How To Double Crochet

The double crochet stitch (dc) is one of the six fundamental crochet stitches we learn at the beginning of our crochet journey. It’s the fifth tallest stitch after half double crochet, making it fast to work up while producing interesting designs and textures.

Once you know how to work one crochet stitch, the others fall through; all it takes is one more or one less step in the instructions. In this double crochet tutorial, we’ll show you how to do a double crochet stitch and provide tips and tricks to make the process easier. Let’s get started!

Don’t worry if you’re still figuring out how to crochet; you can learn more about it through the Complete Guide to Crochet for Beginners. You’ll also find an abundance of helpful hints and techniques for mastering this yarn craft.

What Will You Learn From This Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial?

1. What is a Double Crochet Stitch; The Anatomy, Abbreviation, and Chart Symbol
2. Turning Chain and Stitch Height for Double Crochet
3. Step-by-step tutorials on How to Double Crochet
4. How to make dc stitches into the Foundation Chain and Next Row
5. How to Increase, Decrease, and Invisible Decrease in dc
6. Crochet dc stitches in different loops
7. How to crochet dc stitches in the round
8. Free crochet patterns for practicing the dc stitch

What is a Double Crochet Stitch?

The double crochet stitch is a tall stitch that produces a solid yet stretchy fabric. It builds up quickly and effortlessly, especially if you use bulky yarn. Due to its characteristics, this makes it an excellent choice for big projects such as blankets and sweaters. The dc stitch is one of the easiest and most handy stitches in crochet.

Abbreviation

A Double Crochet is abbreviated as “dc” in US terminology and “tr” (Treble Crochet) in UK terminology.

[Note: All our patterns and terms are based on the US letter and number system. This guide is demonstrated using the right hand.]

Chart Symbol

In a chart pattern, a Double Crochet is represented by the letter “T” with a short diagonal cross “\” in the middle.

Anatomy

Just like most of the basic stitches, dc stitches have a front loop, a back loop, and a 3rd loop. The hdc, dc, and treble crochet stitches have another part into which you can make your stitches, the Post.

Essentially, the post is the body of the stitch. Since double crochet has a tall post, you can work into the post to create unique textures.

Stitch Height

The dc stitch is double the height of single crochet (sc). It is taller than the hdc stitch (hdc) yet shorter than the treble crochet (tr).

The image above shows that it is equivalent to the length of 3 chain stitches. As a result, before crocheting the next row, make 3 ch stitches to bring the new row to the correct height.

Turning Chain for Double Crochet

Turning chains are made at the end or beginning of a row/round to assist in bringing the yarn to the correct height for the next row/round. Every stitch has a different length, resulting in a different number of chain stitches.

The turning chain for double crochet is three chain stitches and typically counts as the first dc stitch of the new row. However, some patterns may call for only two chain stitches. Also, always check the written pattern to determine whether the turning chain counts as the first stitch.

What makes the dc stitch taller than an hdc? The dc stitch is taller than the hdc stitch due to the extra yarn over, as shown in step 4 above.  The first 2 steps are the same for both hdc and dc stitches. In step 3, you will finish the hdc stitch by pulling the working yarn through all three loops on the hook. However, for dc, you will only pull through two loops, necessitating an extra set of steps (step 4) to complete the stitch, making it taller.

Need a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a dc stitch? Let’s get into the specifics of how to crochet double crochet below.

How to Crochet Double Crochet Stitch

Learning how to crochet the double crochet stitch isn’t difficult. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to construct a dc stitch:

1. With an existing loop on the hook, YO (yarn over).

2. Insert the crochet hook into the next stitch.

3. YO again and pull up a loop.

4. You should have three loops on the hook;

5. YO again and draw the working yarn through the first two loops on the hook.

6. You now have 2 loops left on your hook.

7. YO for the last time and draw the yarn through the remaining loops.

8. You’ve completed your first double crochet stitch!

Double Crochet into a Foundation Chain

Let’s put what we just learned into practice! Let’s start by making dc stitches into a foundation chain. Make a slip knot and a row of chain stitches to begin.

