How to Crochet: Double Crochet Stitches (dc)
By Rachel Choi – 89 Comments| Double crochets are like the long version of single crochets! If you are just beginning to learn how to crochet and have not learned single crochets yet, I would suggest learning how to crochet single crochets first. After that double crochets will be a piece of cake!
In a nut shell, here what you have to do: Yo, insert hook into stitch, yo, draw through 1 lp, yo, draw through 2 lps on hook, yo, draw through final 2 lps on hook |
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If that doesn’t makes sense that’s okay! Here is a picture tutorial of what to do. This tutorial is for both right and left handed people. For left handed pictures, roll your mouse over the image and it will change for you.
First I’m going to start out with a small swatch. Just use a piece of work you want to practice your double crochets on. You can even start out with a chain as long as you desire. Note that when you make a new row of double crochets you must chain 3 before starting your double crochets. This ensures that the beginning of your row will be the same height as the rest of your row.
Step 1: Yarn over (wrap the yarn around your hook)
Step 2: Insert your hook into the stitch you want to make your double crochet in.
Step 3: Yarn over (wrap the yarn around your hook)
Step 4: Pull the strand of yarn through 1 loop on your hook. You should now have 3 loops on your hook.
Step 5: Yarn over (wrap the yarn around your hook)
Step 6: Pull the strand of yarn through 2 loops on your hook. You should now have 2 loops on your hook.
Step 7: Yarn over (wrap the yarn around your hook)
Step 8: Pull the strand of yarn through 2 loops on your hook. You should now have 1 loop on your hook.
Congrats! You just complete one double crochet stitch! To make more stitches repeat steps 1 – 8. The picture at the top of this page shows you what a few rows of double crochet look like.
If you need more help, just let me know by leaving a comment and I’ll be glad to help!
I am fairly new at crocheting. I am trying to crochet a baby blanket. It is a found on many balls of yarn and online as a free pattern. It is the Pound of Love Hooded Baby Afghan. I am afraid I many not understand the instructions correctly. I hope you can answer the following questions:
Instruction: Row 1: 2dc in 3rd ch from hook.
Question: Does this mean a dc in the 3 ch from hook? Afterall, I cannot find how to do “2” dc’s in one stitch.
Instruction: skip 2 ch, 1 sc and 2 dc in next ch
Question: do I skip 2 chains “after” the dc and then sc followed by another dc? (2 dc is really confusing me. I don’t know why it would not be written 1 dc, unless there is some way to make 2 dc in one stitch)
Thank you so much for your help
Sincerely,
JoDene
Hey there JoDene!
For your first question, you are suppose to do 2 dc in the 3rd chain from your hook, not just 1. To do that you do 1 dc as you normally would into the chain. Then make another dc in that same chain, by making a dc as you normally would but insert your hook into the same chain as your first dc (not the next chain).
For the second question, you skip 2 chains first, then make your 1 single crochet and 2 double crochets.
If you’re still confused, let me know and I’ll try to explain it again 🙂
After you finish one dc you make another one in the same space, hence two double crochets.
Yes, you can do that, but you don’t always have to. Sometimes patterns will tell you to make multiple stitches into the same space.
[…] crochet stitches are very similar to double crochet stitches. The photo to the right shows a small swatch of treble stitches. They are longer than double […]
I have been knitting for 4-5 years and am very new to crochet. I know how to do basic stitches but I am stumped! I am trying to skip 2 dc…I have been working in the round on an afghan. Is that enough info in order to *help!!!* ? lol 🙂
Thanks! Great site! Love your tutorials.
Carmen
Hey Carmen!
To skip 2 dc, it means that you should skip the next 2 double crochets in your previous round and make the next stitch in the stitch after the 2 double crochets. Also in order to skip 2 double crochets there has to be double crochets on the previous round. I hope that helps some, but if you have a question, feel free to ask!
YEAH!!!!! I couldn’t get to my teacher (my best friend is teaching me) today, but knew I wanted to start working on the double stitch. This actually makes sense and I think it is sticking in my head. YEAH!!!!
When you get to the end of a row, where do you make the last dc to end the row
prior to doing the new chain 3 to begin the new row?? I get all the concepts and
working in the round works great for me, so there is something missing in my attempts
at doing even rows… My rows are not coming out even. I end up with big holes at the
ends along with some other undesirable outcome when I try other places to get things even.
It is clear there is something not quite right!
Thanks!
Hey JJ!
For double crochet lots of people say that you’re suppose to chain 3, then skip the first dc, then work your way to the end of the row and make your last dc in the ch-3 of the previous row.
