How to Double Crochet (dc)

The double crochet stitch is a common crochet stitch used in many crochet patterns like blanket, scarves, and sweaters. If you have landed here wondering how to do a double crochet stitch, then you are in the right place!

This stitch – usually abbreviated as dc – is one of the easiest stitches of all the crochet stitches to learn! After you learn the dc stitch, be sure to check out my other crochet stitch tutorials here for beginner crocheters as well.

What is a Double Crochet?

Double crochet stitches are one of the must-know basic stitches in when beginning to crochet. You will no doubt find yourself coming back to this classic stitch time and time again because it works well in so many different crochet projects.

The double crochet stitch is roughly 3 chains tall. Whereas, the single crochet stitch is only one chain tall. The height in the diagram below shows that you’ll need three turning chains worked at the beginning of each row. The diagonal bars in the symbols indicate how many times you’ll need to wrap the yarn around your hook before working the stitch.

The Double Crochet Stitch is Easy to Learn!

This common stitch in crochet is super simple to learn and is usually one of the first stitches that a beginner crochet works with. I promise that once you get the hang of this easy DC crochet stitch, it will become one of your favorites!

Next you might want to try if you haven’t already the chain stitch, single crochet (sc) and the half double crochet stitch(hdc). Plus, since you know how to make the double crochet stitch, you will have four awesome crochet stitches you can make almost any crocheted pattern.

Now, go grab your crochet hook and yarn. We have a new crochet stitch to learn.

When you scroll down to take a look at this written tutorial as well as the dc video tutorial, you will be able to crochet the double crochet stitch in no time! I can’t wait to see all the projects you apply this easy and fun stitch to!

Be sure to check out some of my free crochet blanket patterns to make when you become a pro double crocheter!

How to Double Crochet (DC) Tutorial

Skill Level: Basic

Materials

• Any yarn brand or yarn weight (I used a #4 weight yarn; Color Theory by Lion Brand)
• Crochet hook size that corresponds with yarn used (I used a 5.5 mm Etimo crochet hook)

Notes

• The DC photo tutorial is below, followed by the written pattern. The video is above.
• This double crochet tutorial is written in standard US terms.

Double Crochet (dc) Stitch Tutorial

STEP 1: For your foundation chain (the base of your project), chain 12 (That is what I used for my sample)

STEP 2: Yarn over the crochet hook with the working yarn (not the yarn tail)

STEP 3: Insert the crochet hook into the fourth chain from the hook (3 loops on hook)

STEP 4: Yarn over the crochet hook with working yarn

STEP 5: Pull back through the chain (3 loops on hook)

STEP 6: Yarn over and pull through two loops

STEP 7: You should have two loops now on the hook

STEP 8: Yarn over and pull the hook through the remaining two loops!!

STEP 9: You have completed your first double crochet stitch of the row.

Step 10: For the next stitch, repeat steps 2-8 to make more double crochets, repeat those steps until you reach the end of the first row.

Step 11: To begin the second row, after your last dc stitch of the first row, turn your work and chain three for your turning chain.

Step 12: Yarn over the crochet hook and dc into the second stitch of the row (not the chain 3)

Step 13: Continue with steps 2-8 across until the end of the row, ending your with your last dc in the ch 3 from the row before. You’re done with row 2!

More Rows: Continue on, repeating the step 11 through 13 for as many rows as you’d like.

Written Double Crochet (dc) Instructions

1. Wrap the yarn over (yo) the hook, insert the hook into the specified st.
2. YO the hook again, draw the yarn through the st, so there are 3 loops on the hook
3. YO the hook again draw it through 2 loops, so there are 2 loops on the hook
4. YO the hook, draw it through the final 2 loops.

Free Crochet Patterns using the Double Crochet Stitch

The double crochet is used in many crochet projects like afghans, cowls, scarves and more! Take a look at a couple of my favorite designs to make that use this easy stitch.

• Classic Granny Square
• Spring Shawl
• Textured Afghan

Common Double Crochet Stitch Questions

How to Change Colors with the Double Crochet Stitch

When you feel comfortable enough with this double crochet stitch, you can change colors too. Follow along with our how to change colors in crochet tutorial to learn. If you prefer video tutorial, be sure to follow along with me on YouTube.

How do you turn in a Double Crochet row?

Turning with the dc stitch is easy. When you get to the end of the dc row you firs turn your work followed by a chain 3. Next, you can continue to work on with the next row of the pattern you are following. Turning your work and starting a new row in double crochet go together.

What is a Double Crochet Cluster?

Occasionally, when you are crocheting with double crochets, you may want to make a double crochet cluster. A double crochet cluster stitch is explained below. It is a group of two double crochet stitches clustered together (as an increase) and worked from a single stitch. It is the opposite of a double crochet 2 together (dc2tog) stitch, which is a decreasing stitch.

Double Crochet Cluster (2-dc cl):

• Yo (yarn over), insert hook in st (stitch)
• Yo, pull through st
• Yo, pull through 2 loops on hook
• Next, (yo, insert hook in same st, yo, pull through st, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook) 3 times
• Yo, pull through all 5 loops on hook, ch 1.

What is a Double Crochet Stitch Called in the UK?

A double crochet (dc) stitch in US terms is considered a treble (tr) in British American terms or UK terms.

What is a Front Post Double Crochet?

A front post double crochet is one double crochet stitch worked around a stitch from the previous row from the front to the back. Using post stitches creates texture and can add a cabled look to crochet projects. You can also back post double crochet too, which is explained in detail in our post stitches in crochet tutorial.

You May Also Like These Crochet Stitch Tutorials Too

• How to Single Crochet Two Together (SC2tog)
• How to Crochet a Cable Stitch
• How To Crochet The Moss Stitch – A Step-by-Step Guide!
• How to Crochet a Granny Stitch in Rows
• How to Make a Crochet Rib Stitch (Photo Tutorial)
• How to Crochet the Shell Stitch (Step-by-Step Instructions)