1. Chain 3 for the turning chain, and YO. The loop on the hook does not count as the first chain stitch.
2. Insert the hook into the 4th stitch from the hook.
3. YO again and pull up a loop.
4. With 3 loops on the hook, YO and draw the working yarn through the first 2 loops.
5. YO again and draw the yarn through the last 2 loops.
6. You’ve just made a double crochet in a foundation chain! Continue to make dc stitches until you reach the end of the row, then chain 3 again as the turning chain for dc.

Double Crochet in Next Row

If ch3 wasn’t made before turning the crochet piece, you can make it before starting your new row.

1. After making the 3-turning chains, turn your work clockwise and YO.
2. Insert the hook into the next stitch.
3. YO and pull up a loop.
4. YO and draw yarn through the first 2 loops.
5. YO again and pull yarn through all loops on the hook.
6. Continue making dc stitches across the row. Make 3 chain stitches at the end, then turn your work clockwise to begin another row of double crochet stitches.

Double Crochet Increase & Decrease

Now that you know how to double crochet stitch, you can use techniques like increases, decreases, and invisible decreases to help build your crochet piece into different shapes.

1. How to Increase Stitches in Double Crochet

As its name suggests, double crochet increase (abbrev. dc inc or 2dc) helps to grow the number of stitches in your work each row or round.

To perform dc inc, place two dc stitches into the same stitch from the previous row. You can also make 3 or 4 double crochets (3dc, 4dc, and so on) into the same stitch to form a larger pattern.

2. How to Decrease Stitches in Double Crochet

There are two methods to decrease in double crochet, the regular method and the invisible decrease. We will show you how to decrease double crochet both ways.

To perform a double crochet decrease (abbrev. dc dec or dc2tog), combine two stitches into one stitch. It is also possible to combine 3, 4, or 5 stitches into one if required. Dc5tog is a type of dc variation known as bobble stitch; we will get into that later in this tutorial. Here is how to make a normal dc dec:

1. YO, insert hook into next stitch and make a dc until the last step;
   • Do not complete the stitch;
   • You should have 2 loops on the hook;
2. YO, insert hook into the following stitch and make another dc;
   • Again, do not complete the stitch;
   • You should have 3 loops on the hook;
3. YO one last time and pull the working yarn through all 3 loops on the hook;
4. This is what a normal dc decrease looks like.

3. How to Invisible Decrease in Double Crochet

A double crochet invisible decrease (dc inv dec) is ideal for achieving a flawless finish. Unlike the normal decrease, this method combines two base stitches into one before making the dc stitch.

1. YO and insert the crochet hook into the front loops of the following two stitches.
2. YO and pull up a loop.
3. Then, complete the dc stitch as usual.
4. Here is what a double crochet invisible decrease looks like.

Double Crochet in Different Loops

You would typically make stitches under the top of the stitch, but there are several parts of a dc stitch where you can make your stitches.

• dc flo: dc in the front loop only (the horizontal bar closest to you).
• dc blo: dc in the back loop only (the horizontal bar furthest from you).
• dc 3rd loop: dc in the 3rd loop only (seen on the wrong side of the crochet piece, under the back loop).
• FPdc or BPdc: dc on the post (the body of the stitch), either from the front (FP) or from the back (BP).

1. Double Crochet Front Loop Only (dc flo)

Insert the hook into the front loop only and make a double crochet.

Here is what dc flo looks like from the back. It leaves the back loops unworked, creating a ridge that you can use to connect another crochet piece or as a decorative design.

2. Double Crochet Back Loop Only (dc blo)

Insert the hook into the back loop only and perform the dc stitch as normal.

Working double crochets into the back loops only leaves the front loop unworked. It’s a common technique used in double crochet, especially in making garments like beanies.

4. How to Crochet Double Crochet Post Stitches

Rather than placing your hook under the top part of a stitch, you will insert the hook around the post (body) of a stitch from the previous row and work a regular dc around that post.

