Crochet · stitch tutorial
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).
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.
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).
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 setWorsted weight yarnStitch markersYarn needlesYarn at LoveCrafts
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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).
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.
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.
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.
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