In this article, we’ll tell you how to double crochet, help you avoid some potential terminology confusion, explain the characteristics of double crocheted fabric, and conclude with some project inspiration that puts your new skill to good use.
Double crochet doesn’t require using two needles like knitting does, or anything else too complex, so put your mind at ease. In fact, double crochet is quite easy! It’s also an essential technique to learn for new crocheters but is still useful in advanced projects.
Table Of Contents
- What You’ll Need To Double Crochet
- Tangled-Up Terminology
- How To Double Crochet
- Double Crochet And Single Crochet Compared
- Beginner Double Crochet Projects
What You’ll Need To Double Crochet
Supplies
You only need the most basic set of supplies to begin learning how to double crochet. All that’s required is:
- A crochet hook
- Yarn (grab some from storage or find a color that speaks to you from our wide selection)
Skills
In terms of skills, we recommend checking out our beginner crochet tutorial before proceeding with this guide.
Our beginner tutorial will cover everything from getting started through single crochet and fastening off. These are all of the foundational skills you’ll need before learning how to double crochet.
Tangled-Up Terminology
If you’re new to crocheting, now is a good time to go over something that sometimes befuddles beginners: The crocheting terminology used in the US is different from the terms used in Britain and Australia.
Patterns for crochet projects usually use abbreviations for the various common crochet stitches. The double crochet stitch is typically abbreviated as “DC” or “dc.” However, depending on where you got your pattern from, that abbreviation might not mean what you think!
The US and UK mostly use the same terms, but use them to refer to different stitches. For example, what’s called a single crochet stitch in the US is considered a double crochet in the UK, and the US double crochet is called a “treble crochet” in the UK.
If you think this sounds confusing, you would be correct! It means you’ll want to pay close attention when reading crochet guides or using crochet patterns and possibly “translate” the terms.
To be clear, “double crochet” in this article is used in the American sense. But if you find yourself reading a guide that refers to yarn “colours” (with a U), there’s a good chance they’ll be using UK terms, so stay on your toes!
How To Double Crochet
The double crochet stitch is one of the most-used stitches in crocheting. Although it’s common in beginner projects, it remains helpful in more advanced patterns, too. So let’s learn how to do this easy, versatile stitch.
The double crochet stitch can be worked in rows, joined rounds, or continuous spiral rounds. It creates a tall, open fabric.
Start by making a turning chain. Because the double crochet stitch is roughly three chains tall, you’ll need three turning chains worked at the start of each row.
Now yarn over, which simply means wrapping the yarn around your hook from back to front.
Next, insert the hook into the stitch or space you want to start. In most patterns, this will be the fourth stitch, skipping the first three stitches of the foundation chain.
Now yarn over again, taking your yarn over the crochet hook. There will be more yarn on your hook now, so it may be slightly trickier than before, but practice makes perfect.
Next, draw the yarn over through the point where you inserted the hook. At this point, you will have three loops on the hook.
Yarn over again and draw the yarn through the two loops closest to the end of the hook. There will now be two loops on the hook.
Yarn over once more and draw it through the two loops that are still on the hook. Now you have one double crochet stitch complete and one loop left on the hook. To continue, yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch, and repeat the process.
Congratulations! You now know how to double crochet.
Don’t worry if it doesn't “click” immediately. Start over and go slow, making sure you understand what the yarn and hook are doing at each step of the process. It will quickly become second nature.
Double Crochet And Single Crochet Compared
Obviously, there is a difference in the technique used between single crochet and double crochet. But what practical impact does it have on the finished project? There is a distinct difference in the feel of the finished fabric when using double crochet versus single crochet.
Double crochet results in a looser, almost mesh-like fabric, with more stretch and bigger gaps between stitches. On the other hand, single crochet creates a tighter and neater, but stiffer, fabric.
This means, in general, single crochet might be a better choice for smaller projects or projects that need to be stronger and maintain their shape, but double crochet is a good go-to for projects that need to be soft and stretchy.
Beginner Double Crochet Projects
Now that you’ve learned the technique of double crochet, it’s time to put your skills to use and practice by making something fun!
As we’ve mentioned, the double crochet stitch is used in many beginner crochet patterns, so you may already have your eye on a project to try. But if you’re in need of inspiration, here are three fun and easy projects that use the double crochet stitch.
Blanket
It doesn’t get much simpler than a blanket, but a blanket is always useful, and a throw blanket is a great way to add some cute color to a space even when you aren’t snuggled up. Pick your favorite hue (or two, or three) from our huge selection and get cozy.
Watch this video from Bag-O-Day Crochet on YouTube.
Beanie
This crochet beanie is a laid-back style statement and makes a nice gift. Everyone likes getting something handmade! They don’t have to know it only takes about 30 minutes to make, though.
Watch this instruction video from Sigoni Macaroni on YouTube.
Shawl
Winter will be here before you know it, and that makes this crochet triangle shawl another easy and appealing gift project. The recipient will stay a little warmer knowing you thought of them.
The tutorial comes to us from Tonya Bush on YouTube.
Need more ideas and more motivation to keep expanding your crochet skills?
We’ve got you covered!
Check out our tutorial on making a romantic heart-shaped crochet bookmark, and our article on 35 quick and easy things to crochet for beginners.
Double Down On Your Crochet Obsession With GANXXET
Now that you know how to double crochet, you have the skills you need for lots of fun, confidence-building projects, and this beginner technique will remain a staple through a lifetime of crochet crafting.
GANXXET is here to help you get more and more wrapped up in your crochet hobby with a huge selection of yarn in materials like wool, vegan wool, bamboo, raffia paper, and more.
If you’ve mastered the double crochet stitch and you’re ready to expand your skills, keep an eye out on the GANXXET blog for more tutorials and fun project guides in the future. Happy making!
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