Front Post Double Crochet (abbrev. FPdc)

1. YO and insert your hook through the back of the post and back to the front;
2. The post should be in front of your crochet hook;
3. Continue to complete dc as normal;
4. You’ve just made a front-post dc!

Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc)

1. YO, bring your hook to the back of the post. Insert the hook through to the front of the post and back around;
2. The post should be behind your crochet hook;
3. Continue to make dc as normal;
4. This is what a back post dc looks like!

Fabric made from regular DC, FPdc and BPdc

• The back post double crochet sits behind the post from the previous row and is only visible from the back of the fabric.
• The front post double crochet sits in front of the post from the previous row, creating a raised fabric.

How to Double Crochet in the Round

Making dc stitches in the round requires you to work your projects in circles instead of horizontally across. Double crochet in the round is a great way to create a fabric with a lot of texture. It is one of the most common stitches used for crochet in the round.

There are two ways you can crochet in the round for a flat circle;

• normal joined round
• continuous spiral round

DC in Joined Round

To crochet in a joined round, chain 3 (deemed as the first stitch) at the beginning of the round, either with a magic ring or ring foundation chain. Then make dc stitches into the center. After completing the last stitch, make a slip stitch into the first stitch to close the circle. Make the ch3 turning chain to bring the yarn to the dc height before continuing to crochet the next round, then close the round with a slip stitch.

DC in Continuous Spiral Round

Since dc is a tall stitch, it is more difficult to make a big jump to the second round without closing the round and using a turning chain. However, it is not completely impossible to use dc stitches in the continuous spiral rounds.

How? The trick is to create a gradient at the start of the round so that it forms a smooth slope for the second round.

To crochet in a continuous round, start with chain 1 in a magic ring or ring foundation chain, then make 2 to 3 sc stitches, followed by 2 to 3 hdc stitches, and finish the rest with dc stitches. There is no need to make turning chains after each round with this method.

Double Crochet Stitch Variations

Double Crochet Ribbing

Many patterns use the double crochet ribbing stitch for making the brim of a hat or the cuff of a sweater.

There are several ways to create ribbing in crochet. The most common method is to make your stitches into the front or back loop only. Some patterns may also call for dc in the third loop or even in the front post or back post. They all produce a knit-like appearance; it just depends on which style you prefer!

You can also achieve a similar effect for round projects by making dc in the 3rd loop.

Herringbone Double Crochet

The herringbone double crochet (abbrev. hbdc) is a variation of double crochet. You will only be making a slight adjustment to the regular dc to produce a solid and compact fabric.

Waffle Stitch

The waffle stitch is made up of chain stitches, double crochet stitches, and post stitches. Working double crochets around the body of the stitch creates a stretchy and soft fabric. It also acts as a textural element in unique designs.

Granny Stripe Stitch

The granny stripe stitch is one of the most popular double crochet variations. It’s known for its unique texture and is often produced in multiple yarn colors. This technique is commonly used for Afghans and baby blankets. If you’ve come across the classic granny square pattern, it’s like the granny stripe stitch, but in a square shape.

Bobble Stitch

Earlier, we mentioned that you can make double crochet 5 together. The official name for this technique is bobble stitch! Making rows of bobble stitches create a fun and playful texture that pops out of the fabric.

C2C Crochet

Corner-to-corner crochet is a type of crochet technique that is worked from the bottom up. Instead of working the regular horizontal row, you will work your stitch back and forth in diagonal rows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s next?

• Learn more about crochet through our free tutorials:
  • How to Hold Crochet Yarn and Crochet Hook for Beginners
  • How to Make Slip Knot in Crochet – 3 Simple Methods
  • How to Crochet Magic Ring
  • How to Crochet Slip Stitch
  • How to Crochet Chain Stitch
  • How to Single Crochet
  • How to Half Double Crochet
  • How to Treble Crochet
  • Crochet Patterns
• Browse our library of free crochet patterns, or try out this stitch with the free and easy patterns below.