But if you would like to start in the first dc and end in the last dc, I would ch 2 in the beginning instead of chaining 3, that’s what works for me 🙂
That works way better EXCEPT for the end of the chain prior to the first turn.
So, the last double in the first row is not quite right. I think this is a problem
with the chain twisting and not getting the correct spot for the last double on
the chain?
For the last double crochet in the row, you make it in the top chain of the chain 3. Let me know if that helps any.
For the ch-2 version, the last dc will go into the last chain if you are talking about the first row working on the chain. Crochet into the last chain is the same thing as crocheting in any of the other chains and should look the same. Every row after that your last dc will be in the last dc of the previous row.
For all except the first row, your modified double works very well and looks nice.
The problem is only on the first row right on the last double before the chain 2/turn.
So, I am using the chain two and into the first double on the subsequent rows.
This is working much better for me with the exception above. Thoughts?
Hi there,
I am quite new to crochet but have mastered the basics i think !! however, i am working a round pattern which has been easy till now… now i need to do the following..
(dc on dc) 3 times, 2 dc closed together on next 2dc (dc on dc) twice
I know how to do a dc but how do i close 2dc together the previous row has 6 dc for me to work this on, a point in the right direction would be so helpfull
Hey Tracie,
I think that the pattern is trying to tell you to do a double crochet decrease. Use the link to see the tutorial for it: How to Crochet: Double Crochet Decrease
[…] Front post can be done using many stitches, but for this tutorial we will focus on the popular double crochet stitch. You will need to know the basics of crocheting before attempting this tutorial. Visit the Crochet […]
At the beginning of a new row after the chain three the instructions say to do a double crochet in the same stitch. What stitch are they talking about?
Thanks in advance for your help.
The same stitch refers to the stitch that the chain 3 is sticking out of. It is the first stitch on that row.
Hi Rachel,
The pattern I’m using states :
2nd row: 1 dc in first dc – inc made. 1 dc in each dc to last dc. 2 dc in last dc – inc made. Ch 3. Turn.
Rep last row 2 (6-10-16) times more. 40 (64-96-120) dc.
Next row: Miss first dc. 1 dc in each of next 4 (7- 11-15) dc. 5 (8-12-16) dc. Ch 3. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked.
Next row: Miss first dc. 1 dc in next dc and each dc to end of row. Ch 3. Turn.
Rep last row 1 (3-5-5) time(s) more omitting turning ch at end of last row. Fasten off.
I’m fine until I get to the part that says ‘miss first dc’. Does it mean that I ch 3 turn and then skip the first dc of the new row? Or does it mean that I just skip the first dc without the additional chs.
If you could tell me any suggestions I’d be very grateful.
Thanks.
Hi Amy, it’s best if you can ask the designer of this pattern, since he/she is the one who wrote it and knows it the best. But i think that “miss first dc” means that you are suppose to skip the first dc after you do the ch 3.
[…] you are crocheting. There are different decrease for different stitches, such as single crochet, double crochet and treble crochet. This tutorial contains instructions for decreasing single crochet stitches. […]
Thanks Rachel! This tutorial really helped me a lot!
Hi rachel
so glad you had this on here! i am just learing crochet today and learnt the chain thanks to you! and then thought…. now what???? thank goodness you had instructions for the single crochet!
[…] made by working a number of stitches into a single space or stitch (this particular tutorial uses 5 double crochet stitches). The hook is then pulled out of the working loop and inserted into the top of the first stitch in […]
Just wanted to say this website is great – thanks for taking the time to answer so many questions, reading through these is answering a lot of mine!
[…] quick run-down of the steps in making the bobble stitch: The bobble starts the same as a double crochet stitch. The difference is that the last step that completes the dc stitch (yarn over, pull through two […]
HI-love your website and patterns. I am still new to crochet. Still sticking to basics. I want to make the all purpose mesh dishcloth. I’m not sure what to do. After completing the first row and on your way back across the next row, do you do the dc in the chain? or do you put the hook into the hole?? thanks, susan
Hi Susan! On the second row, you are going to make the double crochet into the double crochet you made on the previous row. You’re basically chaining 1, then skipping one chain stitch, then making your double crochet into the next double crochet. Let me know if you need more help.
Hello
I read your instructions here and i’m a bit confused because I learned how to crochet from this book. It’s kind of old i think it was published in the 80s. Anyway the instructions in there show that a treble crochet is what you’ve described as a double crochet here. And the instructions also describe what you’ve put as a treble crochet as a double treble crochet! It’s a bit strange because I don’t know which one is right but I think it depends which pattern you’re working on? All the patterns in the book seem to fit with what the instructions in there say.
