Lesson #9
The double crochet stitch is the second most common crochet stitch. It consists of two single crochet stitches in height, but it is not quite as tight as the single crochet stitch. The double crochet is a beautiful stitch that looks great in blankets, hats, scarves, and sweaters.
The double crochet is abbreviated (dc) - This is important to know for pattern reading.
Scroll down to watch the video tutorial or scroll down even further to find detailed written instructions on how to double crochet.
In this lesson you will learn how to work the first two rows of the double crochet. After you learn these two rows you should be able to accomplish however many rows you like without any problems.
Double Crochet - First Row
Foundation Chain: To learn this stitch start by chaining 20, (ch 20).
Step 1: Yarn over the hook, (yo).
Step 2: Insert your hook into the 4th chain from your hook.
Tip: When you start a crochet project using a foundation chain, you will always want to place your first double crochet into the 4th chain from your hook.
Tip: Always enter your hook into the top loop of the chain unless the pattern you are following requires something different.
Step 3: Yarn over the hook, (yo).
Step 4: Pull or draw the yarn through the chain. There will now be 3 loops on your hook.
Step 5: Yarn over the hook, (yo).
Step 6: Pull the yarn through only the first 2 loops on your hook and not through the last loop. The first two loops will become part of the stitch leaving the newly created loop on the hook and the last loop that you didn't pull the yarn through. There will now be 2 loops on your hook.
Step 7: Yarn over the hook, (yo).
Step 8: Pull the yarn through the last 2 loops on your hook, and your first double crochet is now complete.
Now finish placing all of your double crochets
into the foundation chain!!
Double Crochet - Second Row
Step 1: Chain 3, and turn your work around, (ch 3,).
Tip: When double crocheting you will always want to chain 3 when moving up a row. Remember the chain 3 counts as your first double crochet and is also considered the turning chain.
Step 2: Yarn over the hook, (yo).
Step 3: Insert the hook into the second stitch, not the first stitch.
Tip: When double crocheting into your second row, and all of the rows that follow... you will always want to skip the first stitch and place your first double crochet into the second stitch. This is because the turning chain counts as your first double crochet.
Tip: The stitch that you will be working in is made up of two strands of yarn. The stitch looks like the letter 'V'... Stitch = V.
Step 4: Yarn over the hook, (yo).
Step 5: Pull or draw the yarn through the stitch. There will now be 3 loops on your hook.
Repeat steps 5 through 8 from the first row.
The only difference is that you will be crocheting into the double crochet stitch rather than the foundation chain.
Final Tip: When finishing your rows remember to work your last double crochet stitch into the turning chain.