How to Double Crochet (dc): Step-by-Step for Beginners
The double crochet is the tall, speedy stitch that makes so many classic crochet projects possible: granny squares, shells, cozy blankets and drapey scarves. Once you know it, a whole world of patterns opens up!
It’s made in three easy “pull through” steps, and the trickiest part is really the turning chain. In this tutorial I’ll walk you through:
- How to double crochet, step by step
- How the turning chain works (and why it usually counts as a stitch)
- How to keep your edges straight
- How dc compares to single and half double crochet
- Common double crochet mistakes and how to fix them
Grab your yarn and hook and let’s go.
What is a double crochet?
A double crochet is a tall stitch, about twice the height of a single crochet. You’ll see it abbreviated dc in US patterns. In UK patterns the same stitch is called a treble crochet (tr), which trips up a lot of people! On a crochet chart it’s drawn as a tall T with one diagonal line across the post (see my crochet chart symbols).
What you’ll need
- Yarn: a smooth, light-colored worsted weight (#4) yarn so you can see every loop. My yarn weight chart explains the weights.
- Crochet hook: the size on your yarn label. Check my hook size chart if you’re not sure.
- A foundation chain of about 15 chains to practice on. New to chaining? Start with my chain tutorial.
How to double crochet, step by step
Step 1: Yarn over
Wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front before you insert it. You’ll have 2 loops on your hook.
Step 2: Insert your hook
Insert your hook into the 4th chain from the hook (on later rows, into the next stitch, under both loops). The 3 chains you skip stand up as the first stitch of the row.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop
Yarn over and pull the yarn back through the chain. You now have 3 loops on your hook.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through 2 loops
Yarn over and pull through just the first 2 loops on your hook. You have 2 loops left.
Step 5: Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops
Yarn over one more time and pull through the last 2 loops.
Step 6: That’s one double crochet
You’re back to 1 loop on your hook. Work 1 dc in each chain across to finish your first row.
Tip: Say it as you go: “yarn over, in, pull up, through 2, through 2.” That little rhythm makes it stick fast.
How the turning chain works
Because a double crochet is so tall, you need a ch 3 at the start of each row to reach the right height, and in most patterns that ch 3 counts as the first double crochet. That changes where everything goes:
- Chain 3 and turn your work. The ch 3 is your first stitch.
- Skip the first stitch (the one at the base of the chain) and work your next dc into the 2nd stitch.
- Work 1 dc in each stitch across.
- Work your last dc into the top of the turning chain from the row below. This is the one everyone misses!
Some patterns say “ch 3 (does not count as a stitch),” or use a ch 2. In that case, work your first dc into the first stitch and don’t work into the turning chain at the end. Always follow your pattern’s notes.
Double crochet vs single and half double crochet
| Stitch | Height | Yarn overs to finish | Turning chain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single crochet (sc) | Short | 1 | ch 1, doesn’t count |
| Half double crochet (hdc) | Medium | 2 | ch 2, usually doesn’t count |
| Double crochet (dc) | Tall | 3 | ch 3, usually counts as a stitch |
Common double crochet mistakes (and how to fix them)
| Problem | Usually caused by | Try this |
|---|---|---|
| Your work keeps getting narrower | Not working into the top of the turning chain at the end of the row | Mark the top of each ch 3 with a stitch marker so you can find it. |
| Your work keeps getting wider | Working a dc into the first stitch when the ch 3 already counts | Skip the first stitch after your ch 3. |
| Gaps along the side edges | Turning chain is loose or too tall | Keep the ch 3 snug, or try a ch 2 or a chainless starting dc. |
| Stitches look loose or loopy | Pulling the first loop up too tall | Pull the loop in Step 3 up to the height of your hook, no taller. |
| Your dc look short like hdc | Pulling through 3 loops at once instead of 2 and 2 | Pull through just 2 loops at a time. |
Double crochet FAQ
Does the ch 3 count as a double crochet?
Usually yes, and the pattern notes will tell you. If it counts, skip the first stitch and work your last dc into the top of the ch 3.
What’s the UK name for double crochet?
Treble crochet (tr). A UK “double crochet” is actually a US single crochet, so it’s worth checking which terms a pattern uses before you start.
Why does my double crochet fabric have holes?
Double crochet makes a more open fabric than sc or hdc, so a little space between stitches is normal. Going down a hook size makes it denser.
What’s a chainless starting double crochet?
It’s a way to start a row without a ch 3, so your edges look neater. It’s a great trick to learn once you’re comfortable with the basic stitch.
Ready to practice?
These patterns use double crochet, so you’ll get lots of practice:
- Juniper Ridge Baby Blanket (Beginner)
- Turban Twist Headband (Beginner)
- Bottom Up Double Brim Beanie (Easy)
- Polly Reversible Infinity Scarf (Easy)
Want more? Visit my Crochet Reference Library for hook sizes, yarn weights, abbreviations and chart symbols, all in one place.
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Keep learning
- How to Crochet a Chain (and Count Your Foundation Chain)
- How to Slip Stitch in Crochet (sl st)
- How to Single Crochet (sc)
- How to Half Double Crochet (hdc)
- Crochet Stitch Library: All the Stitch Tutorials
- Crochet Abbreviations: Complete List for Beginners (US Terms)
- Crochet Chart Symbols
- Crochet Reference Library
