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HOW TO Crochet the Double Crochet Stitch

Janne Kleivset
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This crochet tutorial is going to teach you how to crochet the Double Crochet Stitch (dc). This is one of the basic crochet stitches and is often used in crochet patterns.

As the name suggests it is something between the single crochet (sc) and treble crochet (tr), which are also two of the basic crochet stitches.

The crochet stitch is explained in a step-by-step guide, you will also find details about the double crochet stitch abbreviation, chart symbol, double crochet variations, crochet patterns using the dc stitch and more!

HOW TO Crochet the Double Crochet Stitch

What Is A Double Crochet Stitch?

The double crochet stitch is one of the basic stitches, crochet beginners often learn after the single crochet and half double crochet.

It is know to be bigger than the single crochet and half double crochet (hdc), and smaller than the treble crochet.

You can crochet the double crochet in just 7 simple steps. The steps of the double crochet is to yarn over, insert the crochet hook into the stitch or space indicated, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook, yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook.

Materials You Will Need To Crochet The DC Stitch

Any crochet hook size and yarn.

For crocheting the double crochet you can use any type of yarn.

When following a crochet pattern, use the same yarn and crochet hook size suggested in the pattern and test the gauge by crocheting a swatch.

If you are learning the stitch only, try using:

In the photos the yarn used was worsted weight yarn.

Crocheting with thin thread may be difficult when you’re first starting out.

Double crochet steps quick overview:

  1. Yarn over: Yarn over the hook from back to front.
  2. Insert hook: Insert crochet hook in next stitch.
  3. Draw up a loop: Draw up a loop from next stitch.You have now 3 loops on hook.
  4. Yarn over: Yarn over the hook from back to front.
  5. Pull through 2 loops on hook: Pull yarn through 2 loops on hook.You now have 2 loops left on hook.
  6. Yarn over: Yarn over the hook from back to front.
  7. Pull through all loops on hook: Pull yarn through all loops on hook.

Double Crochet Stitch Abbreviation

The most common crochet abbreviation is dc in US terms.

Note: In UK terms the double crochet is called the treble crochet and abbreviated tr.

The abbreviation dc is used for one and multiple stitches.

The abbreviation list will write it like this: dc = double crochet.

If you are supposed to crochet multiple dc stitches you may find it written as “dc 2″, “dc 3” ect or “3dc”, “2dc” ect. in a crochet pattern.

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HOW TO Crochet the Double Crochet Stitch

Double Crochet Stitch Chart Symbol

The double crochet stitch crochet chart symbol is simple and looks like a “T” with a line across it representing the 1 yarn over you do when you crochet a double crochet.

It will be turned in the direction it will lay in your finished crochet work.

Photo showing the dc stitch chart symbol.

HOW TO Crochet the Double Crochet Stitch

Double Crochet Tutorial – Step By Step Photo Tutorial

Starting:

In this photo tutorial (shown right handed) you will see how to crochet a double crochet and also work into a regular stitch.

The steps of the dc stitch are the same if you crochet into a foundation chain instead of stitches.

Grab a crochet hook in your right hand, make a slip knot and crochet chains, work the first st (dc) into the 4th chain from the crochet hook to start your project.

Step 1: Yarn over from back to front

Yarn over from back to front, step 1 of the double crochet stitch

The first step of the double crochet stitch is to yarn over from back to front.

Step 2: Insert crochet hook in next stitch

 Insert crochet hook in next stitch, step 2 of the double crochet stitch.

The second step of the double crochet stitch is to insert the crochet hook into the next stitch.

Step 3: Pull up a loop

Pull up a loop, step 3 of the double crochet stitch.

In the third step of the double crochet stitch you pull up a loop from the next stitch on previous row. You have 3 loops on your crochet hook.

Step 4: Yarn over from back to front

Yarn over from back to front, step 4 of the double crochet stitch.

In the fourth step of the double crochet stitch you will yarn over from back to front.

Step 5: Pull yarn through 2 loops on your crochet hook

Pull yarn through 2 loops on your crochet hook, step 5 of the double crochet stitch.

The 5th step on the double crochet is to pull through 2 loops on the hook. You now have 2 loops left on your crochet hook.

Step 6: Yarn over from back to front

Yarn over from back to front, step 6 of the double crochet stitch.

The 6th step of the double crochet is to yarn over from back to front.

Step 7: Pull yarn through 2 loops on your crochet hook – Finished!

Photo of a finished double crochet stitch.

To finalize the double crochet stitch, pull through the 2 loops on the crochet hook.

You have now finished a double crochet stitch.

To continue working dc stitches, repeat steps 1-7.

Step By Step Double Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial

Double Crochet Stitch Height and Turning Chain

Above you learned how to crochet on double crochet. However, when working in either rows or rounds, you may come across turning chains.

The turning chains are used to start rows or rounds.

The number of turning chains your crochet depends on the height of the crochet stitch.

For this stitch the most common number of turning chains is three.

The crochet pattern you are following will specify if the turning chain counts as the first stitch (double crochet) on the row or round.

