Double Crochet Tutorial: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Learning the double crochet tutorial is one of the best ways to move beyond basic crochet stitches. Double crochet is taller than single crochet, works up quickly, and creates a fabric that is comfortable, flexible, and useful for everything from blankets to scarves and cardigans.

If you are a complete beginner, the stitch may look complicated at first. The good news is that it follows a simple sequence once you understand where to insert your hook and how to work through the loops.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through a double crochet tutorial step by step. You’ll learn the supplies you need, how to make the stitch, how to count stitches, common mistakes to avoid, and several beginner-friendly projects you can make once you feel comfortable.

What Is a Double Crochet Stitch?

Double crochet is a basic crochet stitch that is taller than single crochet and half double crochet. In US crochet terminology, it is commonly abbreviated as DC.

The stitch begins with a yarn over before the hook enters the stitch. After drawing up a loop, you work through the loops on your hook in two stages. This creates a taller stitch with a more open texture.

Double crochet is especially useful when you want your project to grow quickly. A row of double crochet can be noticeably taller than a row of single crochet, which makes it a popular choice for blankets, shawls, garments, and other larger projects.

Quick answer: To make a double crochet, yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the final two loops. That completes one double crochet stitch.

Double Crochet Tutorial: What You Need

You don’t need a large collection of supplies to practice double crochet. A few basic materials are enough.

Supply	Beginner-friendly choice
Yarn	Medium-weight worsted yarn
Crochet hook	5 mm or 5.5 mm hook
Scissors	Small, sharp scissors
Yarn needle	Blunt tapestry needle
Stitch marker	Optional

For your first practice swatch, choose a smooth, medium-weight yarn in a light or bright color. Very dark or fuzzy yarn can make it difficult to see individual stitches.

The hook size should generally match the recommendation on your yarn label. For practice, however, a medium-weight yarn with a 5 mm hook is a comfortable starting point.

How to Make a Double Crochet Step by Step

Now let’s get into the actual double crochet tutorial.

The easiest way to learn is to break the stitch into a few small movements instead of trying to memorize everything at once.

Step 1: Make a Foundation Chain

Start by making a slip knot and placing it on your crochet hook.

Next, create a chain of stitches. For practice, try making around 15–20 chains.

The foundation chain gives you a row of loops where you can work your first row of double crochet stitches.

Step 2: Yarn Over

Before inserting your hook into a stitch, wrap the working yarn over your hook from back to front.

This is called a yarn over, often abbreviated as YO.

At this point, you have an extra loop on your hook.

Step 3: Insert the Hook

Insert your hook into the appropriate chain stitch.

For a standard row of double crochet, you usually skip the first few chains according to the pattern’s turning-chain instructions. Many US crochet patterns use a chain 3 at the beginning of a double crochet row.

For practice, count your chains carefully so your first row has the correct number of stitches.

Step 4: Yarn Over and Pull Up a Loop

Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the chain stitch.

You should now have three loops on your hook.

This is an important checkpoint. If you don’t have three loops, stop and check the previous steps before continuing.

Step 5: Yarn Over and Pull Through Two Loops

Yarn over once more. Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook.

You should now have two loops remaining on your hook.

Step 6: Yarn Over and Pull Through the Final Two Loops

Yarn over one last time. Pull the yarn through both remaining loops.

You now have one loop on your hook, and your double crochet stitch is complete.

That’s it! Repeat those steps across the row.

How to Remember the Double Crochet Steps

If you keep forgetting the sequence, use this simple pattern:

Yarn over → insert → yarn over → pull up → yarn over → pull through 2 → yarn over → pull through 2

The number of loops is also helpful:

3 loops → 2 loops → 1 loop

This gives you a visual way to check your work while learning.

One useful beginner trick is to say the steps quietly as you crochet. After several rows, your hands will begin remembering the movement without conscious thought.

How to Start a New Row of Double Crochet

Once you reach the end of your first row, you’ll need to turn your work.

Most patterns use a chain 3 as the turning chain for double crochet.

Turn your project and begin working into the stitches of the previous row according to the pattern instructions.

There is an important detail here: whether the chain 3 counts as a stitch depends on the pattern. Some patterns count it as the first double crochet, while others do not.

Always check the pattern notes before deciding where to place your first stitch.

Why Does the Turning Chain Matter?

The turning chain raises your yarn to approximately the height needed for the next row.

If you make the turning chain too tight, the edge can pull inward. If you make it extremely loose, your edge may look uneven.

Try to keep your chain stitches close to the same tension as your normal stitches.

How to Count Double Crochet Stitches

Counting stitches becomes important as soon as you start making blankets, garments, or other projects that need consistent dimensions.

Look at the top edge of your crochet. Each stitch should form a small V shape.

Count these V shapes rather than counting the larger spaces between stitches.

For example, if your pattern says to make 20 double crochet stitches, you should be able to identify 20 stitch tops across the row.

A Simple Counting Method

After completing each row:

Lay your work flat.
Find the V-shaped stitch tops.
Count them from one side to the other.
Check the number against your pattern.
Fix mistakes before continuing.

Counting at the end of every row can save you from discovering a missing stitch 15 rows later.

Common Double Crochet Mistakes

Even though double crochet is beginner-friendly, a few mistakes appear again and again.

Missing the First or Last Stitch

The edges of a crochet row can be difficult to see.

If you accidentally skip the first or last stitch, your project may gradually become narrower.

Use stitch markers to identify the first and last stitch while you are learning.

