Learn How To Double Crochet For Beginners A Tutorial
Learn how to crochet the double crochet stitch. Your crochet pattern may abbreviate this stitch as “dc.”
This tutorial will show you how to crochet the dc, or double crochet stitch. The step-by-step tutorial includes photos on how to make one of the taller basic stitches, the dc stitch.
Beginner crocheters may want more in depth tutorials for some of the steps in this stitch. So if you feel you need more info on step just refer back to the those stitch tutorials.
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Yarn
The yarn I’m using in this tutorial is Color Made Easy from Lion Brand. This beautiful pink color is named Millenial. This is a chunky yarn, a #5 bulky weight yarn.
You can use any weight yarn and hook to learn this stitch. If you’re following a pattern then likely you already have a yarn and hook specified.
Stitch
The double crochet is one of the basic crochet stitches. It’s one of the taller stitches. This means it works up faster than the half double crochet and single crochet stitches.
The double crochet stitch lends lovely drape to your crochet projects. It’s a beautiful and classic crochet stitch. One of the most common crochet stitches used in granny squares, baby blankets, garments and more.
Our Favorite
Crochet Patterns In Double Crochet
Materials
- any weight yarn; pictured is Lion Brand’s Color Made Easy* in Millenial pink.
- compatible hook with your yarn; pictured here is Furl’s Odyssey 6.5mm (K) in Turquoise*.
Notes
- For this tutorial we’ll start each new double crochet row with a chain 3. This chain 3 will count as the first double crochet in the beginning of a row. This also means you will work into the top of this chain 3, as if it were a stitch because it counts as one.
Stitches/Abbreviations (US Terms)
ch – Chain here’s a tutorial on how to crochet a chain.
dc – double crochet
rep – repeat
Slip Knot – patterns will assume you know this, click the link for a tutorial.
st – stitch
Gauge
Gauge is a measure of how many stitches per inch/cm and how many rows per inch/cm. This is usually measured over a 4″/10cm square.
Checking gauge is not necessary to learn this stitch. It’s important to check gauge when working patterns, especially for fitted items.
Level
Beginner
Construction
The double crochet stitch is worked in rows. You’ll turn your work at the end of each row. Then your crochet back across that row, placing the new stitches in the top of the previous row’s stitches.
Adjustment
To start a row with a different number of double crochet stitches than shown here, use any number of chains for the foundation chain, plus 2.
Make note that for these instructions the first 2 chains will be skipped. Those skipped chains will not count as a stitch. They are considered the turning chain.
So if you want 12 double crochet stitches, then make two more chain stitches, so chain 14. If you want 19 stitches, then chain 21.
3 beginner dishcloths
Plus 2 Gift Tags!
Three crochet patterns for simple dishcloths using the basic stitches. These totally beginner friendly crochet dishcloths patterns are easy to make. The pattern includes 3 dishcloths patterns complete with photo tutorials and video tutorial links. Plus 2 printables: circle gift tags and a label wrapper that’s perfect for gifting or displaying at craft fairs.
Scroll down for how to crochet the double crochet stitch tutorial.
How to Double Crochet
Learn how to crochet the double crochet stitch in this step by step tutorial with pictures and video tutorial.
Materials
- any weight yarn, I'm using a #5 bulky weight yarn Lion Brand's Color Made Easy in Millenial
Tools
- crochet hook that's compatible with your yarn, I'm using a 6.5mm Furls Odyssey ergonomic crochet hook in turquoise
Instructions
- Start with a slip knot on your hook.
- Chain 17. Or 2 more than your desired number of stitches.
- Yarn over and insert hook into 3rd chain from your hook, marked by orange yarn needle.
- Row 1. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through last 2 remaining loops on your hook.First double crochet stitch completed.
- Yarn over and insert hook into next chain.
- Repeat Steps 4-7 until you've double crocheted in each chain across the row. Your first row is done.
- Row 2. Turn your work, now you're ready to start the next row. Chain 3 this will count as the first stitch of the row.
- Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through last 2 loops on your hook.
- Repeat Steps 10-13 across the row.
- Row 3. Continue to repeat steps 9-14. Remember at the end of the row you will crochet the last stitch into the top of the 3rd chain.
- Keep repeating until desired length is reached. Cut yarn and weave in end with a yarn needle.
Or 2 more than your desired number of stitches.
Yarn over 
and insert hook into 3rd chain from your hook, marked by orange yarn needle. 
and pull up a loop.
and pull through 2 loops on your hook. 
First double crochet stitch completed.
Your first row is done.
Get the right handed and left handed video tutorial for the double crochet stitch on YouTube.
Finishing
When you are finished with your crochet project then you will need to “finish off.” This means you cut the yarn, leaving at least 6″/15cm of length. Then use a yarn needle to weave in your end, or the yarn tail.
This secures the ending stitch and hides the yarn tail. Likewise, you will need to go back and weave in the tail that you started with, from your slip knot.
Check out how to weave in your ends here.
Notes
Here are a couple basic techniques that level up your crochet.
There are different ways to work into chain stitches, like the working in the back bump.
Using a ch 3 alternative at the beginnin of each row is my favorite.
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