What is Double Crochet?
Double crochet (abbreviated dc) is a tall, foundational stitch that creates an open, drapey fabric. It's approximately twice the height of single crochet and works up much faster, making it a favorite for larger projects like blankets and garments.
The key characteristic of double crochet is the initial yarn over before inserting your hook. This creates extra height and gives the stitch its distinctive look. You then work off the loops in pairs, pulling through two at a time until only one loop remains.
Double crochet forms the basis for many popular stitch patterns, including granny squares, shell stitches, V-stitches, and cable patterns using front and back post double crochets.
How to Double Crochet: Step by Step
Follow these five steps to master the double crochet stitch. The key is remembering to yarn over before inserting your hook, then pulling through two loops at a time.
Yarn Over
With a loop on your hook, wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front. This is the key difference from single crochet - you yarn over BEFORE inserting the hook.
Insert Hook into Stitch
Insert your hook into the next stitch (or the fourth chain from hook for the foundation row). Go under both loops of the V-shape unless otherwise specified.
Yarn Over and Pull Through
Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the stitch only. You should now have 3 loops on your hook.
Yarn Over, Pull Through Two
Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops on your hook. You now have 2 loops remaining.
Yarn Over, Pull Through Two Again
Yarn over one more time and pull through the remaining 2 loops. One double crochet complete!
Remember: Yarn Over, Pull Through 2, Pull Through 2
The rhythm of double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops), yarn over and pull through 2 (2 loops), yarn over and pull through 2 (1 loop). Practice this sequence until it becomes automatic.
Double Crochet Turning Chain
Starting a Foundation Row
- • Chain the number of stitches needed plus 3
- • Work first dc into 4th chain from hook
- • The 3 skipped chains = first dc
- • Continue dc in each chain across
Turning for New Rows
- • Chain 3 at end of row
- • Turn work to begin next row
- • Ch 3 counts as first dc (usually)
- • Skip first stitch, dc in second stitch
- • Work last dc into top of ch-3 from previous row
Note: Some patterns don't count ch-3 as a stitch. In those cases, work dc into the first stitch (not the second). Always read your pattern carefully for specific instructions.
Double Crochet Variations
Once you've mastered basic dc, explore these variations to add texture and interest to your projects.
Double Crochet in Back Loop Only (dc-blo)
Work into back loop for ribbed texture
Best for: Stretchy fabric, ribbing for cuffs and bands
Double Crochet in Front Loop Only (dc-flo)
Work into front loop only
Best for: Ridge texture, decorative effect
Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc)
Insert hook around post from front
Best for: Cable patterns, raised textures, basket weave
Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc)
Insert hook around post from back
Best for: Cable patterns, ribbing, paired with fpdc
Double Crochet Two Together (dc2tog)
Decrease stitch combining two dc
Best for: Shaping, decreasing stitch count
Double Crochet Cluster
Multiple incomplete dc joined at top
Best for: Texture, decorative patterns
Project Ideas Using Double Crochet
Double crochet is perfect for these popular project types.
Granny Square Blanket
Classic dc clusters create the iconic granny square pattern.
Lacy Summer Top
Open dc fabric creates breathable garments.
Infinity Scarf
DC works up quickly for cozy accessories.
Cable Hat
Use fpdc and bpdc to create cable patterns.
Common Double Crochet Mistakes
Forgetting the initial yarn over
The yarn over before inserting your hook is what makes dc taller than sc. Without it, you'll make a half double crochet instead.
Pulling through wrong number of loops
After pulling up a loop, always pull through exactly 2 loops, then 2 more. Pulling through 3 at once creates an hdc; pulling through 1 at a time makes extra-tall stitches.
Skipping or adding stitches at edges
Count your stitches at the end of every row. Remember: if ch-3 counts as dc, work into the second stitch, not the first. Work the last dc into the top of the previous ch-3.
Inconsistent tension
DC stitches show tension variations more than sc. Practice maintaining even tension, especially during the yarn overs. Tight yarn overs make it hard to pull through.
US vs UK Crochet Terminology
| US Term | UK Term | Abbreviation (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Crochet | Double Crochet | sc |
| Double Crochet | Treble Crochet | dc |
| Treble Crochet | Double Treble | tr |
Our patterns use US terminology. Always check which system your pattern uses before starting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is double crochet used for?
Double crochet (dc) is one of the most versatile crochet stitches. It creates a taller, more open fabric than single crochet, making it perfect for blankets, scarves, garments, and decorative items. DC works up quickly and uses less yarn per square inch than shorter stitches.
How many chains do you skip for double crochet?
When starting a row from a foundation chain, work your first dc into the fourth chain from the hook. The three skipped chains count as your first dc. For subsequent rows, chain 3 to turn, which counts as the first dc of the new row.
What is the difference between single and double crochet?
Double crochet is about twice as tall as single crochet. DC requires an initial yarn over before inserting the hook, then pulling through loops in two steps. Single crochet has no initial yarn over and pulls through all loops at once. DC creates a more open, drapey fabric.
Why does double crochet use chain 3?
The chain 3 turning chain provides the height needed to match a double crochet stitch. Shorter chains would cause the edges to pull in. The chain 3 typically counts as the first dc of the row, so you skip the first stitch and work into the second stitch.
What does dc mean in UK vs US crochet?
In US terminology, dc means double crochet. In UK terminology, the same stitch is called treble crochet (tr). UK "double crochet" refers to what Americans call single crochet. Always check which terminology a pattern uses before starting.
How do I fix a hole at the turning chain?
Holes at the turning chain are common. You can: (1) chain 2 instead of 3 for a shorter turning chain, (2) work the first dc into the same stitch as the turning chain, or (3) use a "chainless turning" technique where you create a standing dc instead.