All About the Double Crochet Stitch
The double crochet (abbreviated as “dc”) is one of the foundational crochet stitches that basically all crocheters learn at some point. It is one of four basic crochet stitches, alongside the single crochet, half double crochet, and treble or triple crochet stitches. It’s important to learn these simple stitches before moving on to more intricate ones as many stitches or stitch patterns are some variation of these basic stitches. Master the basics and the more intricate stuff makes more sense. So, let’s learn how to make the double crochet.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase from that website, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, see my Disclosures page.
It should be noted that the double crochet as I’m showing it here is a US crochet term. Why the US and UK have different terminology for the same stitches, I have no idea, but in the UK this stitch is called a treble crochet (or “tc”). But, because I am in the US, we’ll stick with the US terminology on my blog and in my patterns.
Some Things to Know
Now, before we jump into the tutorial, here are a few things you may want to know about when working with the double crochet:
- Height wise, it is taller than both the single crochet and half double crochet stitches. This tends to make a more flowy, flexible fabric, but the trade-off is more space or gapping between stitches.
- The stitch leans slightly to the side, meaning when you work in joined rounds, the seam will travel to the right for right handed crocheters and to the left for left handed crocheters.
- Because it is a single stitch, there is not a set stitch multiple needed when starting your project. Meaning, if you are not following a pattern, you can start your project with however many stitches you want.
- When working in the round, you will typically need to chain 2 for your starting/turning chain. When working in turned rows, you typically need to start with a chain 2 or chain 3. Now, this can vary depending on your tension and your project, so play around with how many chains you need to make to ensure the start of your row/round is the same height as your stitches.
Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial
So, how do you make a basic double crochet stitch? Let’s get into it! For this tutorial, I am using Dishie from WeCrochet and a 5mm Streamline Metal hook from Furl’s Crochet. If you are working from a pattern, the pattern will tell you what yarn and hook size you need. If you are not working from a pattern, use whatever yarn and hook size you like.
1. First, you are going to yarn over (A).
2. Then, insert your hook into your intended stitch (B) and pull up a loop (C). There will now be 3 loops on your hook.
3. Yarn over (D) and pull through the first 2 loops on your hook (E).
4. Yarn over (F) and pull through the remaining loops on your hook (G)
That’s it! Your stitch is now complete!
More of a visual learner? Check out these videos!
RIGHT HANDED TUTORIAL:
LEFT HANDED TUTORIAL:
Looking for some other fun stitches to learn? Make sure to check out my other stitch tutorials here on the blog!
So now that you know how to make the double crochet stitch, what are you going to make with it?
Happy stitching!
