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The singles and doubles stitch is exactly what the name says: one row of single crochet, one row of double crochet, repeated. The short sc rows and tall dc rows make a fabric with clear horizontal stripes of texture, like ridges, with a bit more drape than plain sc and more body than plain dc.
It's a good stitch when you want something that looks deliberate without a complicated repeat. From a distance it reads as stripes; up close it reads as neat rows.
It's rated intermediate only because of the turning chains. The ch 3 that starts each dc row counts as a stitch and the ch 1 that starts each sc row counts as a stitch too, so the stitch count depends on skipping the first stitch each time. Get that right and the rest is beginner work.
Watch: Singles and Doubles Stitch Video Tutorial
Watch how each row begins: the turning chain, the skipped first stitch, and where the last stitch of the row lands so the edges stay straight.
What You Need
Worsted weight yarn with a 4.5mm (US 7) hook matches the swatch. A smooth, light-colored yarn makes it easy to tell the sc rows from the dc rows while you learn to count them.
Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain; sc = single crochet; dc = double crochet; sk = skip; TC = turning chain; st = stitch.
Stitch multiple: any number of stitches plus 1 chain for the foundation. The swatch chains 25 for 24 stitches. See 70 crochet abbreviations and definitions for anything unfamiliar.
Singles and Doubles Stitch Written Pattern
Size: 6"x6"
Gauge: 4x4 in DC = 11 sts x 8 rows
Yarn: 17g of DGY worsted weight recycled silk
Crochet Hook Size: 4.5mm
Abbreviations: CH - Chain; DC - Double Crochet; SC - Single Crochet; SK - Skip a Stitch; TC - Turning Chain; ST - stitch
CH 25
Row 1: Working into the 2nd CH from hook, SC. SC in each stitch across. Turn.
Row 2: CH 3 (counts as 1 DC), sk 1st st, DC in each st across ending in TC. Turn.
Row 3: CH 1 (counts as SC), sk 1st st, SC in each across. Turn.
Rows 4-16: Repeat Rows 2-3.
Weave in ends.
Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works
- Chain 25. Single crochet into the second chain from the hook and into every chain after it. That gives you 24 sc. Turn.
- Chain 3. This counts as your first dc, so skip the first sc and work a dc into each remaining stitch. When you reach the end of a row that started with a turning chain, work the last dc into the top of that chain so the edge stays even.
- Turn and chain 1. In this pattern the ch 1 counts as a sc, so skip the first stitch and sc into each stitch across, including the top of the ch 3 from the row below.
- Keep alternating: a dc row, then a sc row. Each dc row is twice the height of the sc row, which is what makes the ridged stripe.
- Count your stitches at the end of every row. You should have 24 each time, counting the turning chain as one.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- The edges go wavy when you forget to work into the turning chain at the end of a row, or when you work into the first stitch after the turning chain instead of skipping it. Both change your count by one.
- The fabric looks nearly the same on both sides. If you need a right side for seaming, mark Row 1 with a stitch marker or a scrap of yarn.
- Match the tension of your sc rows to your dc rows. Tight sc rows pull the piece in and make the edges scallop.
- Row 1 of sc is a good foundation for a dc stitch because it's tighter than a bare chain and doesn't stretch out.
- Yarn use averages between plain sc and plain dc. For a planned project, estimate with your dc numbers and add about a tenth.
What to Make With the Singles and Doubles Stitch
This is a dependable blanket stitch in worsted weight, since the rows stay flat and the stripe hides uneven tension. It also makes a quick scarf in bulky weight, a dishcloth in cotton, or a simple beanie worked flat and seamed. For a first larger project, how to crochet a blanket walks through chain length and yarn amounts for a stitch like this.
Related Stitches
- Single Crochet Stitch — half of this pattern, on its own.
- Double Crochet Stitch — the other half.
- Lemon Peel Stitch — sc and dc alternated within the row instead of by row.
- Browse every crochet stitch tutorial
Yarn for This Stitch
The swatch is worsted weight recycled silk, and a worsted weight yarn gives the stripes a clear ridge. For a cooler-weather wrap with more drape, try DK weight on a slightly larger hook. Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn, hand-dyed by artisans in India, works well for a finer scarf in this stitch.
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.
Singles and Doubles Stitch FAQ
Is the singles and doubles stitch reversible?
Yes, for most purposes. Both faces show the same alternating rows, with small differences in how the dc tops sit.
Does it curl?
No. The sc rows anchor the dc rows and the fabric lies flat without a border.
Why is it called intermediate if it's only sc and dc?
Because of the counting. Each row's turning chain counts as a stitch, and the pattern depends on skipping the first stitch and working into the chain at the end. Once that habit is set, it's an easy stitch.