Hi Keda, yes the name of stitches do vary. The biggest different is U.S. and U.K. abbreviations. Everything on this site is in U.S. Abbreviations. Here’s a table of the main difference: http://www.crochetspot.com/reading-vintage-and-uk-patterns/
Hey.
So I am working on making a tam, and the directions call for making 10 DC in the same stitch. I can do a double stitch just fine, but I am not sure how to do multiple in the same base chain stitch.
Thanks.
Anna
Hi Anna, each time you make your double crochet, you’re going to insert your hook into same chain (the chain where all the double crochets are going to be made in). When you’re done, it’ll make a small circle. Let me know if you need more help.
ohh ok. That makes sense. IN the next step is says to “Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Dc in same st. *2 dc in next st” Is the ch 3 the leftover tail from the beginning, or do I make 3 more chains?
Thank you so much for your quick responses and detailed help. 🙂
Anna
You would make 3 more chains to start this row.
Brilliant instructions. I’m much less confused now!!! Thanks Rachel!
hi. I’ve been crocheting for years now but only ever blankets and scarves. I’ve heard great things about your site and decided to come here to learn more. I’m instantly befuddled 🙁
The first pattern I’ve tried says to do double crochet stitches on the first row! I didnt think that was possible! I thought you had to have a base row to work with since the function of a double crochet stitch is dependent on having two loops of yarn to work with. Then you just do the double stitch through one of them and finish by pulling through both. How do you do this on the first row where you only have one loop of yarn? (if this makes no sense sorry, I dont know the how to talk yet I’m afraid)
Hi Emily, let me know which pattern you’re referring to so that I can help you better.
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-flower-pattern-rose/ this was the pattern I was trying.
Row 1: with pink, ch 51, (dc, ch 2, dc) in fifth ch from hook, was what confused me. If I’m understanding this correctly, I’m doing double stitches on the first row. Thank you so much for your help!!
Yes, you start out with the 51 chains, then you’re going to make your first double crochet into the fifth chain from your hook. So to make the double crochet you’ll insert your hook into the fifth ch from your hook to make the double crochet. Then you’ll chain 2, and make another double crochet into the same stitch you made the first double crochet (fifth chain from hook). Let me know if this makes sense or if you’re still confused I can try and explain it a bit more.
ohhhh ok. so I turn around after the 51 chains? cool.
Yes, you’re working into the 51 chains!
Confused on my directions…
Chaining so many now problem
I understand row one
Row two and three is my problem…
Row two: Chain 4, double crochet in first stitch (is that the same one where I chained 4), double crochet in next chain space, [chain one, skip next stitch, double crochet in next space]across, ending with double crochet in last stitch.
Row three: Chain 4, double crochet in first stitch (is this the same one where I chained 4), [chain one, skip next stitch, double crochet in next chain space] across to last two stitches, chain one, skip next stitch, double crochet in last stitch, turn.
Miska, yes I believe the first stitch is the same stitch that the ch 4 is sticking out of. But you can double check with the designer of the pattern if you can.
Meant to say chaining so many no problem!!
Hi, I’m trying to crochet a beanie, but I’m not sure how to start. The instructions I’m following start off:
Ch 2. 10 DC in second ch from hook. Join with a sl st to the first dc.
Ch 1. Work 2 dc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first dc.(20 dc)
Could you tell me what it means and how long I should make the starting chain.
Hi Tiffany, here’s a post that may help – How to Read Crochet Patterns
See the second example, since it is similar to what you are asking.
Hi,
I have found this website really helpful, I had wanted to learn for a while and my Mum was going to help but she realised she has forgotten a lot of it. So I decided to use the net to help me and found this site and a few video tutorials very helpful.
I find that I seem to ‘puncture’ the wool I am using more when doing treble crochet (as it is called in the UK) as opposed to double crochet (US single). Is there anyway to avoid this apart from more practice?
I am using a 5mm hook and the wool is 3 ply (it was from a charity shop so I don’t know much about it). I really only started last night and have managed to make a small scarf for a teddy bear in double crochet and the fast flower book mark so far.
Sorry for using the UK terms but I have a book in front of me in UK terms and it is possible to convert the patterns off the net by putting them in to Word and replacing the terms.
Asprin
Hi Asprin, practice is the key factor. But you can also try crocheting slower or with a larger crochet hook. Good luck with it!
I thought practice might well be the main thing, but I will see if anywhere near has a larger hook.
