What is double crochet?
Double crochet (abbreviated 'dc' in US patterns) is roughly twice as tall as single crochet and is the most widely-used stitch in beginner patterns beyond dishcloths. It's the default choice for blankets, scarves, shawls and anything you want to work up quickly.
Terminology warning: in UK patterns, 'double crochet' means something different — UK 'dc' is the same stitch as US 'sc' (single crochet). What US patterns call double crochet, UK patterns call treble crochet (tr). This tutorial uses US terminology. If you're working from a UK pattern, see our how to read a crochet pattern guide.
Double crochet is the base for many decorative stitches. Once you can work it confidently, shell stitch, bobble stitch, puff stitch and waffle stitch are all within reach.
What you'll need
A 5mm crochet hook (we use the Clover Amour; full kit breakdown on our crochet starter kit page), a ball of smooth DK yarn in a light or mid-tone colour, and scissors.
Prerequisite: comfort with chain stitch and single crochet. If single crochet still feels wobbly, practise it for another session before tackling double crochet — the 'yarn over before inserting the hook' rhythm is unfamiliar and lands easier once sc is automatic.
How to double crochet — step by step
Step 1. Make a foundation chain of 15–20 stitches. Keep your tension moderate.
Step 2. Yarn over BEFORE inserting the hook. This is the move that distinguishes double crochet from single crochet — you already have 2 loops on the hook before you insert it anywhere.
Step 3. Insert the hook into the FOURTH chain from the hook. (The first three chains form the 'turning chain' and count as your first double crochet — so you skip them.)
Step 4. Yarn over. Pull up a loop through the chain. You now have 3 loops on your hook.
Step 5. Yarn over. Pull through the FIRST 2 loops only. You have 2 loops left on the hook.
Step 6. Yarn over again. Pull through the LAST 2 loops. You have 1 loop left on the hook. That's one double crochet.
Step 7. For the next stitch: yarn over, insert the hook into the next chain, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through the last 2 (1 loop on hook).
Step 8. Continue across the row, working one double crochet into each chain.
Step 9. At the end of the row: chain 3. Turn your work. The chain 3 counts as the first double crochet of the next row — so you skip the first actual stitch.
Step 10. Work double crochet into each stitch across the next row. At the end, the last double crochet goes into the TOP of the turning chain from the previous row (the chain-3 you made at the end of the last row).
The 'pull through 2, then 2 more' rhythm is the key. Once that clicks, double crochet becomes automatic within a few rows.
Common double crochet mistakes (and quick fixes)
Forgetting the initial yarn over. Beginners sometimes treat double crochet like single crochet and skip the yarn-over-before-inserting. The result is a single crochet in disguise. Fix: say 'yarn over first' out loud for your first few rows.
Mis-counting the turning chain. The chain-3 at the start of a new row COUNTS as the first double crochet. That means you skip the first actual stitch of the row. Working into it adds an extra stitch, making your piece wider each row.
Forgetting to work into the top of the turning chain at the end of a row. At the end of each row, your last double crochet should go into the top of the chain-3 from the previous row. Skipping it makes your piece narrower each row.
Tension too tight on the 'pull through 2' steps. Your stitches come out squeezed and short. Fix: ease up on the 'pull through' motion. The yarn should flow, not strain.
Three projects where double crochet shines
A crochet scarf. The simplest double-crochet project. Chain 30–40 stitches, work double crochet rows until the scarf is the length you want, finish off. 4–6 hours of work for a chunky-yarn scarf. More guidance in our how to crochet a scarf tutorial.
A granny square blanket. Granny squares are almost entirely double crochet. Once you can make a single granny square, joining dozens into a blanket is just repetition. Our how to crochet a granny square tutorial walks through the classic pattern.
A simple throw blanket. For a beginner's first blanket, rows and rows of double crochet in a chunky yarn produces a warm, textured piece in 15–25 hours. Our how to crochet a blanket guide covers sizing and yarn requirements.
What to learn after double crochet
Once double crochet is automatic, you can branch into: half-double crochet (in between in height, drapes nicely), treble crochet (taller, used for shawls and lace), and decorative stitches that build on double crochet — shell stitch, bobble stitch, puff stitch and waffle stitch.
Our basic crochet stitches for beginners guide covers all six foundational stitches in order.