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The double crochet stitch (abbreviated dc in US terms) is one of the most rewarding foundational stitches you will ever learn. Twice as tall as single crochet with wonderful drape and speed, double crochet is the building block behind granny squares, V-stitches, shells, ripples, and cozy weekend throws!
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Tutorial
- Works Up Fast: Taller stitch height means blankets and scarves grow twice as fast as single crochet.
- Soft, Cozy Drape: Creates a flexible fabric that never feels stiff or board-like.
- Foundation for Textured Stitches: Once you know
dc, popcorn, bobble, cluster, and shell stitches become effortless.
Materials & Yarn Tips
For crisp stitch definition that is easy on your hands, pair Category 4 Medium Worsted Yarn with an ergonomic 5.0 mm (US H-8) hook. If you are substituting from your stash, check our Crochet Yarn Weight Chart and Hook Size Conversion Guide so your finished gauge stays right on target.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Yarn Over & Insert Hook into 4th Chain
Crochet a foundation chain of any length (try 17 chains for a practice swatch). Yarn over (wrap the working yarn from back to front over your hook) and insert your hook into the 4th chain from the hook. Those skipped 3 chains count as your very first double crochet stitch!
Step 2: Pull Up a Loop & Pull Through Two
Yarn over and pull up a loop through the chain — you now have 3 loops sitting on your hook. Yarn over again and pull smoothly through the first 2 loops on your hook (2 loops remain).
Step 3: Pull Through Final Two Loops & Turn
Yarn over one last time and pull through the remaining 2 loops on your hook. One double crochet complete! Work 1 dc into each chain across, then ch 3 and turn to begin Row 2.
Keep crooked edges away! Because your turning ch-3 counts as the first stitch of the row, skip the very first stitch at the base of the ch-3 and work your next dc into the second stitch. At the end of the row, don’t forget to work your final dc into the top chain of the previous row’s turning ch-3!
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Finishing & Blocking Advice
Once your final stitch is fastened off, thread your yarn tail onto a blunt tapestry needle and weave it securely back and forth in three directions through the back of matching stitches. Pinning your finished piece to measurements on a foam mat with a light mist of water (or gentle hover-steam for acrylic) relaxes every loop so corners sit crisp and professional!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is US double crochet the same as UK double crochet?
No! A US double crochet (dc) is called a treble crochet (tr) in UK patterns.
How to Double Crochet (dc) for Beginners: Step-by-Step Photo Guide
Master the tall, soft US double crochet stitch (dc) with clear beginner instructions, turning chain rules, and row-counting tips.
Materials
Tools
- 5.0 mm (US H-8) crochet hook
- 2 locking stitch markers (to mark top of turning chains!)
- Scissors & yarn needle
Abbreviations (US Terms)
Instructions
- Foundation: Chain 16 loosely and evenly.
- Row 1: Yo, insert hook into 4th ch from hook, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), [yo and pull through 2 loops] twice. Work 1 dc in each remaining ch across. Ch 3, turn. (14 dc counting skipped chs)
- Rows 2–8: Skip the very first st at base of turning ch-3. Work 1 dc under both top V-loops of next st and each st across, working last dc into top of turning ch-3 from previous row. Ch 3, turn. Fasten off after Row 8.
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- Clip a locking stitch marker into the 3rd chain of every turning chain as soon as you make it — you will never accidentally drop a stitch at the end of a row again!
Putting a stitch marker in the top of the turning chain-3 saved my sanity!! My swatch edges are finally straight up and down.
Isn't that little stitch marker trick magic, Megan?! Even after crocheting for 20 years I still pop a marker in when watching TV!