Hey Rachel,
I’m confused. I already know how to crochet and I learned the double crochet differently. My single crochet is also different… I do the double crochet like this: Yo, insert hook into stitch, yo, pull through two loops, yo, pull through two loops. Is that basically the same thing? I’m doing one of you patterns and I just wanted to make sure it will turn out the same way yours did. It’ll probably work anyways, but will it look differently?
Lea, it sounds like your double crochet is my single crochet. All the patterns and tutorials on this site are written in U.S. terms and abbreviations. It seems like you learned the stitches with the UK names. There is a conversion table that you can look at to see the differences in stitch names, here’s a post that has it: Reading Vintage and UK patterns
That sounds like the way I do a half-double crochet: yarn over hook, insert hook into stitch, yarn over hook, pull yarn through stitch and first loop on hook, yarn over hook, pull yarn through remaining two stitches on hook. Might your double crochet be a half-double (assuming I’m doing the half-double correctly ;D )?
No, it’s not your single crotchet either. That’d be: Insert hook, yo, pull through first loop, yo, pull through both loops. But mine is: Yo, insert hook, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 remainung loops.
No, it’s not your single crotchet either. That’d be: Insert hook, yo, pull through first loop, yo, pull through both loops. But mine is: Yo, insert hook, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 remainung loops.
Sorry, accidentally posted that under How to crotchet… :-/
Hmmm maybe the stitch you learned is a variation of the single crochet? The stitch tutorials on this site are the standard stitches, so feel free to use these tutorials to learn the stitches.
Lea, Rachel, it does look like you’re both doing the same thing, maybe just worded differently.
Hi. Great tutorial!
My problem is ending one row, chaining then starting the new row….My crochet is alreadys crooked…Any suggestions?
Okay, I am such a newbie on this. To do a double do you start from single crochets?
Hi Mariah, the photos in this tutorial will show you how to do a double crochet stitch. The single crochet stitch is a separate stitch. You don’t need the single crochet stitch in order to make the double crochet stitch. They are 2 separate stitches, although similar.
I was wondering if you could help.
A crochet pattern for a baby jacket
It says Rows 5 and 6: Work dc above dc.
i am not sure what the dc above dc means???
Appreciate and help.
Thanks
Hi Betty, I’m not exactly sure what it means either. Maybe you can try to contact the designer of the pattern you are using. My guess is that it means to make a double crochet into the top of a double crochet you already made.
Rachel
Thanks for your prompt comment.
It is a SandnesGarn pattern and maybe it
is the translation. I did dc as you say.
European crochet language is sometimes
a little different. I shall continue as before.
I am sure it will turn out okay.
I am working on the Arrowhead Pullover, from old volumn #31, Hooked on Crochet. I am having problems with row 2 of the Lattice Pattern. It reads:
DC in each of the next 2 dc, skip next tr bp, tr fp around next tr bp, tr fp around skipped tr bp, dc in next 4 dc, (skip next 2 tr bp, tr fp around each of next 2 tr bp, tr fp around of 2 skipped tr bp, dc in next 4 dc) 3 times, skip next tr bp, tr fp around next tr bp, tr fp around skipped tr bp, dc in each of next 2 dc.
My question is what is the difference between “Dc in each of the next 2 dc” and “dc in next 4 dc” other than the amount of dc. The wording “each of the next” is what that is confusing to me.
What is the difference between dc in each of the next 2 dc and dc in next 4 dc, other that the number of dc. The wording “in each of the next” is confusing to me.
Hi Brenda, they mean the same thing.
Hi! I’m crocheting a beanie and in the pattern it says *DC in next 2 sts, 2 DCs in next st*
I’m not good at reading patterns, and I don’t know what this means.
Hi Shania, here’s a post that might help you: How to Read Crochet Patterns
Example #3 in that post is very similar to the instructions you’re asking about.
but what do I do in the other stitches… do I skip over two and do a dc.. or do I do a sl st in between or a sc….? That’s what I’m confused on..and thanks for the quick reply 😀
Hey! I’m gonna try to help here. You dc in one stitch, dc in the very next stitch, and then dc, and another dc in the next stitch.
Hi Rachel, i wonder if you could help me. I purchased a kit from a firm called Boodles.
They do different crochet designs made with recycled material. The yarn is very thick & you have to use a thick hook (10mm). I am doing a basket bag at the moment, but at the beginning it says begin with Ch2, then on Rnd 1: 8dc in 2nd ch from hook. I think this is alot of stitches to put into 1 stitch. Can you try it & tell me if i am right. I am new to crochet..so would be greatful of any help.
