How to Crochet The Double Crochet Stitch

A Tutorial for Beginners

finished swatch of completed how to crochet a double crochet stitch tutorial

The double crochet stitch is a great stitch for beginners to learn. Being tall, it is easy to see each individual stitch. There are many variations to this stitch that can be used to create unique textures and beautiful patterns. It is abbreviated dc. In this tutorial I will provide a step by step guide with pictures. You will need to know how to form a slip knot and foundation chain. If you don’t, no worries, check out my first lesson.

Otherwise, welcome to The Restful Stitch! I’m Heather, A mother, seeking to encourage other women to pursue true leisure. That takes many different forms, but learning to crochet can be the beginning of a noble journey. If you stick with me, we will slowly explore how we can crochet for rest together. So, Let’s get started.

Materials

-Any color worsted weight (medium, #4) yarn.
-hook size recommended on yarn packaging.
-Scissors

Double Crochet Stitch

Set up

We will begin with a slip knot and chain any number +3. In many patterns and this tutorial, the chain 3 counts as 1 DC stitch. My swatch will be 10 double crochets in width so I chained 12, 9 chains to work in plus a chain 3 equaling one stitch. If you’d like to create a finished project, chain 22, for a small dishcloth.

Foundation chain 12 needed for the how to crochet a double crochet stitch tutorial — Screenshot

Row 1 of the Double Crochet Stitch

A double crochet stitch is 3 chains tall, so we will be skipping 3 chains for height and working in the 4th chain from the hook.

chain with numbers and arrow indicating where to place the first stitch when learning how to crochet a double crochet stitch

First, yarn over and insert your hook into the 4th chain from your hook.

image of fingers yarning over with hook and yarn to create a double crochet stitch

Next yarn over and pull a loop through the chain. You will have 3 loops on your hook.

Image showing fingers and hook of how to crochet a double crochet stitch the yarn over pull through 2 loops step

Now, Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook. You will have 2 loops left on your hook.

Finally, Yarn over and pull through last 2 loops on your hook. You will have one loop left on your hook and 1 completed double crochet stitch.

Let’s make another one. Yarn over and Insert your hook into the next chain.

Yarn over, and pull a loop through the chain. You should have 3 loops on your hook.

Next, yarn over and pull through 2 loops.

Finally, yarn over and pull through last 2 loops on your hook.

You should have one loop left on your hook and a second double crochet stitch made.

image of 2 finished double crochet stitches

Continue with double crochet to the end of your chain. You will have 9 double crochet stitches and a chain 3 that will count as one stitch, giving you a total of 10dc in row 1.

The top of your stitches should form a v shape.

image indicating the v of the top of a row of double crochet stitches

Row 2 of the Double Crochet Stitch

Now we will learn how to turn our work and begin the next row of double crochets.

Chain 3 and turn your work so that you can begin working back across the stitches of row 1.

Because our chain 3 counts as the first DC stitch, we will begin working in the second stitch of the 1st row.

image demonstrating how to chain 3 and where to begin the second row in the how to crochet a double crochet stitch tutorial

Yarn over (abbreviated yo from here on) and insert your hook into the 2nd DC of the previous row. Your hook inserted should look like this with the 2 loops of the previous stitch over the hook.

YO and pull a loop through the stitch. 3 loops left on the hook.

Yo and pull through 2 loops. 2 loops left on the hook.

Yo and pull through the last 2 loops on the hook. With one loop remaining on your hook, the first DC of row 2 is made.

Continue working into each stitch across the row.

The last stitch, before the chain 3 can be tricky to see so be sure to look for the v on the top of the stitch and insert your hook under those loops.

You will place the last DC in the top of the chain 3, under the loop of the 3rd chain.

You should now have 10 completed DC (including beginning chain 3) in your 2nd row.

Chain 3, turn your work and begin on the next row. Continue repeating the instructions for row 2 until your project is the desired length.

Now that you have mastered the double crochet stitch, check out my previous tutorials and beginner friendly patterns. This list from Desert Blossom Crafts is also a great next step on your journey! 30 Easy Double Crochet Patterns & Stitches

Thank you for choosing me to teach you. Crocheting is a passion and has been much more than that to me. I love that I can share it with others. I would love to hear your thoughts, please comment below if you feel so inclined. I’d truly appreciate it. God bless!

Thank you for visiting The Restful Stitch!

My name is Heather and I have been crocheting for over 20 years and making up my own patterns for almost as long. As a home school mother, heavily influenced by Charlotte Mason, I have a passion for mother culture – that is the continued self education of mothers. Through learning useful skills, creating art and reading great literature, all who so desire can continue to grow in wisdom and virtue. I believe that for mothers this is especially important as an example to our children and for the nourishing of our souls.

Through these free crochet tutorials and free crochet patterns I hope to share the joy and rest that I find in this art. In this space I pray to form a community of like minded woman, who are inspired to live up to their potential as whole people formed in the image of a wise, creative and good God.

-Heather