How To Crochet The Double Crochet Stitch In Rows

You can crochet dc stitches in rows.

In that case you will start your project with a row of foundation chain stitches. If you are more experienced, you may start with a foundation single crochet (FSC) or a foundation double crochet.

Then to crochet your first row of double crochet, you will repeat steps 1-7 to crochet double stitches into every foundation chain.

When you reach the end of the row, turn your work by flipping it to the other side, ready to work in the opposite direction over the stitches you most recently crocheted.

To start a second row of double crochet stitches, chain three (ch-3) and work double crochet stitches into all the double crochets from the first row. If the chain 3 counts as a stitch according to the pattern, work the first double crochet into the second to last stitch from previous row.

When working double crochet in rows you can make crochet projects like scarves and afghans.

How To Crochet The Double Crochet Stitch In Rounds

You can crochet dc stitches in rounds.

In that case you start your project with a row of foundation chain stitches.

To work in rounds, you have to form a ring or a circle. To create a ring, slip stitch (sl st) into the first chain you make, make sure you don’t twist your chain stitches.

To crochet your first round of double crochet:

  1. Chain 3 and repeat steps 1-7 to crochet double crochet stitches into every foundation chain.
  2. When you reach the end of the round, slip stitch into the third chain made at the beginning of the round.

To start a new round of double crochet, repeat steps 1 and 2 directly above.

Double Crochet Stitch With Spiraling Rounds

You can also crochet double crochet stitches in rounds without ending them, and work in a spiral.

When working in a spiral, you will end up with a crochet piece shaped like a tube.

To work double crochet in spiraling rounds do this:

  • Start with a row of foundation chains and slip stitch into the first chain made.
  • Chain 3 and repeat steps 1-7 for the dc stitch into every foundation chain.
  • When you reach the end of the round, double crochet into the first dc stitch made.
  • Continue crocheting double crochet stitches into each double crochet until your project has the desired length.

When crocheting project in a shape of a tube, you can easily crochet headbands, hats, and the body on crochet sweaters.

How To Count You Double Crochet Stitches

In the photo below you can see how to count the double crochet stitches just made.

Each of the first 5 stitches are shown with an arrow, then you can practice to find the 19 stitches in total on same row the photo.

HOW TO Crochet the Double Crochet Stitch

Double Crochet Increases and Decreases

Double Crochet Stitch Increases

To increase double crochet stitches, all you do is to work multiple double crochet stitches into the stitch or indicated space.

This will be written in a pattern like this:

  • dc 2 in next stitch (you will increase 1 stitch).
  • dc 3 in next stitch (you will increase 2 stitches).
  • dc 4 in next stitch (you will increase 4 stitches).

It can also be written like this:

  • 2dc in next stitch, which means the same as “dc 2 in next stitch”.

Alternatively it can be written like this:

  • Inc or inc dc. Which means you should crochet 2 dc in one stitch if it’s not specified with a number.
  • 3 dc inc, will then mean you should crochet 3 stitches in the next stitch.

In some cases you may be asked to increase double crochet stitches evenly over a certain number of stitches, in that case you can use the crochet increase and decrease calculator.

Double Crochet Stitch Decreases

Regular Double Crochet Decrease – Double Crochet 2 Together (dc2tog)

In crochet patterns you may come across needing to decrease stitches and decrease double crochet stitches.

The most common way to decrease 1 dc stitch with the double crochet two together (dc2tog):

  1. Yarn over and pull up a loop from the next stitch.
  2. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook.
  3. Repeat step 1 and 2. You have 3 loops on your crochet hook.
  4. Yarn over.
  5. Pull through all loops on your crochet hook.

You can also decrease two stitches with the double crochet 3 together (dc3tog) and decrease 3 stitches with the double crochet 4 together (dc4tog).

Invisible Double Crochet Decrease

The less common way to decrease one double crochet is the invisible decrease method. The decrease is less visible, and may result in a more beautiful finish. It’s a bit more difficult than the regular decrease.

Here’s how you invisible double crochet decrease:

  1. Yarn over.
  2. Skip 1 stitch.
  3. Insert the crochet hook in the front loop of the next stitch.
  4. Then insert the crochet hook in the front loop of the skipped stitch. This step is a bit difficult and you may need to use your hand or a different crochet hook to lift the loop onto the crochet hook.
  5. Pull up a loop.
  6. Yarn over.
  7. Pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook.
  8. Yarn over.
  9. Pull through all loops on your crochet hook.

How To Change Yarn Color With Double Crochet Stitches

When you crochet dc stitches and are going to change color, to get a nice finish, crochet as follows:

  1. Yarn over, insert crochet hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop with the yarn color you are already working with.
  2. Yarn over and pull through two loops with the yarn color you are already working with.
  3. Yarn over and pull through the last two loops on the crochet hook with the new yarn color.
  4. Then continue with the new yarn color until you need to change color again.

You can learn more about colorwork in crochet with these crochet tutorials.

Variations of The Double Crochet Stitch

The Double Crochet Stitch is one of the basic crochet stitches, one of the building blocks of crochet. Because of that there’s many variations of the regular dc stitch, each with it’s own unique look and feel.

