How to Do a Double Crochet: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Are you ready to expand your crochet skills? After mastering the single and half double crochet stitches, the next step is learning the double crochet. This versatile stitch is great for adding height and texture to your projects. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to do a double crochet step by step. Let’s get started!
The double crochet (abbreviated as dc) is a stitch that is taller than both the single and half double crochet stitches. It creates a looser fabric with more drape, making it ideal for blankets, sweaters, and shawls.
Double crochet is the foremost stitch I use in the Diamond Cat Sweater pattern because with more space in the stitches, the fabric is breathable and comfortable for my kitty.
To get started with double crochet, you’ll need the following:
Begin by creating a slip knot and placing it onto your crochet hook. Tighten it just enough so it slides easily along the hook.
Next, make a foundation chain by yarn over (yo) and pulling through the loop on the hook. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of chain stitches. For this demonstration, I have made 12 chain stitches. You will want to add 2 to the number of stitches you’d like your final piece to be across.
Yarn over, then insert your hook into the third chain from the hook.
Yarn over and pull the yarn through the chain stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook.
Yarn over again and pull through the first two loops on your hook. You should now have two loops remaining.
Yarn over once more and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook. Congratulations! You’ve just made your first double crochet stitch.
Repeat steps 3-6 across the entire row. When you reach the end of the row, you can chain three and turn your work to begin a new row of double crochet stitches. Alternatively, if you’d like straighter edges and feel ready to learn another technique, you can try the stacked single crochet (stsc) instead of chaining three!
Here is how the double crochet stitch looks after 5 rows:
Mastering the double crochet stitch adds variety and versatility to your crochet projects. Once you’re comfortable with this stitch, you can move on to more advanced techniques like treble crochet, shell stitches, and lace patterns.
Now that you know how to do a double crochet, you’re ready to enhance your crochet projects with a new stitch! Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be creating beautiful handmade items with ease. Happy crocheting!
Looking for more crochet tips and tutorials? Follow the quick links below for other beginner stitches or head straight to the full techniques page of my website!
How to Do a Half Double Crochet
Patterns that utilize the double crochet stitch
Diamond Cat Sweater Crochet Pattern
Granny Square Curtain Ties Crochet Pattern
