Crocheting lets you make all sorts of creative projects. Learning the double crochet stitch is honestly one of the best places to start.
To double crochet, you yarn over, put the hook into a stitch, yarn over again, pull through, and finish two sets of loops—this makes a tall, flexible stitch that works up fast.
This simple move is the base for blankets, scarves, and so many handmade items. It’s kind of amazing how much you can do with just this one stitch.
Double crochet stitches build height a lot faster than single crochet. Your projects end up with a lighter, more open texture.
With just a hook, yarn, and a bit of practice, you can turn basic stitches into cozy, personal creations. There’s something satisfying about seeing your work grow row by row.
You’ll learn what makes double crochet special, what tools you need, and how to build neat rows. Soon, you’ll feel confident enough to use double crochet in both beginner and more advanced projects.
Find the perfect yarn for your double crochet projects in the Knit and Crochet Yarn Collection.
What Is Double Crochet?
Double crochet is a tall, flexible stitch that helps you make fabric quickly. It keeps things light and soft, which is perfect for blankets, scarves, sweaters, and more.
Why Use Double Crochet?
People use double crochet when they want a stitch that works up fast and feels soft. Each stitch is taller than a single crochet, so your project grows quickly.
This stitch also makes small gaps between stitches. These gaps let the fabric breathe and add a bit of texture.
You can mix double crochet with other stitches to make patterns like shells or granny squares. It’s a favorite because it’s firm enough to hold shape but still flexible.
Once you get the hang of yarn over, insert, pull through, and finish, it becomes one of the easiest and most useful stitches around.
Double Crochet vs. Single Crochet
The biggest difference between double and single crochet is the height. Double crochet is about twice as tall, so you need fewer rows for the same length.
This saves time and gives your projects a looser, more open look. Here’s a quick comparison:
|
Stitch Type |
Height |
Texture |
Speed |
Common Uses |
|
Single Crochet |
Short |
Dense |
Slower |
Dishcloths, amigurumi |
|
Double Crochet |
Tall |
Airy |
Faster |
Blankets, garments, shawls |
Single crochet makes a tighter, sturdier fabric. Double crochet gives you more flow and flexibility.
You can also mix both stitches in one piece for contrast and texture. That’s where things start to get really interesting.
Learn from Crochet Materials and Supplies Every Crocheters Should Have to ensure you have everything ready for your project.
Materials and Tools Needed
To start double crocheting, you just need a few basic things. The right yarn, hook, and some simple tools help you work comfortably and keep your stitches even.
Choosing the Right Yarn
Pick yarn that fits your skill and project. Most beginners like medium or worsted weight yarn (category 4) because it’s thick enough to see your stitches.
Go for smooth, light-colored yarn when you’re learning. Dark or fuzzy yarns can hide your stitches and make things tricky.
Acrylic yarn is great for practice since it’s cheap, soft, and easy to pull out if you mess up. Check the yarn label for fiber type, weight, and recommended hook size.
Matching these details helps your stitches look even and your project come out neat.
Selecting a Crochet Hook
Pick a hook that matches your yarn. For worsted weight, a 5 mm (H-8) hook usually works well.
The hook size changes how tight or loose your stitches are. Hooks come in aluminum, plastic, bamboo, or steel.
Aluminum hooks feel smooth and are great for beginners. Bamboo hooks grip the yarn more, which can help if your yarn slips.
Keep a few hook sizes nearby. If your stitches are too tight, grab a bigger hook. If they’re too loose, try a smaller one.
Additional Supplies
You’ll want a few extra tools to keep things tidy. A pair of scissors lets you trim yarn ends cleanly.
Use a tapestry needle to weave in loose ends when you finish. Stitch markers help you track the start or end of rows, especially in round projects.
A measuring tape keeps your project the right size. It’s handy to stash your supplies in a pouch or box so you’re not always hunting for them.
Keep your yarn tangle-free with the Electric Tricotin Machine Collection, ideal for consistent loops.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Double Crochet
Start by making a slip knot to secure your yarn. Then, build a foundation chain that sets your project’s width.
