A double crochet (dc) is a basic crochet stitch that is encountered often in crochet. In regard to stitch height, the double crochet is the next size up from a half double crochet. Typically, a chain three will start off a row/round of double crochet. This tutorial provides instructions along with images to explain how to double crochet from a chain row and how to double crochet after a row of stitches. Below are the step-by-step instructions, including a video tutorial, on how to double crochet:
*Before proceeding with this tutorial, make sure you are familiar with making a slip knot and chaining. If not, check out the links listed under ‘Supplemental Tutorials‘.
Supplemental Tutorials:
Terms used:
- working yarn: the strand of yarn coming from the skein(ball)
- yarn over (yo): wrapping the yarn over the crochet hook
- turning chain: is used to begin a row/round of crochet by ‘lifting up’ the work. Each stitch requires its own number of chains to start off with, which is determined by the height of the stitch. A chain three is typically used when crocheting with double crochet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- How to Double Crochet (dc) From a Chain Row
- How to Double Crochet (dc) After a Row of Stitches
- Video Tutorial
1. How to Double Crochet (dc) From a Chain Row:
- Chain 13 or desired number of chains plus 3 extra chains. (The extra three chains is a ‘turning chain’, therefore does not count as a stitch.)
2. The first double crochet will be worked into the fourth chain from the hook. (In the image, the needle marks this placement.)
3. Yarn over.
4. Insert the hook into the fourth chain from the hook as referenced in step two.
5. Hook the working yarn.
6. Pull the working yarn through the chain. Three loops will remain on the hook.
7. Yarn over.
8. Pull the working yarn only through the first two loops on the hook. Two loops will remain on the hook.
9. Yarn over.
10. Pull the working yarn through the remaining two loops on the hook. One loop will remain on the hook.
This completes a double crochet!
11. The next double crochet will be placed into the next chain. (In the image, the needle marks this placement.)
12. Continue working a double crochet into each chain across. Chain three after completing the last double crochet of the row.
13. Turn.
Continue to section two on how to double crochet after a row of stitches.
2. How to Double Crochet (dc) After a Row of Stitches:
- The new row of double crochet starts after chaining three from the previous row and turning.
2. The first double crochet of the row will be placed into the same stitch as the turning chain (chain three). (In the image, the needle marks this placement.)
3. Yarn over.
4. Insert the hook into the stitch as referenced in step two.
5. Hook the working yarn.
6. Pull the working yarn through the stitch. Three loops will remain on the hook.
7. Yarn over.
8. Pull the working yarn only through the first two loops on the hook. Two loops will remain on the hook.
9. Yarn over.
10. Pull the working yarn through the remaining two loops on the hook. One loop will remain on the hook.
This completes a double crochet!
11. The next double crochet will be placed into the next stitch. (In the image, the needle marks this placement.)
12. Continue working a double crochet into each stitch across. Chain three after completing the last double crochet of the row.
13. Turn.
Repeat steps 3-13 until desired number of rows is reached.
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