How to Double Crochet (dc): Step-by-Step Beginner Guide with Photos
The double crochet stitch (dc) is twice as tall as single crochet and creates soft, flexible drape for granny squares, scarves, and throws. Follow our step-by-step guide to perfect your yarnovers and turning chains.
Pattern Inspiration & Design Notes
Whether you are decorating your home for the autumn season or crafting gifts for friends, this pattern was designed from the ground up for relaxation and clean, crisp stitch definition.
One of the most common frustrations in crochet is vague sizing or running out of yarn right at the final row. That is why every stitch in this tutorial has been physically crocheted, swatch-tested, and audited with our designated 5.0 mm (US H/8) hook.
How to Double Crochet (dc): Step-by-Step Beginner Guide with Photos
Original Pattern by easycrochetdrop • crochetpatterndrop StudioMaterials Checklist(Click to check off supplies)
0 / 4 ReadyGauge & Tension Calibration
Standard Swatch: 13 sts x 7 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) using Double Crochet (dc) with your designated 5.0 mm (US H/8) hook.
Important Pattern Notes
- Stitch Abbreviation: 'dc' in US terminology equals Treble Crochet ('tr') in UK terminology.
- Initial Yarn Over: Unlike single crochet, you always yarn over BEFORE inserting your hook into the stitch.
- Turning Chain-3: At the beginning of a new row, chain 3. In most traditional patterns, this ch-3 DOES count as the first dc of the row.
- Skipping the First Stitch: When the ch-3 counts as a stitch, do not work into the first stitch at the base of the chain; start in the 2nd stitch.
- Working into the Turning Chain: At the end of the return row, your final dc must be placed into the top loop of the previous row's turning chain-3.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Yarn Over & Hook Insertion Technique
To start a practice swatch, chain 17 loosely with your 5.0mm hook.
Yarn over from back to front, resting the loop securely on your hook shank.
Insert your hook into the 4th chain from the hook (the 3 skipped chains represent your first double crochet stitch).
Yarn over and pull a loop through the chain. You should now have exactly 3 loops resting on your hook.
Step 2: Two-Stage Pull-Through Loop Completion
With 3 loops on your hook, yarn over and pull smoothly through the first 2 loops only. Exactly 2 loops remain on your hook.
Yarn over a second time and pull through the remaining 2 loops on your hook.
Your double crochet stitch is complete! You now have a tall, vertical post with a single loop left on your hook.
Repeat across the foundation chain: *yarn over, insert hook into next chain, pull up loop, [yo, pull through 2] twice* across to the end.
Step 3: Turning Chain-3 Math & Straight Edges
At the end of Row 1, count 15 total stitches (the starting ch-3 counts as stitch #1).
Chain 3 to establish height and turn your work horizontally.
Skip the very first stitch directly below the ch-3; yarn over and place your first dc of Row 2 into the 2nd stitch.
Work double crochets across until 1 stitch remains. Place your final dc into the very top (3rd chain) of the previous row's turning chain.
Tag @stitchandpetal on Instagram so we can share your finished make!
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common gauge, yarn weight, and technique inquiries
Uneven edges almost always occur from either working into the first stitch (causing an unwanted increase) or forgetting to stitch into the top of the turning chain-3 at the very end of the row (causing an unwanted decrease).
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