From there, you’ll learn the moves that make a double crochet stitch. You’ll also see how to finish a row neatly so your edges look clean.
Making a Slip Knot
Begin with a slip knot to attach your yarn to the hook. Wrap the yarn around your fingers to make a loop, then pull a short piece of yarn through the loop with your hook.
Gently tighten the loop so it slides but isn’t too tight. The hook needs to move freely.
The slip knot anchors your stitches. It’s usually the first step in any crochet project.
If the knot feels stiff or weird, adjust the tension by pulling the yarn lightly. Practice until the loop feels comfy in your hand.
Creating a Foundation Chain
With your hook in the slip knot, make a foundation chain. This chain sets the base for your piece.
- Yarn over (yo): Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front.
- Pull through the loop: Draw the yarn through the loop on your hook.
Repeat these steps until you have the number of chain stitches you need. Each chain looks like a little “V.”
Keep your tension even so the chain isn’t too tight or too loose. For a double crochet row, add three extra chains at the end—most patterns count these as your first dc stitch.
Executing the Double Crochet Stitch
To start your first double crochet stitch, yarn over once and put your hook into the fourth chain from the hook.
Step-by-step:
- Yarn over and put the hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over again and pull up a loop (you’ll have three loops on your hook).
- Yarn over and pull through two loops.
- Yarn over again and pull through the last two loops.
That’s one double crochet! Keep going across the chain, making one dc in each stitch.
Try to keep your movements steady. The yarn should glide, and your stitches should stand tall with even tops.
Finishing Your Row
At the end of the row, chain 2 or 3 (your pattern will say which) to bring the yarn up for the next row.
Turn your work so you can crochet back across. Put your hook into the top of each double crochet from the row before.
Always work into the top of the turning chain at the end of each row to keep your edges straight. If your stitches look uneven, check your tension and make sure each yarn over and pull-through is smooth.
With a bit of practice, your rows will line up neatly and look clean.
Add decorative details with the Clay Bead Kit Collection to personalize your crochet creations.
Turning and Building Rows
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When you’re working row by row, you need to turn your work and make a base for the next row. The way you build that base affects the height and shape of your project.
Little details like chain height and where you put your stitches help your rows stay neat.
Understanding the Turning Chain
A turning chain gives your next row the height it needs. For double crochet, you usually chain 2 or chain 3 at the start of each row.
The number of chains changes how tall the first stitch is. Some people like chain 2 for a tighter edge, others use chain 3 to match the stitch height.
Try both and see which looks better for your yarn and tension. After making the turning chain, turn your work so the back becomes the front.
Always turn the same way to avoid twisting your fabric.
|
Turning Chain |
Common Use |
Edge Appearance |
|
Chain 2 |
Shorter height |
Tighter, cleaner edge |
|
Chain 3 |
Standard height |
Slightly looser edge |
Counting Stitches in Rows
Counting your stitches keeps your project from slanting or shrinking. When you start a new row, decide if your turning chain counts as a stitch—most patterns will say.
If the chain counts, skip the first stitch and make your first double crochet in the next one. If it doesn’t count, crochet into the first stitch right away.
This little choice changes how your edges look. At the end of every row, count your stitches.
You can use a stitch marker on the turning chain to make counting easier. Keeping your stitch numbers steady helps your rows line up and your pattern look sharp.
Maintaining Straight Edges
Straight edges can really make your project look polished. Uneven sides usually happen when you miss or add stitches at the ends of rows.
Pay close attention to where you place your last double crochet. If your turning chain counts as a stitch, put the last double crochet into the top of the chain from the previous row.
If it doesn’t count, just put it in the final real stitch. That keeps the row edges lined up.
Try to keep your tension steady when making the turning chain. Loose chains stretch the edge, but tight ones pull it in.
Check your edges every few rows. That way, you’ll spot problems early and keep your fabric looking even.
