How To Master The Double Crochet Stitch
In-Depth Tutorial For Beginners

Do you want to learn the Double Crochet Stitch?

I'm assuming you already know how to start a crochet project with a slip knot, crocheting a chain, and working single crochet stitches into that chain. If you don't know how to do these yet, please refer to this post "How To Master the Single Crochet Stitch" before you continue with this one.

Once you've mastered your chain and single crochet stitches, it's time to start learning another basic stitch. This one is called the "Double Crochet Stitch". Let me show you how to work it up and answer a few questions you might have about it.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the Start Crochet links. Please see my disclosure for more details.

What Is A Double Crochet Stitch?

A double crochet stitch has the abbreviation (dc) in crochet patterns. 

The name "double crochet" is the American term, but the same stitch in UK terms is called the "treble crochet" stitch (tr).

Be sure to check your patterns before starting with your crochet project. Check whether the terms used are US or UK, because the same stitch is referred to with different names. You can download the cheat sheet below for reference.

A lot of beginner crocheters ask:

Where to insert hook in double crochet?

For the double crochet stitch, you insert your hook in exactly the same place as you would the single crochet stitch. 

If the pattern calls for a normal double crochet stitch without indicating whether you should insert your hook in the back loop or front loop only, then you insert your hook under both loops (v's) of the stitch.

Working in Rows

Before you can start to double crochet, you first have to make a series of Chain stitches (ch sts) to work into. That's if you are working in rows (as in in straight lines back and forth).

Working in Rounds

If you are working in rounds (as in a circle), you first have to create a circle to work your double crochet stitches into. You have the option of a Magic Circle, or you could simple chain 2, and pretend your second chain from the hook is a circle. You can then work your double crochet stitches into that first chain you started with. See below for another option.

Foundation Double Crochet

This is a more advanced technique, where you actually start your foundation row with a double crochet stitch. In this case you would not start with a row of chains first, but rather work your foundation chain and double crochet stitches all into the same row.

People like to use this technique because it creates a more stretchy elastic start to your project, which would be great for headbands, beanies or garment sleeves.

The foundation double crochet also prevents your crochet project from being too tight at the beginning of the project and curling as your progress.

Double crochet stitch in Magic Circle

Sometimes, you'll see a pattern asking you to do a number of double crochet (dc) stitches into a Magic Circle (MC). There are a few things we need to note here:

1. This means that you are crocheting a round project,
2. Usually, if you're crocheting a round of dc stitches, you start with 8, 10 or 12 stitches. See stitch count formula below.
3. If you haven't tried the Magic Circle (MC) yet, have a look at these 5 best video tutorials on how to crochet the Magic Circle.
4. If you can't figure out how to crochet the Magic Circle yet, don't worry! You're not alone! Many crocheters still struggle with this. But luckily there are alternatives:
   1. Chain 2, then work the number of indicated double crochet (dc) stitches into the second chain from your hook, or
   2. Chain 4, then join to the first chain you started with with a slip stitch to form a circle. Then you can chain 2 (which should count as a double crochet stitch) and continue to work the rest of the dc stitches into that little circle you created. So if the pattern calls for 10 dc stitches into the Magic Circle, then work a ch 2, then 9 dc stitches into the Magic Circle = 10 dc for this round.

What does a double crochet stitch look like?

A double crochet stitch is double the height of a single crochet stitch. When we speak of height, we speak of the height of the row or round you are working on which makes your project bigger as you continue to work it up. Watch this video to see how to work your Double Crochet Stitch.

What is double crochet stitch in UK terms?

A "double crochet" (dc) stitch in US terms is the equivalent of a "treble crochet"  stitch (tr) in UK terms.

The (dc) and (tr) are the abbreviations used for these stitches in crochet patterns.

As I mentioned above, there are UK terms and US terms in crochet. 

Before you start a pattern, always check whether it is written in US or UK terms. This is usually mentioned in the "Notes" section of a pattern.

But if you don't find any mention of this in a pattern, then simply check if there are any single crochet (sc) stitches mentioned.

If there are sc stitches mentioned, then it is likely to be written in US terms.

To be sure, you could check where the pattern designer is from. And if he/she is from the UK, then they most likely use UK terms in their patterns.

