How To Double Crochet (dc) For Beginners

In this blog post, you will learn how to double crochet (dc) for beginners with a step-by-step tutorial.

Double crochet is one of the basic crochet stitches you will need to learn as a beginner crocheter.

Most crochet patterns will feature this stitch, either worked flat or in the round.

This stitch is fun to make, and you will find it in many free crochet patterns, including hats, baby blankets, sweaters, and more.

Before You Get Started

Here are a few things to know before you begin:

The double crochet stitch (when abbreviated, it is – dc) is one of the most common crochet stitches and is about twice as tall as a single crochet.
US vs UK terms: This tutorial is worked in US terms. If you are following a pattern that uses UK terms, this stitch is known as a triple or treble crochet.
Fabric type: A double-crochet fabric is quite solid and is great for bags, sweaters, scarves, shawls, afghans, placemats, or any number of other items.
The turning chain. At the start of a row, it counts as a double crochet at the beginning of each row. Most patterns will have the size of the turning chain you need to make.
You can find a free PDF of both US and UK terms and abbreviations here: Crochet Abbreviations (US + UK Terms) Free Printable

Tools/Materials Needed

Yarn of your choice (smooth, light-colored yarn is easiest for beginners)
Crochet hook size suitable for your yarn (check the yarn label – How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step))

How To Double Crochet (Step-by-Step)

This tutorial will take you through the double crochet stitch (dc stitch) with step-by-step instructions, step-by-step photographs, and a video tutorial.

Step 1 – Wrap the yarn over your crochet hook

To begin with, you will wrap your yarn over your hook (before inserting it into the next st).

This would be the same for your first row, or if you are continuing a sample swatch (as you see in the photo below).

Please note – some patterns will require you to start the row with a turning chain – I will explain this further later on in the tutorial.

double crochet sample with yarn over hook

Step 2 – Push your hook through the next stitch

Place your hook into the next stitch.

If you are starting out with a foundation chain, skip the three chains closest to the hook and place the hook through the fourth chain.

Then hook the yarn, wrapping it over the hook before you place the hook into that fourth stitch.

Step 3 – Hook the yarn and make a loop

Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull it through to make another loop on the hook.

You will have three loops on your hook.

Step 4 – Hook the yarn and pull through two of the loops

Wrap the yarn over your hook and pull through the first two loops on your hook.

wrapping the yarn and pulling through two loops

Step 5 – Hook the yarn and pull through the remaining two loops

You should be left with two loops on your hook.

Now you wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through those two loops.

Step 6 – Making the double crochet stitch

You will have one loop left on your hook.

You have just made one double crochet stitch!

Continue to repeat until you get to your last double crochet and practice to make more stitches.

The Turning Chain

The turning chain at the start of a row counts as a double crochet at the beginning of each row.

Most patterns will have the size of the turning chain you need to make.

But for double crochet, you will normally need to chain 3 at the start of the row.

This is because the three chain stitches create the same height as a double crochet stitch.

close up of the turning chain for double crochet

How Do I Double Crochet In The Round?

To double crochet in the round, you can follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Start by making a foundation chain of the desired length for your project. Then, join the last chain to the first chain with a slip stitch to form a ring. Alternatively, you can use a magic ring technique to create an adjustable ring for working in the round.
Step 2: Create a turning chain by chaining three stitches. This turning chain serves as the first double crochet stitch.
Step 3: Insert your hook into the center of the ring, under both loops of the first stitch.
Step 4: Yarn over (wrap the working yarn over the hook from back to front).
Step 5: Pull the yarn through the stitch, so you have three loops on the hook.
Step 6: Yarn over again and pull through the first two loops on the hook, leaving two loops remaining.
Step 7: Yarn over once more and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.

This completes your first double crochet stitch in the round.

To continue, insert your hook into the center of the ring under both loops of the next stitch.

Repeat steps 4-7

Repeat steps 4-7 to work a double crochet stitch in the next stitch.

Continue working a double crochet stitch in each stitch around the ring until you reach the end of the round.

When you finish the last double crochet stitch of the round, you can either join with a slip stitch to the top of the turning chain from the beginning of the round or use a standing double crochet technique to begin the next round without a slip stitch join.

To work subsequent rounds, you typically begin with a turning chain of three stitches (counts as the first double crochet stitch) and then work a double crochet stitch in each stitch of the previous round.

Repeat the process of working double crochet stitches in each stitch of the previous round until you’ve completed the desired number of rounds or reached the desired size for your project.

Remember to refer to your specific pattern for any additional instructions or modifications.

FAQ s & Extra Tips

→ What’s the difference between single crochet and double crochet?

Single Crochet (sc): The single crochet stitch is a shorter stitch compared to the double crochet. It is a tight stitch commonly used for creating a dense fabric or adding detail to crochet projects.
Learn how to single crochet here. – How To Single Crochet (SC)
Double Crochet (dc): The double crochet is a taller stitch and creates a looser fabric compared to the single crochet. Double crochet stitches are frequently used for creating lacy or openwork patterns and can be worked more quickly due to their height.
In summary, the main differences between single crochet and double crochet are the height of the stitches and the number of loops on the hook required to complete each stitch.

→ How can I practice double crochet?

Make a small swatch, chain 10–20 stitches, and work rows of double crochet stitches

Try a granny square with any scraps of medium weight yarn and a 5 mm crochet hook.

You can easily make a granny square – Crochet Granny Square

→ What patterns use double crochet?

Hats, blankets, sweaters, garments, shawls, bags, accessories, and more.

→ What patterns don’t usually double crochet?

Amigurumi, toys, and baskets.

→How can I keep consistent tension?

Practice with a small swatch, focusing on a steady grip and even yarn flow.

Use the same posture, grip, and hook position for every stitch to keep tension consistent.

→Is the double crochet stitch good for intricate designs?

Yes, its taller stitches work well for lace, filet crochet, and textured patterns.

However, for very detailed or tight designs, shorter stitches like single crochet may give more precision.

→What is the purpose of a turning chain?

In crochet, a turning chain is used at the beginning of a new row (or round) to bring your yarn up to the proper height for the stitches you’re about to work.

→ Can you use the double crochet to increase and decrease?

Yes, in crochet, the double crochet stitch can be used for both increasing and decreasing to shape your work.

Double Crochet Increase (dc inc) – This means adding stitches within your row or round to make the fabric wider, fuller, or create shaping (like in a sleeve, shawl edge, or flare in a skirt).
Double Crochet Decrease (dc dec) – This means combining stitches so you end up with fewer in the row or round, narrowing the fabric or shaping curves (like in a neckline, hat crown, or amigurumi).

→ What supplies do you need to work on a double crochet project?

For a double crochet (dc) project, you’ll want to gather supplies that suit both the stitch and the type of item you’re making.

Yarn – Yarn Weight Guide (+ Yarn Conversion Chart)
Crochet hook – Crochet Hook Sizes Chart (A Free Conversion Guide)
Scissors
Tapestry (yarn) needle
Stitch markers – What Are Stitch Markers?
Measuring tape or ruler
Row counter
Blocking supplies – How To Block Crochet (Beginner’s Guide)

Crochet Lessons

If you need more tutorials, check out the crochet lessons here – Crochet Lessons {With Video Tutorials}.

There, you will find tutorial posts for the basic stitches and all the crochet techniques a newbie needs to know, like how to make a slip knot and more.

For extra help and to connect with more makers, check out the Handylittleme Knitting And Crochet Community Facebook group.

You can also find us on various social media platforms, including Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, Ravelry, and TikTok.

Related Patterns & Tutorials

Happy Double Crocheting! 🧶