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Double crochet (dc) is the tall, fast stitch behind most blankets, granny squares, and lacy scarves. Each stitch is about twice the height of a single crochet, so a row of dc covers ground quickly.
The fabric is open and drapey. Rows show as clear horizontal bands, and a little light comes through between the posts. That openness is what makes dc the usual choice when you want a project done this week.
It's a beginner stitch with one new habit: yarn over before inserting the hook, then finish in two pull-throughs instead of one. Once your hands know "pull through two, pull through two," the rest is repetition.
Watch: Double Crochet Video Tutorial
Watch the two separate pull-throughs that finish each stitch, and notice where the last stitch of each row goes so the edges stay straight.
What You Need
Yarn: worsted weight, as in the swatch. Dc stitches are tall, so a smooth, light-colored yarn makes it easy to see each post and count rows while you're learning.
Hook: 5.0mm (US H-8).
Abbreviations (US terms): CH = chain; DC = double crochet; YO = yarn over; st(s) = stitch(es). Note that in UK terms this same stitch is called a treble.
Stitch multiple: any number of stitches, plus 2 extra chains for the first row. The swatch chains 22.
Double Crochet Written Pattern
Size: 6"x6"
Gauge: 4x4 = 14sts x 9 rows
Yarn: 15g or 23yds of DGY worsted weight recycled silk
Crochet Hook: 5.0mm
Abbreviations: CH- Chain; DC- Double Crochet
Pattern:
CH 22
Row 1: Working into third CH from hook DC. DC in all CH sts. Turn.
Row 2: CH 2, DC across. Turn.
Rows 3-12: Repeat row 2.
Notes: CH 2 at beginning of row counts as first DC.
Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works
- Yarn over. Wrap the yarn over the hook before you do anything else. Two loops on the hook.
- Insert the hook and pull up a loop. For Row 1, go into the third chain from the hook; the two chains you skipped stand in for the first stitch. On later rows, go under both top loops of the next stitch. Three loops on the hook.
- Yarn over, pull through two. Two loops remain. This is the halfway point, and it's where double crochet separates from half double crochet.
- Yarn over, pull through the last two. One loop left. The stitch stands up as a tall post with a yarn-over bump near the top.
- Turn and chain 2. In this pattern the chain 2 counts as the first dc, so skip the stitch at its base and work your next dc into the second stitch. At the end of every row, work the last dc into the top of the previous row's turning chain. Miss that one and the piece narrows by a stitch each row.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- The edges are the hard part, not the stitch. Nearly every wobbly dc swatch comes from skipping the turning chain at the end of the row or working two stitches into the base of the turning chain. Count after each row.
- Keep the yarn over snug. If the first wrap is loose, the finished stitch has a loopy bump at the top. Hold light tension on the yarn as you wrap.
- Don't pull up the first loop too tall. The height should come from the two pull-throughs, not from stretching the first loop. Tall first loops make a slanted, gappy post.
- Both sides look similar. Dc fabric is close to reversible. The side facing you on odd rows is usually treated as the right side; mark it if the pattern cares.
Double Crochet vs. Single Crochet
Single crochet has no yarn over at the start and finishes with one pull-through, which gives a short, tight stitch and a firm fabric. Double crochet adds the yarn over and a second pull-through, so each stitch is about twice as tall. The practical difference: dc rows go faster and drape more, sc rows are warmer and sturdier. The single crochet swatch needs 27 rows for 6 inches; this one needs 12.
What to Make With the Double Crochet Stitch
- Blankets: dc in worsted or bulky yarn is the classic quick blanket. See how to crochet a blanket for sizing and borders.
- Granny squares: every granny square is clusters of three dc worked into chain spaces.
- Scarves and wraps: dc in sport or DK weight silk gives a light, drapey fabric with visible texture.
Related Stitches
- Half Double Crochet — the shorter sibling with one pull-through instead of two.
- Treble Crochet — the next height up, with two yarn overs.
- Granny Stitch — groups of three dc, the basis of granny squares.
- Browse every crochet stitch tutorial
Yarn for This Stitch
For blankets, pick a worsted or bulky weight yarn. For scarves and wraps where the openness of dc is the point, a sport weight silk, hand-dyed by artisans in India, drapes well and shows the posts clearly.
If you'd like a new skein to practice on every month, Yarn of the Month sends three hand-dyed skeins with a knit and crochet pattern written for them, $29 a month plus shipping.
Double Crochet FAQ
Does the chain 2 count as a stitch in double crochet?
In this pattern, yes: the turning chain stands in for the first dc, so you skip the stitch at its base and work the last stitch of the next row into the top of it. Other patterns use a chain 3, or don't count the chain at all. Follow whatever the pattern you're using says.
Is double crochet the same as UK treble?
Yes. US double crochet is called treble crochet in UK patterns. This page uses US terms.
How much yarn does double crochet use?
Less than single crochet for the same area, because the fabric is more open. This 6-inch swatch used about 23 yards of worsted weight.
