Double Crochet (dc)

The double crochet (dc) stitch is one of the most popular and versatile crochet stitches, perfect for creating airy, textured fabrics that are both lightweight and sturdy. Whether you’re crocheting a blanket, scarf, or a sweater, the double crochet stitch will become one of your go-to techniques.

In this post, we’ll show you how to make a double crochet stitch, step by step, so you can add this essential stitch to your crochet toolkit!

Materials You’ll Need:

• Yarn: Choose your favorite yarn (medium-weight yarn is great for beginners).
• Crochet Hook: Select a hook that matches the size recommended for your yarn. A 5mm (H-8) hook is commonly used with medium-weight yarn.
• Scissors: To trim your yarn once you’re done.
• Yarn Needle (optional): For weaving in the ends later.

Step 1: Make a Slip Knot

Before you start crocheting, you’ll need to make a slip knot and place it on your hook.

1. Create a loop with your yarn.
2. Pull the tail of the yarn through the loop to form a knot.
3. Place the knot onto your hook and tighten it so it moves easily.

Step 2: Chain Stitch

To begin, make a foundation chain.

1. Yarn over (wrap the yarn around your hook from back to front).
2. Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook.
3. Repeat this process to make a chain of the desired length for your project.

Step 3: Yarn Over and Insert Your Hook

1. Yarn over once (wrap the yarn around the hook).
2. Insert your hook into the fourth chain from your hook. This is where the double crochet starts.

Step 4: Yarn Over and Pull Through

1. Yarn over again (wrap the yarn around the hook).
2. Pull the yarn through the chain, so you now have three loops on your hook.

Step 5: Complete the Double Crochet

1. Yarn over once more and pull through the first two loops on your hook. You should now have two loops remaining.
2. Yarn over one final time and pull through the last two loops on your hook. Congratulations, you’ve completed your double crochet stitch!

Step 6: Repeat the Process

To continue the row, repeat Step 3 through Step 5 until you reach the end of the row.

Step 7: Turn Your Work and Start a New Row

Once you finish a row of double crochet stitches, turn your work around so the other side is facing you. To begin a new row, chain 3 (this is the turning chain) and then repeat the double crochet stitches across the row.

Tips for Success:

• Keep Your Tension Consistent: Try to keep your tension even, so the stitches don’t become too tight or too loose.
• Count Your Stitches: Double crochet can be easy to lose track of, especially if you’re working on a large project. Always count your stitches to ensure your work stays even.
• Turning Chain: The turning chain of 3 counts as the first double crochet stitch in each new row. Keep that in mind when you start the next row.

When to Use Double Crochet:

The double crochet stitch is perfect for making airy, lightweight fabrics with a little more height and texture than single or half double crochet stitches. It’s especially great for blankets, shawls, scarves, and other projects where you want a looser, more flexible fabric.

Now that you know how to make a double crochet stitch, you can start using it to create gorgeous, textured pieces for your crochet projects!

Happy Crocheting!