Thank you
Glynis
Hi Glynis, 8 double crochets isn’t a lot. Some projects require even more!
I have started making my first afghan blanket and I am very confused I made my chain I counted 103 of them and then I started to make double stitch up the blanket and I thought that I was doing really good until I looked at the blanket and first the sides do not look even and second the bottom of the blanket looks like it is turn the blanket into a circle and third the top of the blanket is looking a little loopy please help I have no idea how to make it better
Hi Jade, there are some tips in this post that might help: 7 Tips to Establish Consistency in Crochet
hey im new to crocheting, and im working on this project that has me a bit confused.
“Row 3: ch 2 loosely and turn. Dc the next dc and in each dc across.”
im not sure how or what im suppose to do here, and i havent been able to find an awnser anywere. that pattern is for a poncho. ive got as far as the chaining 2 and turning …but i dont understand the dc the next dc. any help here would be a massive help.
Hi Jaci, it sounds like the pattern wants you to dc in each dc across the row. The “dc the next dc” is probably there is make sure you don’t accidentally skip the first dc.
I am new to crocheting and I’m trying to make an aviator hat for a baby. I’m confused with some of the instructions.. It says “chain 3, dc in same ch st, dc, continue ( 2 dc in same st,dc) 11 times, dc in as, join.”
Do I do the first dc in the 3rd chain st? And then in the next stitch just one and then start the 2 in same, 1 in next etc?
Thanks in advance
Hello,
The “dc in same ch st” seems to be referring to the same stitch that the chain 3 is sticking out of. So you’ll be making your first double crochet into the very first stitch, where the chain 3 looks like it is in. Then you’ll make 2 dc in the next st. Then 1 double crochet in the next stitch.
The pattern you are working with doesn’t seem like it one that is on this website (by the way it is written). So you can also double check the writing by contacting the designer of the pattern if you’d like.
Thank you
What does join with si st in fi rst sc
what does join with sl st in fi rst sc
Hi Barbara, join with sl st in first sc means to make a slip stitch into the first single crochet you made on that row/round. The slip stitch create a join, joining the end of the row/round to the beginning.
Just found out I’ve been TREBLE crocheting for all my double crochet stitches in my latest project!! Wahhhhhhh
Yikes! I’ve read and read – your blue articles from baby beginner thru ALOT of other stuff. Ive got my yarn (actually 3different yarns, different thicknesses, and 3different hooks J/K/N).
What I WANT to do is cover my iPhone headset. I thought doing a tiny tube would be easy, (and then I planned to put decorative balls/bubbles in different sizes scattered along the tube, not too many, just enough to add some interest – cute?) -WRONG!
Well, yes, I still think the idea is cute, but execution has taken me down many roads.
My most successful was to make a LONG chain the length of the headset, and then close the chain around the wire on the other side using (not sure what exact stitch is called) but just simple chain, back and forth like I did to make the initial chain.
I’ve got the tail and one leg of the Y almost done, but honestly its not very attractive.
I started reading about your single row circular tube as well as the double chain, which obviously will move much faster, but I don’t think I have the skill to teach myself that quite yet.
My other problem is the your single row tube has something like 12or 15 stitches to start with, and I figure I’m going to need about 4 using the yarn I’m currently using! I’m almost scared to start…. Maybe use the smallest gauge yarn I’ve got (don’t know the right words to tell you, but package says 3.5oz 270yds medium4 6mm J-10) and experiment with the hooks?
Are 4 or maybe 5 stitches too small to attempt the round single row tube?? I’ve worked hard learning enough to do this baby level thing I’ve described above but, as I said, it’s not very attractive. I’ve torn out hundreds maybe thousands (ha!) of stitches today trying to, first figure this out on my own, then more recently, researching sites such as yours.
Any comments appreciated, especially if your single row tube is appropriate for about 4or 5stitches around.
Thank you,
PS I’m not a quitter.
You can adjust the number of stitches so that the tube is the size you want. Try working the tutorial as it’s written first so that you know how the tube is made. Then make a new tube using the actual size you want it to be. I have made tubes with as little as 3 stitches. Have fun with it!
Hi Rachel
I’m making my son a single chain blanket for his bed but it some how is bigger than when I started it’s almost doubled in length I did a chain of 128 to start but it seems like I did much more has it just stretched or what
Hi Jacqui,
Try counting the stitches on the last row you made. If it is the same as the number of stitches you started with it may just be stretching, but if the number of stitches is greater then you must have accidentally added stitches as you were crocheting.