How to dc crochet refers to double crochet, a stitch taller than single crochet and half double crochet, commonly used for faster-working fabric like blankets and simple garments. Double crochet is the natural next stitch after single crochet, since it introduces the yarn-over-before-inserting motion that several taller stitches share. This guide walks through the steps and the most common mistake to check for.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Yarn over before inserting your hook into the next stitch.
- Insert your hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over again and pull up a loop, giving you three loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through just two of those three loops, leaving two loops on the hook.
- Yarn over one more time and pull through the remaining two loops, completing the stitch.
Common Mistake to Check For
Forgetting the initial yarn over before inserting the hook is the most common double crochet mistake, since it is easy to slip back into single crochet’s simpler motion by habit. If your double crochet rows look shorter or denser than expected, check whether you are consistently starting each stitch with that first yarn over before inserting your hook.
Turning Chain for Double Crochet
Chain 3 at the start of a new row, which counts as your first double crochet stitch, meaning you skip the actual first stitch of the row below and begin your next double crochet in the second stitch instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK name for double crochet?
In UK terminology, the US double crochet stitch is called treble crochet, abbreviated tr, with the exact same stitch mechanics as described above.
Is double crochet harder to learn than single crochet?
It involves one more step than single crochet, the initial yarn over, but most beginners pick it up quickly once single crochet feels comfortable, since the core insert-yarn over-pull through motion is the same underlying skill.
Want to try the half double crochet stitch too?
See a stitch height that sits between single and double crochet.
Learn to make an hdc stitch