Foundation Double Crochet (FDC)

The FDC stitch is a foundation stitch and a variation of the regular dc that is used to start crochet project.

The foundation stitches can also be used the same as foundation chains to create stitches and open spaces in your crochet work.

The steps of the foundation double crochet:

  1. Chain 3 (counts as first FDC).
  2. Yarn over.
  3. Insert hook in the first chain made and pull up a loop.
  4. Yarn over and pull through the first loop on the crochet hook.
  5. Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops on the crochet hook.
  6. Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops on the crochet hook.
  7. Repeat steps 2-6 to create more FDC stitches by inserting the crochet hook in the chain “looking” base created at the bottom of the work.

View a full photo and video tutorial showing how to crochet the foundation double crochet stitch.

HOW TO Crochet the Double Crochet Stitch

DC in Front Loops And Back Loops

On the double crochet you have 2 different loops you can crochet into instead of the whole stitch. These result in different stitch textures.

The front loop and back loop are shown in the photo below.

HOW TO Crochet the Double Crochet Stitch

Front Loop Double Crochet (FLdc or dc FLO)

When crocheting dc stitches into the front loop only, you will get a more loose crochet fabric which will drape more nicely.

The only difference between a regular stitch and the one worked in the front loop, is the fact that you insert the crochet hook in the front loop and not the whole stitch.

We have a detailed step by step photo and video tutorial for you to learn the Front Loop Double crochet.

Back Loop Double Crochet (BLdc or dc BLO)

To crochet dc through the back loop only, follow these steps:

  1. Yarn over.
  2. Insert hook into the back loop of the next stitch / indicated stitch.
  3. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
  4. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook.
  5. Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops on the crochet hook.

We have a detailed step by step photo and video tutorial for you to learn the Back Loop Double crochet.

Double Crochet Ribbing Working Through The Back Loop Only

This stitch is used to create a crochet ribbing texture. It is less common than the back loop single crochet, and the ribbing is less textured.

You can try the back loop double crochet in many of my crochet patterns:

  1. Crochet Beach Bag
  2. Crochet Lace Shrug
  3. Cold Day Hat
  4. Cold Day Cowl
  5. Cute Baby Bonnet

Double Crochet Post Stitches (FPdc & BPdc)

The Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc) and the Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc) are worked the same as regular dc stitches, however you insert the hook and pull up a loop around the post of the stitch instead of into the stitch itself.

After 1 yarn over:

  • Insert the crochet hook from *front to back to front* around the post of the stitch on the previous row for FPdc stitches to pull up a loop.
  • Insert the crochet hook from *back to front to back* around the post of the stitch on the previous row for BPdc stitches to pull up a loop.

After pulling up a loop, finish the dc stitch with yarn over, pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops on the crochet hook.

We have a full tutorial for the Front Post Double Crochet and Back Post Double Crochet Ribbing.

HOW TO Crochet the Double Crochet Stitch

Herringbone Double Crochet (HBdc)

The Herringbone Half Crochet is a beautiful variation of the original double. It creates a lovely herringbone patterning as the rows slants sideways.

To crochet a Herringbone Double Crochet, do this:

  1. Yarn over.
  2. Pull up a loop from the next stitch or indicated space.
  3. Pull through the first loop on the crochet hook.
  4. Yarn over.
  5. Pull through 1 loop on the crochet hook.
  6. Yarn over.
  7. Pull through both loops on the crochet hook.
  8. Repeat step 1-7 to crochet more Herringbone Double Crochet Stitches.

We have a detailed step by step tutorial if you need more information: Herringbone Double Crochet.

HOW TO Crochet the Double Crochet Stitch

Linked Double Crochet (ldc)

The Linked Double Crochet is one of the linked stitches that creates a dense fabric without any gaps.

To work the linked double crochet, do this:

  1. Chain any number of stitches to start your project.
  2. To work the 1st stitch: Pull up a loop from the first chain and then the next chain, yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over, pull through 2. 
  3. To work the following stitches: Pull up a loop from the horizontal bar, pull up a loop from the next stitch, yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over, pull through 2. 
  4. Repeat step 3 to crochet more Linked Double Crochet stitches.

We have a detailed step by step tutorial if you need more information: Linked Double Crochet.

HOW TO Crochet the Double Crochet Stitch

Other Crochet Stitches


If you want to learn more crochet stitches, we have lots of amazing crochet stitch tutorials on our blog.

If you are a beginner these common crochet stitches are a great place to start:

Crochet Projects Using the Double Crochet

Find free crochet patterns using the double crochet stitch here.

You can also find the double crochet featured in most granny squares.

Janne Kleivset

Janne Kleivset

Founder, Crochet Pattern Designer & Owner of Joy of Motion Crochet.

Janne has helped millions of crocheters find their next crochet project with more than 250 free crochet patterns and 110 crochet tutorials on her blog.

With more than two decades of crochet experience, and crochet designing since 2011, she's been featured on multiple prominent sites such as Lion Brand Yarn, in crochet magazines and the OML "Make" book.

Learn more about Janne.



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