How to Double Crochet (dc): Step-by-Step Beginner Tutorial
Now that you've learned the single crochet and half double crochet, it's time to learn another foundational crochet stitch: the double crochet (dc).
Double crochet is taller than both single crochet and half double crochet, so it works up quickly and creates a lighter, more open fabric. It's commonly used for blankets, scarves, sweaters, granny squares, and many other crochet projects.
In this lesson, you'll learn:
How to make a double crochet stitch
Where to insert your hook into a foundation chain
How to crochet your first and second rows
How many turning chains a double crochet uses
How to count double crochet stitches
Common beginner mistakes to avoid
→ Following the Learn to Crochet Series?
If you haven't completed the previous lesson yet, I recommend starting with How to Half Double Crochet (hdc). You'll use many of the same movements in this lesson, with a couple of important changes for this taller stitch.
Watch the Video Tutorial
Watch the video below, then follow along with the written instructions and photos while you practice.
How to Start a Row of Double Crochet
Grab your completed foundation chain.
For double crochet, you'll begin with a yarn over before inserting your hook.
Yarn over.
Skip the first three chains closest to your hook.
Insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook, working through the top loop and back hump of the foundation chain.
The three skipped chains provide the height needed for the beginning of your first double crochet row.
How to Crochet a Double Crochet Stitch
Now you're ready to make your first double crochet.
Step 1: Yarn Over
Wrap the working yarn over your hook from back to front.
Step 2: Insert Your Hook
Insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook, working through the top loop and back hump of the foundation chain.
Step 3: Yarn Over
Wrap the working yarn over your hook again.
Step 4: Pull Up a Loop
Pull the hook back through the chain.
You should now have three loops on your hook.
Step 5: Yarn Over
Yarn over one more time.
Step 6: Pull Through Two Loops
Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook.
You should now have two loops remaining.
Step 7: Yarn Over Again
Yarn over one more time.
Step 8: Pull Through the Last Two Loops
Pull the yarn through the remaining two loops on your hook.
You now have one loop remaining on your hook, and you've completed your first double crochet!
Continue Across the Row
Continue making one double crochet in each remaining chain across the foundation chain.
Remember, every stitch follows the same eight movements:
Yarn over
Insert your hook
Yarn over
Pull up a loop
Yarn over
Pull through two loops
Yarn over
Pull through two loops
When you reach the end of the row, you've completed your first row of double crochet.
Turning Your Work
When you reach the end of the row, you'll need to bring your yarn up to the height of the next row.
For double crochet, you'll usually: Chain 3
This is your turning chain.
A turning chain acts like a little stepping stool, bringing your yarn up to the height of the next row. Because double crochet is taller than the stitches you've learned so far, it needs a taller turning chain.
Now turn your work like you're turning the page of a book.
Important: In most patterns the chain-3 counts as a stitch.
That means your turning chain becomes part of your stitch count.
Working the Second Row
Now you're ready to work back across the row.
Look along the top of your work. You'll see a row of V-shaped stitches.
Because your chain-3 counts as a stitch, you'll skip the base of that turning chain (the first “V”) and begin your first double crochet in the second “V” of the previous row.
To work the row:
Yarn over.
Insert your hook under both loops of the second V.
Complete your double crochet.
Continue across the row, working one double crochet into each stitch.
When you reach the end, work your final double crochet into the top chain of the chain-3 turning chain from the previous row.
This can feel strange at first because the turning chain doesn't look exactly like a regular double crochet, but the turning chain is part of your stitch count when the pattern says the chain-3 counts as a stitch.
How to Count Double Crochet Stitches
When your chain-3 counts as a stitch, count it as one stitch.
To count your row:
Count each V-shaped double crochet across the row.
Count the chain-3 turning chain as one stitch.
Do not count the loop on your hook.
For example, if your pattern says you should have 20 stitches, you'll have 19 actual double crochet stitches plus your chain-3 turning chain.
If you're having trouble, it can sometimes be easier to count the vertical stitch posts instead. Each completed double crochet has one vertical post, so you can count those posts across the row to help check your stitch count.
Common Beginner Mistakes
I Keep Forgetting the First Yarn Over
Remember that double crochet starts with a yarn over before you insert your hook.
A helpful rhythm is:
Yarn over → insert → yarn over → pull up.
I Pull Through All Three Loops at Once
This is a common mistake if you're used to half double crochet.
With double crochet, you pull through two loops at a time.
After pulling through the first two loops, you'll have two loops remaining. Yarn over again, then pull through those final two loops.
My Stitch Doesn't Look Tall Enough
Check that you're completing both pull-through steps.
A finished double crochet should be noticeably taller than a half double crochet.
My Edges Keep Getting Wider or Narrower
If your edges aren't staying straight, you're probably adding or skipping a stitch at the beginning or end of the row.
This is especially easy with double crochet, where the turning chain creates the first stitch of the row, so your first double crochet is worked into the second stitch. At the end of the row, don’t forget to work your final stitch into the top of the turning chain.
Count your stitches at the end of each row, including the turning chain when your pattern says it counts as a stitch.
Keeping the same stitch count from row to row is the easiest way to keep your edges straight.
Double Crochet Cheat Sheet
Abbreviation: dc
Starting Chain: Fourth chain from the hook
Turning Chain: Chain 3
Turning Chain Counts as a Stitch? Yes
Fabric: Tall, soft, and more open
Common Uses:
Blankets
Granny squares
Sweaters
Scarves
Shawls
Home décor
Final Thoughts
Double crochet is one of the most useful stitches to have in your crochet toolbox.
Once you understand the two pull-through steps, the stitch becomes very repetitive and you'll start recognizing it in patterns everywhere.
You've now learned three of the foundational crochet stitches: single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet.
Next, we'll learn the treble crochet.
→ Next Lesson: How to Treble Crochet (tr): COMING SOON
Treble crochet is the tallest of the five foundational crochet stitches, creating a long, open stitch that works up quickly. It's great for lightweight, drapey fabric, open stitch patterns, and adding height to crochet designs.