How to Double Crochet: Step-by-Step Tutorial with Photos
Double Crochet at a Glance
- Topic: double crochet
- Skill level: beginner
- Main goal: help the reader learn the double crochet stitch with clear step-by-step instructions
- Related topics: single crochet, half double crochet, treble crochet, granny squares
Quick Answer
The double crochet stitch (abbreviated DC) is one of the most popular and versatile crochet stitches. It is taller than the single crochet, which means your projects grow much faster with each row. It is the go-to stitch for blankets, scarves, shawls, and garments.
Tip: Remember that the chain 3 at the beginning of each row counts as your first stitch — this is the most common mistake beginners make.
At a Glance
- Skill level: beginner (knows chain and single crochet)
- Time needed: 15-20 minutes to learn the stitch
- Best yarn: worsted weight (category 4) in a light solid color
- Hook size: 5.0 mm (H-8) or 5.5 mm (I-9)
Common Mistakes to Quick Fixes
- Edges are wavy: you may be skipping the last stitch of each row — always work into the top of the chain-3 turning chain
- Stitches look uneven: focus on keeping consistent yarn tension throughout each stitch
- Too many or too few stitches: count your stitches at the end of every row, including the chain-3
Mini Glossary
DC (double crochet), CH (chain), YO (yarn over), SC (single crochet), HDC (half double crochet), SL ST (slip stitch), FO (fasten off)
The DC stitch is the one that makes most crocheters fall in love with the craft. It is tall enough that projects grow quickly, versatile enough to work for everything from blankets to garments, and it creates a beautiful drape that makes even simple patterns look polished. If you have already learned single crochet, double crochet is the natural next step.
What Is the Double Crochet Stitch?
The double crochet stitch, abbreviated as DC, is one of the most popular and versatile crochet stitches, used in everything from granny squares to lace patterns. It is taller than both the single crochet and the half double crochet, which means your projects grow much faster with each row. This makes double crochet the go-to stitch for blankets, scarves, shawls, cowls, and garments where you want a drapey, open fabric.
The double crochet stitch creates a fabric with a nice drape and a slightly open texture. It works up quickly because each stitch adds more height than shorter stitches. For beginners, this stitch is usually the second or third one learned after the chain and single crochet. Once you master it, you will find it in countless patterns across every category of crochet.
In US terminology, this stitch is called “double crochet.” In UK terminology, it is called “treble crochet.” Always verify which terminology your pattern uses before you start, as the two systems use different names for the same stitches.
What You’ll Need
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) yarn in a light, solid color. This weight is perfect for practicing because it is thick enough to see your stitches clearly but not so bulky that it is hard to work with.
- Crochet hook: A 5.0 mm (H-8) or 5.5 mm (I-9) hook works well with worsted weight yarn. Check your yarn label for the recommended hook size.
- Scissors: Any pair of scissors for cutting your yarn when you finish.
- Tapestry needle: A blunt needle with a large eye for weaving in loose ends at the end of your project.
- For standardized yarn weight and hook size information, see the Craft Yarn Council yarn weight standards.
How to Double Crochet: Step-by-Step
The DC has one extra step compared to the single crochet: you yarn over BEFORE inserting your hook. This is what gives the stitch its extra height. Follow these eight steps carefully.
Step 1 — Yarn over. Wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front before you do anything else. This is the key difference from single crochet — in DC, the yarn over comes first.
Step 2 — Insert your hook. Insert your hook into the fourth chain from your hook. The “fourth chain” means you skip the first three chain stitches (these three chains count as your turning chain and the first DC of the row) and insert into the fourth one. Go under the top two loops of the chain stitch.
Step 3 — Yarn over. Wrap the yarn over your hook again, just like in step 1.
Step 4 — Pull through. Pull the yarn through the chain stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook. This is different from single crochet, where you only had two loops at this point.
Step 5 — Yarn over. Wrap the yarn over your hook once more.
Step 6 — Pull through two loops. Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook (the two closest to the hook tip). You should now have two loops remaining on your hook.
Step 7 — Yarn over one last time. Wrap the yarn over your hook again.
Step 8 — Pull through the remaining two loops. Pull the yarn through the last two loops on your hook. You should now have only one loop remaining. That completes one double crochet stitch.