Read our article, Crochet Blanket Sizes and How Much Yarn You Really Need, to plan your next double crochet masterpiece.
Advanced Double Crochet Techniques
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If you want to level up your crochet, try working in the round, shaping your fabric with increases and decreases, or playing with different stitch styles. These tricks help you make hats, doilies, and textured blankets that look a lot more finished.
Double Crochet in the Round
When you crochet in the round, you usually start with a magic circle instead of a chain ring. The magic circle lets you pull the center tight, which looks really tidy.
Join each round with a slip stitch to keep the seam straight. Some folks use a seamless join, pulling the working loop through the top of the first stitch to hide the seam.
Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds. It makes counting stitches and spotting mistakes way easier.
Projects like coasters, hats, and amigurumi bases often use this method. It builds outward from the center and keeps things even.
|
Tip |
Benefit |
|
Use a magic circle |
Closes the center hole neatly |
|
Mark the first stitch |
Keeps stitch count accurate |
|
Join seamlessly |
Reduces visible seam lines |
Increasing and Decreasing Stitches
To shape your work, you’ll need to increase or decrease double crochet stitches.
To increase, just make two double crochets in the same stitch. This spreads the row or round out evenly.
In circular projects, put increases at regular spots to keep the shape flat. For decreasing, yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch, pull through, then do the same in the next stitch before finishing all loops together.
This turns two stitches into one. You’ll use these moves when you shape sleeves, hats, or blanket corners.
Keep your yarn tension steady so your stitches stay even and you don’t get weird gaps.
Exploring Double Crochet Variations
Once you’re comfortable with the basic double crochet, mix in other stitches for texture and design.
A half double crochet (hdc) gives you a shorter, thicker fabric. A treble crochet (tr) is taller and drapes more.
If you combine these with double crochet, you can get stripes or raised effects. Try shell stitches too—they group several double crochets in one spot and make a scalloped edge, which looks great on borders.
Play around by changing up stitch types in rows or rounds. Even simple changes can really shift the look and feel of your project.
Final Thoughts
The double crochet stitch is one of the most popular and versatile crochet stitches. It creates a soft, open texture that’s perfect for blankets, scarves, and garments.
Once you learn how to yarn over, insert the hook, and pull through loops, you’ll find it quick and easy to work up larger projects. It’s a must-learn stitch for every crocheter.
Use Caydo crochet and knitting yarn for smooth, even double crochet stitches every time!
Explore Scrap Yarn Crochet Projects To Bust Your Stash for creative ways to use leftover yarn while practicing double crochet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a single crochet and a double crochet stitch?
A single crochet is shorter and feels denser. Double crochet is taller, makes a looser fabric, and you yarn over once before inserting the hook, so your project grows faster.
Can you share some tips for keeping my double crochet edges straight?
Count your stitches at the end of every row so you don’t add or skip any. Stitch markers help mark the first and last stitch of each row.
Keep your turning chains the same each time—three chains for a double crochet row usually keeps the edges even.
How do I change colors seamlessly when working in double crochet?
When you’re finishing the last yarn-over of the final stitch, use the new color. Pull it through both loops to finish the stitch.
Carry the yarn along the back or weave in the ends right away to keep things tidy.
What are the best types of yarn for creating a soft, drapey double crochet fabric?
Pick lightweight yarns made from cotton, bamboo, or acrylic blends for a nice drape. Softer fibers work best for shawls and clothes.
Wool or wool blends give more structure, which is great for blankets or scarves.
How can I fix a mistake I made a few rows back in my double crochet project?
Grab your crochet hook and carefully pull out stitches until you reach the mistake. Put your hook back in the last good stitch and start again.
If the error is small, sometimes you can use a yarn needle to fix loops instead of undoing whole rows. Not fun, but it happens to everyone!
What's the secret to making my double crochet stitches look even and professional?
Hold your yarn the same way every time to keep steady tension. Try to make each stitch the same height and pull your loops evenly.
When you finish, block your piece. Blocking can smooth out uneven stitches and make everything look neater.
