How to Double Crochet
Ready to go beyond basic crochet? This easy guide will show you how to do a double crochet stitch. Double crochet is one of the essential basic crochet stitches. While you could crochet many projects without it, double crochet is a foundational stitch that most people learn almost as soon as they begin crocheting.
Learning to double crochet is essential if you want to work on most crochet patterns. You can use double crochet stitches on their own in rows and in the round. They're also helpful in creating common crochet stitch patterns, including the classic granny square and the popular v-stitch.
Work through this tutorial a few times to practice, and soon, you'll be double-crocheting like a pro!
Notes
This tutorial uses US crochet terminology. If you're following a pattern from the UK, this is called triple or treble crochet.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Crochet hook in size appropriate for yarn
Materials
- Yarn for practicing
Instructions
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Yarn Over
In most patterns, you start a row with a turning chain, which you see here under the hook. It usually counts as a stitch, and for double crochet, it consists of chain 3; the three chain stitches are about the same height as a double crochet stitch. Your pattern will tell you whether or not to count it.
With one loop on the hook, take the yarn over your crochet hook.
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Insert Your Crochet Hook
Insert your crochet hook into the stitch or space desired. If you're starting with a foundation chain, skip the three chains closest to the hook and insert the hook in the fourth chain. For a sample like this, insert the hook in the second stitch, not the one at the base of the turning chain.
With your hook in the stitch, take the yarn over the crochet hook again.
As you wrap the yarn over, it's like wrapping the yarn over before you inserted the hook. The difference is that there's more yarn on your hook, so it's a little more difficult to maneuver. You'll soon get the hang of the motion.
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Draw Through a Loop
Pull or "draw" the last yarn over through the point where you inserted the hook—three loops on the hook.
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Yarn Over, Draw Yarn Through 2 Loops
Yarn over your hook again and draw it through the two loops closest to the end of the hook—two loops on the hook.
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Yarn Over, Draw Through Last 2 Loops
Yarn over the hook again and draw it through the remaining loops on the hook—one loop on the hook, one double crochet stitch made.
Here, you can see the turning chain to the right of the double crochet stitch you made.
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Finish the Rest of the Row
The best way to practice the double crochet stitch is by working rows and rows of double crochet stitches.
Repeat the steps above for each stitch of the row: yarn over and insert; yarn over and draw through the fabric; yarn over and draw through two loops; yarn over and draw through the last two loops. As you make stitches, you should start to notice a rhythm to them. In fact, the steps almost blend together so that hooking the yarn over and pulling it through the loops becomes a single motion.
At the end of the row, work into the top of the turning chain of the previous row, turn the work, and chain 3 to begin another row. The more you practice this stitch, the easier it gets. Your stitches will start to look even and will work up faster.