It is time to learn your second crochet stitch: the double crochet!
By now you probably have a pretty good handle of how to make slipknots and chains as well as single crochet stitches. Even if you haven’t perfected your techniques, as long as you have the jist of it, you are ready to move on to this next stitch.
The double crochet is referred to as a “DC” in US patterns. In UK patterns, you will see it called a Treble Stitch, or a TS. The pattern you are using should state whether US or UK terms are being used.
I have set out both written and pictorial instructions for learning the double crochet here. If you prefer a demonstration, you can check out the video below.
Materials
You can use any yarn you wish for this tutorial. However, I recommend using a worsted weight, acrylic yarn and an H 5.00mm or I 5.5mm hook. You can see my other suggestions for choosing yarn set out in my previous post, How to Single Crochet.
You may also find it helpful to use a stitch marker to mark the last stitch in your rows. This stitch can sometimes be a bit difficult to find. Therefore, using a stitch marker will help you locate it and ensure that you keep your proper stitch counts.
Turning Chains for Double Crochet
If you are not sure what a turning chain is, please refer to my post on single crochets.
Most times you will see that 3 turning chains are used for double crochets. However, I prefer to use 2 turning chains when I am working in rows. This is because it leaves a smaller gap at the end of my rows and that is the look I prefer. I use 2 turning chains in this tutorial, however, feel free to use 3 if you feel more comfortable doing so.
Just a note that I do use 3 turning chains when they are to be counted as a stitch, such as in granny square patterns. The pattern you are using will set out whether you should be counting your turning chains as a stitch or not. We will not be counting our chains as stitches in this tutorial.
As you get more comfortable with crocheting, you will develop preferences and techniques for your own work.
Double Crochet Row 1
Foundation Chain
Make as many chains as you would like for this practice sample. I made 10 here, but feel free to make more. Be sure to remember how many chains you have made so you know you have made the proper amount of stitches when you finish your row.
Once you have your chain, we will make 2 more turning chains. In my example, I made 10 chains and then added 2 turning chains for at total of 12 chains. As we will not be counting the turning chains as a stitch, you will have 10 double crochets at the end of your first row.
Hold your hook and yarn in the way that you prefer. For right-handed people, you will hold your hook in your right hand and your yarn in your left hand.
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Complete the Double Crochet Stitch
Yarn over. This means to wrap your yarn around your hook (Image 1).
Insert your hook into the third chain from your hook (Image 2). For this tutorial, I worked into the top strand of yarn of my chains. You can work into your chains in any manner you prefer.
Yarn over again (Image 3) and pull up a loop.
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You will now have 3 loops on your hook (Image 4.) Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook (Image 5).
You will now have two loops remaining on your hook (Image 6).
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Yarn over one more time (Image 7) and pull through the last two loops (Image 8). You are now done your first double crochet stitch (Image 9)!
Repeat these steps in each chain until you get to the end.
Congratulations, you have completed your first row of double crochets!
Be sure to count your stitches to make sure you have the proper amount. In my case, I made 10 chains to start and therefore my first row had 10 stitches.
Double Crochet Row 2
Now we will move on to our second row of double crochets.
Our first step is to turn our work (Image 10). Make 2 turning chains (Image 11).
Yarn over (Image 12).
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Next locate the first DC from your row below and find the “V” at the top of the stitch.
Yarn over. Then insert your hook under both strands of this “V” (Image 13) and pull up a loop.
Just as you did in Row 1, yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. Then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on your hook, finishing your double crochet (Image 14).
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Continue making DC’s in every stitch along. After you complete the last one, count your stitches and make sure you have the right amount. You now have two complete rows of double crochets (Image 15).
Repeat these instructions for as many rows as you wish.
Now you have at least two crochet stitches your arsenal. This means that you can now make some easy projects using single and double crochets or even a combination of both, such as this cute little pumpkin.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. You can also follow me on Pinterest.
Until next time, happy stitching!
