How to double crochet

Let's get started with our stitches and learn how to make a double crochet stitch, which is know in the US as a single crochet stitch!

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Published: February 19, 2024 at 9:00 am

The double crochet stitch is arguably the most essential stitch in every crocheters repertoire – it's a stitch that is frequently used and forms a smooth, firm surface.

It's the first proper stitch that many people learn and we recommend that learning how to make a double crochet stitch is the first thing you should try once you know how to crochet chain stitch


What is double crochet used for?

Double crochet stitches are used in almost every crochet project at some point. Some projects such as amigurumi (soft toys made from crochet) are made almost exclusively from double crochet stitches, however they're used for many different purposes, from creating solid edges to achieving intricate colourwork designs.

The best part is that once you've mastered how to double crochet, every other stitch should come naturally as it's just a case of adding and taking away more loops in the stitch process!

double crochet shapes
Double crochet stitches can be worked in rows or in the round to create a variety of shapes.

What is single crochet?

It is a bit confusing, but what we call a double crochet stitch in UK terminology would be called a single crochet stitch in US terminology - so if you're looking for 'how to single crochet' then this is the same stitch. A UK double crochet stitch is made in exactly the same way as a US single crochet stitch!

In UK terms there is no single crochet stitch, so if you're ever unsure if a pattern is written in UK or US terms just remember that if you see SC or single crochet written anywhere then you know it has to be a US pattern. Similarly, if your pattern ever starts with a ch1 followed by a double crochet stitch, then you know you are almost certainly working from a UK pattern.

There are a few other stitches which have different names depending on the terminology you use, and you can find out more in our handy crochet abbreviations and conversions guide.

If you need any further help learning how to make a double crochet stitch, you can either watch our video tutorial below or check out our step-by-step picture guide below. If you’re completely new to crochet, you can find loads of helpful information and resources in our crochet guide for beginners!

How to double crochet

How to single crochet in US terms

You will need:

  • Yarn
  • Crochet hook

Step 1

To make a double crochet stitch, insert the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch on the previous row.

"How


Step 2

Wind the yarn around the hook (yrh).

"How


Step 3

Pull the yarn through the stitch, giving you two loops on your crochet hook.

"How


Step 4

Yarn round hook again, then pull the yarn through both loops. That’s your double crochet stitch complete and you’ll have one loop left on the hook, ready to do the next stitch.

"How


Now just keep working double crochet stitches across your row up to the last stitch. For the following rows, turn work and chain 1. This chain is the turning chain (t-ch) and for the double crochet stitch this DOES NOT count as the first dc of your next row.

When it comes to counting your stitches, this can be done in a similar way as counting your crochet chains – but it does depend on what stitches you are using. On shorter stitches such as double crochet stitches, your stitch will have a similar plait or V shape much like chains on the top of your stitch, so you can simply count these like you would with chains – just make sure you don’t count that ch1 turning chain!

How_to_count_stitches_double_crochet

 

Having trouble with your stitches?

Are your chains too tight to fit your hook into? Double crochet edges not straight? Seem to be missing a stitch? Don’t worry, just check out our handy crochet troubleshooting tips!


What stitch should I learn next?

Once you know how to make a double crochet stitch, you’ve already learnt many aspects that are used in a variety of other stitches. Many taller stitches are made in a very similar manner, just with a few extra steps in the stitch process. After you’ve mastered the double crochet stitch, we’d recommend moving on to the treble crochet stitch next.

Become a crochet stitch expert

Whether you’re looking to learn all of the basic crochet stitches, or fancy going pro with some more advanced techniques, you can find everything you need in the library of crochet stitches from Gathered.

library of crochet stitches

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