat Row 2 until you reach the desired length. Then, fasten off.

Fastening Off

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

When you reach your desired length, it’s time to fasten off.

1.	Cut the yarn after the last stitch. Leave a 6-inch (about 15.5 cm) tail.
2.	Draw the crochet hook straight up. Then pull the cut yarn tail completely through the loop on your hook.
3.	Close by pulling the yarn tail tight.
4.	Secure the yarn tail by threading it onto a yarn needle.
5.	Lastly, weave back and forth through the stitches until secure.