Double Crochet Stitch in the Round

Working a double crochet stitch in the round is exactly the same as working a double crochet stitch in rows. Here are the exact steps:

1. Yarn over (yo) first (from below and behind the working yarn on your hook)
2. Insert your hook into the stitch you're working into
3. Yarn over (yo) a second time
4. Pull through the stitch from behind (you'll have 3 loops on your hook)
5. Yarn over (yo) a third time
6. Pull through the first 2 loops on your hook
7. Yarn over (yo) a fourth time
8. Pull through the 2 remaining loops on your hook. You'll have only one loop left on your hook.

You have now completed your double crochet (dc) stitch.

Don't worry, it looks like it's 8 steps to complete this stitch, but once you get it right, you'll get used to it and have a double crochet stitch done in a split second 🙂

Now let's talk some more about crocheting in the round.

There are 2 techniques for crocheting round circles:

1. Crochet in the round by joining at the end of each round with a slip stitch (sl st) and chain 2 (ch 2) - leaves a visible seam when you've completed your project. (Nothing wrong with that!),
2. Crochet in the round using the continuous method where you do not join each round using a slip stitch (sl st) and you do not chain 2 (ch 2) after each round. You simply continue with your increases as stated in the stitch count forumula above or as your pattern will indicate.  This method does not leave a visible seam and gives a pretty spiral effect to your round crochet projects.

Crochet Items You Can Crochet Using Double Crochet Stitch

Now that you learned how to double crochet (dc), you can try crocheting both in rows or in the round. 

Need some inspiration for beginner crochet projects using the double crochet stitch?

Did you know that you can search for crochet patterns by what stitches they use? One you've decided what item you'd like to crochet and you want to practice your double crochet stitch, simply google the name of the item + double crochet. 

Let's say you want to crochet a scarf, then type "Scarf double crochet pattern" and you should find lots of crochet patterns using this stitch.

One of the best sources to learn new crochet stitches is the Creativbug website. They have fantastic tutorials especially designed for beginners and you'll be able to crochet the most amazing things in no time at all.

How Do You Do A Double Crochet Stitch For Beginners?

To make a double crochet stitch, you first make a foundation chain, then follow these steps:

• Yarn over (yo) first (from below and behind the working yarn on your hook)
• Insert your hook into the stitch you're working into
• Yarn over (yo) a second time
• Pull through the stitch from behind (you'll have 3 loops on your hook)
• Yarn over (yo) a third time
• Pull through the first 2 loops on your hook
• Yarn over (yo) a fourth time
• Pull through the 2 remaining loops on your hook. You'll have only one loop left on your hook.

  You have now completed your double crochet (dc) stitch.

One thing you need to know is that when you are working a pattern, you will most probably NEVER work into the first chain from the hook (unless the pattern you are following specifically tells you to do so). 

When working a double crochet row, you will most likely work into the third chain from the hook because the last 2 chains you made before you turn your work will count as the first chain of your second row.

I know, I know, it sounds like too much to digest right now, but trust me, you will get it soon enough.

Just start by practicing one stitch at a time by following the tutorials I've prepared for you.

The Best Video Tutorials On How To Master The Double Crochet Stitch

To master the single crochet stitch, keep your frustration level down to a minimum, and to save you a ton of time searching and navigating through YouTube to find video tutorials that are clear enough, concise enough and go straight to the point without too much chatter, I've put together a list of the top tutorials that teach you how to make a double crochet stitch.

Please make sure you've followed the videos above for the slip knot and foundation chain before you go ahead with the double crochet stitch.

If you have suggestions of great channels to add to the directory, then suggest them in the comments below.

Happy watching!

The Last Thing You Need To Know About The Double Crochet Stitch

Now that I showed you how to work the double crochet stitch in text & video, I hope you learned how to complete this stitch easily.

You'll find tons of new projects you can make with this basic stitch. Have a look at the CreativeBug classes above or search the internet for some nice patterns using the double crochet stitch.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and please let me know in the comments below if you have any questions. I'll be happy to answer them for you 🙂

Now that you've mastered the double crochet stitch, let's have a look at the "half double crochet stitch".

Happy crocheting!