How to Double Crochet for Beginners (US)

Double Crochet stitch (DC) is another basic crochet stitch that you will encounter in many crochet patterns. It is a tall crochet stitch with visible gaps between the stitches. Double Crochet stitch is very versatile, it can be used in many crochet projects such as shawls, scarves and blankets.

In this Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial:

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How to Double Crochet for Beginners

Follow the written instructions below or scroll down to watch a video tutorial 🙂

Abbreviations (US terms):

Ch = chain

YO = yarn over

St = stitch

DC = double crochet

Materials

• Any medium worsted weight yarn – or whatever yarn you have on hand
• Crochet hook 5mm (H) – or match your hook size to the yarn you’re using (as stated on yarn label)
• Scissors, yarn needle

Double Crochet Stitch Short Instructions

Yarn over (YO) and insert your hook into the specified stitch. YO and pull the yarn through that stitch. You should have three loops on your hook now. YO and pull through two loops on hook. YO again and pull through the last two loops on your hook. That’s one double crochet stitch (DC).

How to Double Crochet Stitch (DC)- Detailed Photo Tutorial

1. Chain any amount of chains. For the purpose of learning and practising this stitch – chain 10. (If you are an absolute beginner, you can learn how to make a foundation chain and the first basic stitch Single Crochet in this post here)

2. Yarn over (YO) and insert your hook into the 3d chain from your hook. 

3. YO again and pull through the stitch. You will have 3 loops on your hook now.

4. YO again and pull through the first two loops on the hook. You’ll have two loops on the hook left.

5. YO and pull through the last two loops on your hook. 

This is one Double Crochet stitch (DC).

Continue working double crochets in every stitch until the end of the chain. You should have 8 double crochet stitches plus the turning chain, counts as one DC stitch. 

Chain two (Ch2) and turn.

Note: Don’t get confused if you see a pattern requiring you to chain 3 in the beginning of a row when working double crochet stitches. Chaining 3 in the beginning of a row will create a taller first stitch and therefore create a bigger gap between the first and second stitches.

I mostly chain 2 (when working double crochet stitches) if I work in straight rows, such as scarves, blankets, anything that is a rectangle or a square. There is no right or wrong, it will depend on the pattern you’re following. Feel free to experiment and see what works better for you! 🙂

The Ch2 counts as your first DC. Continue with DC from the next stitch until the end of the row. 

The last DC goes into the top loop of turning chain in the previous row.

You should have the same amount of double crochet stitches in every row. In this case, it’s 9 stitches in total in each row (8 double crochet stitches plus the turning chain, which counts as the first stitch).

Note: Always chain 2 in the beginning of a new row. This counts as the first stitch.

Fastening off

If you would like to make a sample of the double crochet stitch to keep for your reference, you’ll need to cut the yarn at some point. When you have made approx. 10 rows (or whatever size sample you’d like to make for yourself) after the last double crochet stitch, chain one and cut the yarn 6 inches away from hook. Now draw the hook straight up making a super big loop until the cut end of yarn comes out of the stitch. This will make a knot and secure your work from unravelling.

Weaving in ends

It’s not necessary for you to weave in ends on your sample but if you want to practise then this might be a good opportunity! 🙂

I like to use a yarn needle for this purpose, but it’s also possible with a crochet hook. In fact, I had used my crochet hook to weave in the ends for a long time as I didn’t even know about yarn needles! 😀 If you choose to use your hook, pick a smaller size as it’s easier to get into the stitches and it won’t leave big holes behind.

Luckily, I found out about the yarn needles (or tapestry needles) and I prefer using them instead of the crochet hook. They glide much easier and I find it takes less time you get a better result.

The purpose of weaving the ends into the fabric is to hide them and to secure the last stitch so it stays put. We don’t want our work to get undone, so weaving in the ends is important.

To weave in the ends, thread your yarn needle and insert it close to where you finished and go inside of the fabric without piercing all the way through to the other side. Try to stay inside the stitches so the yarn will stay hidden inside of stitches. You can even go through the fibres of the yarn. Go back and forth for approx. one inch (a couple of cm) in different directions a couple of times and then cut the rest of the yarn.

So in short, the goal is to hide the end of the yarn and to secure the knot of your finished project!

I hope you like this double crochet stitch tutorial and find it helpful! If you like to make something using this stitch, see below for some double crochet pattern and easy beginner friendly patterns. Enjoy! 🙂

Video Demonstration – How to Double Crochet for Beginners

https://youtu.be/mvfINhvYbrs

Double Crochet Stitch Uses

• Blankets / Baby blankets / Afghans / Throws
• Washcloths / Dishcloths
• Bags / Market bags / Tote bags
• Scarves / Cowls / Infinity Scarves
• Shawls / Wraps

Double Crochet Stitch Patterns

• Crochet Market Bag (main stitches: double crochet)
• Crochet Triangle Shawl – Aquamarine Joy (main stitches: double crochet)
• Crochet Waffle Stitch Washcloth (main stitches: modified double crochet)
• Double Waffle Crochet Baby Blanket (main stitches: modified double crochet)

Easy Free Patterns for Beginners

Here are some easy patterns where you can practise double crochet and single crochet stitches:

• Easy Crochet Dishcloth Pattern (main stitches: single crochet and double crochet)
• Crochet Moss Stitch Scarf (main stitches: single crochet)
• Crochet Men’s Scarf Cool Ombre (main stitches: single crochet)
• Crochet Tea Towel – Free Pattern (main stitches: single crochet)

More Easy Stitch Tutorials for Beginners

• How to Crochet – a Step by Step Guide
• How to Half Double Crochet
• Granny Stitch Crochet
• Crochet Lemon Peel Stitch – Quick Tutorial
• Moss Stitch Crochet Tutorial

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