Crochet Double Stitch Tutorial for Beginners
Learn the double crochet stitch in under half an hour and start your first project today.
The double crochet stitch is the workhorse of crochet — it's the one you'll use in almost every pattern.
If you're new to crochet, the double crochet (dc) is the second stitch you should learn, right after the chain stitch. It's taller than a single crochet, so your project grows faster — great for blankets and scarves.
You'll see it written as 'dc' in patterns, and it's used in almost everything. Once you get the rhythm, you'll be able to make granny squares, hats, and even simple garments.
The double crochet is a tall, open stitch that works up quickly. You'll master it in about twenty minutes, and it's the basis for granny squares, blankets, and sweaters.
What you need
Worsted weight yarn (#4)
A light or medium color makes it easier to see your stitches. About 50 yards is plenty for practice.
5.5 mm (I/9) crochet hook
This size pairs well with worsted weight yarn. If you have a different yarn, check the label for a recommended hook size.
Scissors
Any scissors will do for cutting yarn.
Yarn needle
For weaving in ends when you finish a project. A blunt-tip needle works best.
What You Need to Start
For practicing, grab a medium-weight yarn (worsted weight, #4) and a 5.5 mm (I/9) hook. That combo is easy to see and handle.
You'll also need a pair of scissors and a yarn needle for weaving in ends later. That's it — no fancy tools required.
If your stitches are too tight, switch to a larger hook. If they're too loose, try a smaller one.
How to Make a Foundation Chain
Start with a slip knot, then chain 15 stitches. This gives you a good practice swatch.
Count your chains carefully — it's easy to miss the first or last one. A chain that looks like a 'V' is the front; you'll work into the top loop.
Don't count the loop on your hook as a chain.
The Double Crochet Stitch, Step by Step
Yarn over (wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front), insert the hook into the fourth chain from your hook. Yarn over again and pull through — you'll have three loops on your hook.
Yarn over and pull through two loops (two loops left). Yarn over and pull through the last two loops. That's one double crochet done.
Repeat across the row. At the end, chain 3 and turn your work — that chain 3 counts as your first double crochet of the next row.
Work into the top two loops of the stitch below, not just one, to keep your edges straight.
How to Know You're Doing It Right
Your fabric should look like a series of 'V's stacked on top of each other. The edges should be fairly straight, and the stitches should be uniform in height.
If your edges are curving inward, you're probably skipping the last stitch. If they're wavy, you're adding extra stitches. Count your stitches at the end of each row — you should have the same number as your starting chain minus one.
Use stitch markers on the first and last stitch of each row to keep track.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Skipping the turning chain: Remember that the chain 3 at the start of a row counts as the first stitch, so don't work into the stitch right below it.
Working into the wrong loop: If you accidentally work into only the front or back loop, your fabric will have ridges. Stick to both loops unless a pattern says otherwise.
Tension too tight: Your hook will get stuck, and the fabric will be stiff. Relax your grip, or use a larger hook.
Make It Your Own
Once you've got the basic double crochet, you can change the look with a few tweaks.
Try working into the back loop only for a ribbed texture, or alternate colors every row for stripes.
Step
Make a slip knot and foundation chain
Chain 15 stitches. Count carefully to make sure you have 15 loops on the chain, not counting the loop on the hook.
Yarn over and insert hook
Yarn over, then insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook. The skipped chains count as your first double crochet.
Complete the stitch
Yarn over and pull through the chain (three loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through two loops (two left). Yarn over and pull through both remaining loops. One double crochet made.
Work across the row
Repeat the stitch in each chain across. You should have 12 double crochets total (including the initial chain 3).
Start the next row
Chain 3 and turn your work. The chain 3 counts as the first stitch. Work a double crochet into the second stitch of the previous row, then continue across.
Finish and weave in ends
When you're done, cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the last loop and tighten. Use a yarn needle to weave in the ends.
Ways to change it
Use a chunky yarn
A bulky weight yarn and a 6.5 mm hook make a thicker, warmer fabric — great for a quick cowl.
Work in back loops only
This creates a ribbed texture that's perfect for cuffs or hat brims.
Try a different hook size
A smaller hook gives a denser fabric; a larger hook makes it looser and drapier. Experiment to find your preference.
Make a granny square
Once you're comfortable, you can join double crochet clusters in the round to make classic granny squares.
The short version
- The double crochet is a tall stitch that works up quickly and is used in countless patterns.
- You'll chain a foundation and then work into the fourth chain from the hook for the first stitch.
- The chain 3 at the start of a row counts as the first double crochet.
- Keep your tension even and count stitches to avoid wavy or curved edges.
- A medium weight yarn and a 5.5 mm hook are the easiest for beginners.
- Practice makes perfect — within a few rows, your stitches will look uniform.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between single crochet and double crochet?
A double crochet is taller than a single crochet. It uses an extra yarn over and pull-through step, making the fabric looser and more open.
How many chains do I need to skip for a double crochet?
You skip the first three chains, which count as the first double crochet. So you work into the fourth chain from the hook.
Why are my double crochet edges curving?
You're probably missing the last stitch of the row. Count your stitches at the end of each row — you should have the same number as your starting chain minus one.
Grab your hook and practice a few rows
You've got the double crochet down. Now grab your yarn and make a small swatch — it's the first step to any project you can dream up. Keep it quick and cute!