To continue: Repeat steps 1 through 8 in each chain stitch across your foundation chain. At the end of the row, chain 3 (this counts as your first DC of the next row) and turn your work.
Important note about the turning chain: In double crochet, the chain 3 at the beginning of each row counts as your first stitch. This means when you work the next row, you need to place your first actual DC into the second stitch, not the first — because the chain 3 IS the first stitch. Skipping this rule is the most common mistake beginners make with the DC stitch.
Double Crochet Tips for Beginners
- Count your stitches after every row. The turning chain 3 counts as a stitch, so include it in your count. If your foundation row has 20 chains, you should have 20 stitches at the end of every row (including the chain-3).
- Watch for gaps at row ends. If your edges are wavy or have visible gaps, you may be placing your last stitch in the wrong place. At the end of each row, make sure you work a DC into the top of the chain-3 from the previous row.
- Keep your loops even. The double crochet has more loops to manage than single crochet. Try to keep your yarn tension consistent so all three loops on your hook are the same size.
- Use a larger hook for drape. If your double crochet fabric feels too stiff, try going up one hook size. A larger hook creates a looser, more flowing fabric that is ideal for scarves and shawls.
- Practice the rhythm. Double crochet follows a “YO, insert, YO, pull through, YO, pull through 2, YO, pull through 2” rhythm. Once you memorize this sequence, you will work much faster.
Free Double Crochet Practice Pattern
This scarf pattern is one of the best projects for practicing double crochet — it is straightforward, practical, and a great confidence builder double crochet while creating something you can actually wear. It is perfect for your first DC project.
Beginner Double Crochet Scarf
Finished size: Approximately 5″ x 60″ (13 cm x 152 cm)
Yarn: 400 yards of worsted weight yarn (any color)
Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9)
Gauge: 13 DC = 4″ (10 cm)
Abbreviations: CH = chain, DC = double crochet
Instructions:
Chain 19.
Row 1: DC in the 4th chain from hook and in each chain across. Turn. (17 DC — the first 3 chains count as 1 DC)
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Row 2: Chain 3 (counts as first DC). DC in the next stitch and in each stitch across, working the last DC into the top of the chain-3 from the previous row. Turn. (17 DC)
Rows 3–120: Repeat Row 2.
Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in both ends with your tapestry needle.
For a wider scarf, chain more stitches (always in multiples of 2, plus 3). For a shorter scarf, work fewer rows. You can also add fringe to both ends by cutting 8-inch yarn pieces, folding them in half, and pulling the loop throu
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p>gh the end stitches with your hook.
Looking for more projects? Visit our free crochet patterns collection for dozens of beginner-friendly designs using the DC stitch and other stitches.
Double Crochet FAQs
What does DC mean in crochet?
DC stands for “double crochet.” It is one of the core crochet stitches and is taller than single crochet (SC) and half double crochet (HDC). In UK terminology, this same stitch is called “treble crochet” (TR). Always check which terminology system your pattern uses.
Why does my double crochet look loose and uneven?
This is very common for beginners. The double crochet has more steps and more loops on the hook, which makes it easier to create inconsistent stitch sizes. Focus on keeping your yarn tension even throughout each stitch. Try holding the yarn a little tighter around your non-hook hand. Also make sure you are completing every step — especially the “pull through two loops” step, where beginners sometimes rush and pull through all three loops at once.
Does the chain 3 count as a stitch in double crochet?
Yes, in standard double crochet, the chain 3 at the beginning of each row counts as your first double crochet stitch. This means you should skip the first stitch of the row and place your first actual DC into the second stitch. At the end of the row, work your last DC into the top of the chain-3 turning chain from the previous row. Some patterns may handle this differently, so always read the pattern instructions carefully.
What is double crochet good for?
Double crochet is one of the most versatile stitches. It is used for blankets (especially granny squares and filet crochet), scarves, shawls, cowls, sweaters, cardigans, bags, and home decor items. Its taller height means projects work up quickly, making it a favorite for larger pieces. Combined with chain spaces, double crochet creates beautiful lace patterns. It is also the stitch used in the classic granny square pattern.
Continue your stitch journey with our single crochet guide for a tighter, denser stitch, or check out the half double crochet for a stitch that falls between SC and DC in height.
