Crochet · stitch tutorial

How to double crochet (dc): step by step for beginners

To double crochet (dc), yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook), then yarn over and pull through 2 loops, twice. It's about three chains tall, and in UK terms it's called a treble (tr).

Double crochet, step by step

Yarn over. Wrap the yarn over the hook once, back to front.
Insert the hook. Under both top loops of the stitch (or into the chain), unless the pattern says otherwise.
Pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull it through the stitch: 3 loops on the hook.
Pull through 2. Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops: 2 loops left.
Pull through 2 again. Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops. That's one double crochet.

Starting a row and the turning chain

On a starting chain, the first double crochet goes into the 4th chain from the hook; the 3 skipped chains usually count as the first stitch. At the start of every next row, chain 3 and turn; if that chain counts as a stitch, skip the first stitch and put the last double crochet into the top of the turning chain. Patterns differ, so count against the number the pattern gives.

Double crochet increase and decrease

Increase: 2 double crochet in the same stitch.
Decrease (dc2tog): yarn over, insert in the next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 (2 loops left); yarn over, insert in the stitch after, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 (3 loops left); yarn over and pull through all 3.

Double crochet in a magic ring

Make a magic ring, chain 3 (it counts as the first stitch), work 11 double crochet into the ring and pull it closed: 12 stitches. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the chain 3. A flat double crochet circle starts with 12 and adds 12 stitches a round (more on rounds).

Treble crochet is one more wrap

For a treble crochet (US tr, UK double treble), yarn over twice before you insert the hook, pull up a loop (4 on the hook), then (yarn over, pull through 2) three times. It's about four chains tall.

Shorter stitches: half double crochet and the single vs double crochet comparison. Every stitch and its UK name: crochet stitches.

What you need to start

Crochet hook set Worsted weight yarn Stitch markers Yarn needles Yarn at LoveCrafts

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Try it on a free patternThe free Holly Sprig Ornament leaf uses single, half double and double crochet along one chain, and the Little Ghost finishes with a round of 3-dc scallops.

Free Holly Sprig pattern Free Little Ghost pattern

Fragen

What is the difference between US and UK double crochet?

A US double crochet (dc) is a UK treble (tr). A UK double crochet is a US single crochet. Check which terms a pattern uses before you start (see the abbreviations chart).

Does the chain 3 count as a double crochet?

In most patterns, yes: the chain 3 at the start of a row is the first stitch, so you skip the first stitch and work the last double crochet into the top of the turning chain. Some patterns use a chain 2 that doesn't count; follow yours.

How many chains do I make for a row of double crochet?

If the 3 skipped chains count as the first stitch, chain the number of stitches you want plus 2, then double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook. 20 double crochet need 22 chains.

Why do my double crochet rows get narrower or wider?

Usually the first or last stitch: an extra stitch worked into the base of the turning chain, or a missed stitch in the top of the turning chain. Count the stitches at the end of every row.