Working Into the Wrong Chain

The foundation chain can be tricky because the individual loops are small.

Take your time and make sure your hook is entering the correct chain.

Crocheting Too Tightly

Tight tension can make it difficult to insert your hook into the next stitch.

If your hands feel uncomfortable or your stitches are difficult to work into, consciously relax your grip.

Losing Track of Stitch Count

A project that starts with 20 stitches but ends with 17 usually has a counting problem somewhere.

Count your stitches frequently until you develop a consistent rhythm.

Confusing US and UK Terminology

This is one of the most important things for beginners to know.

In US crochet terminology, double crochet is a tall stitch abbreviated DC.

In UK terminology, the stitch called double crochet is different. UK patterns use “treble crochet” for the stitch that US patterns call double crochet.

Always check whether your pattern uses US or UK terminology before starting.

Double Crochet vs. Single Crochet

If you’ve already learned single crochet, you may notice that double crochet looks and feels quite different.

Single crochet produces a shorter, denser fabric. Double crochet creates taller stitches and usually gives the fabric more height and openness.

Feature	Single Crochet	Double Crochet
Height	Short	Taller
Fabric	Dense	More open
Project growth	Slower	Faster
Abbreviation	SC	DC
Common uses	Amigurumi, sturdy items	Blankets, scarves, garments

Neither stitch is universally better. The right stitch depends on the fabric you want to create.

Double Crochet vs. Half Double Crochet

Half double crochet sits between single crochet and double crochet in height.

It begins with a yarn over, but the loops are worked off the hook differently.

Double crochet creates a taller and generally more open fabric, while half double crochet creates a slightly shorter, more compact fabric.

This makes double crochet particularly useful when you want to build rows quickly without creating an extremely open fabric.

How to Get Even Double Crochet Stitches

Your tension has a major effect on how your finished project looks.

Try to keep the yarn moving smoothly through your fingers rather than gripping it tightly.

Your hook should also move freely. Avoid pulling every loop extremely tight after completing a stitch.

A helpful exercise is to crochet a small 10-by-10 cm practice swatch. Instead of worrying about speed, focus on making each stitch approximately the same size.

The Hidden Skill: Consistent First and Last Stitches

Here’s a useful insight many beginners don’t hear early enough: your first and last stitches often control the shape of your entire project.

If your middle stitches are perfect but you regularly miss an edge stitch, your project will still become narrower or wider.

For your first few projects, mark the first and last stitch of every row. This small habit can make your edges much straighter.

What Can You Make With Double Crochet?

Once you understand the basic stitch, you can use it for many different projects.

Crochet Blankets

Double crochet is excellent for blankets because each stitch adds a good amount of height.

You can make a simple blanket using rows of double crochet or combine it with stripes, borders, and textured stitches.

Crochet Scarves

A double crochet scarf can work up relatively quickly.

Use a soft yarn and a suitable hook to create a lightweight accessory with a comfortable drape.

Crochet Shawls

Double crochet is also popular for triangular and rectangular shawls.

Because the stitch grows vertically, it works well with patterns that require frequent increases.

Crochet Hats

You can use double crochet in hats, especially when following patterns that build the crown with increases.

Crochet Cardigans

Experienced crocheters often use double crochet for garments because the stitch can create a fabric with useful drape.

Always make a gauge swatch before starting fitted clothing.

How Many Chains Do You Need for Double Crochet?

There isn’t one universal number of chains because it depends on your pattern and desired project size.

For a practice swatch, 15–20 foundation chains are enough to practice the stitch.

For a real project, the pattern will usually specify the starting chain. Follow that number rather than choosing one based only on the finished width.

Also remember that your turning chain may or may not count as a stitch, depending on the pattern.

Is Double Crochet Good for Beginners?

Yes. Double crochet is one of the foundational crochet stitches and is a useful skill for beginners to learn after becoming comfortable with chains and basic stitches.

The movement may feel awkward during the first few attempts, especially when you are learning how to manage three loops on the hook.

After several rows, the sequence becomes much more natural.

Don’t worry if your first swatch looks uneven. Consistency usually comes from repetition rather than getting every stitch perfect on the first try.

A Beginner Practice Exercise

Before starting a large project, make a small rectangle using only double crochet.

Try this:

Chain 16 stitches.
Work a row of double crochet.
Chain 3 and turn.
Work another row.
Repeat for 10–15 rows.
Count your stitches after every row.
Look at the edges and identify any gaps or missed stitches.

This exercise teaches you more than simply practicing individual stitches. It helps you understand tension, turning chains, stitch placement, row counting, and project shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to learn double crochet?

The easiest method is to break the stitch into small steps: yarn over, insert the hook, pull up a loop, then work through two loops twice. Practice on a small swatch until the movement becomes automatic.

How many loops should be on the hook for double crochet?

After inserting the hook and pulling up a loop, you should have three loops on your hook. You then yarn over and pull through two loops twice, leaving one loop on the hook.

Does double crochet use a turning chain?

Usually, yes. Many patterns use a chain 3 to begin a new row of double crochet, but whether that chain counts as a stitch depends on the individual pattern.

Why does my double crochet look loose?

Loose stitches can result from relaxed yarn tension, a larger hook, or naturally loose crocheting. If you want tighter stitches, try maintaining more consistent tension or using the hook size recommended by your pattern.

Is US double crochet the same as UK double crochet?

No. Crochet terminology differs between the US and UK. US double crochet is equivalent to UK treble crochet, while UK double crochet refers to a different, shorter stitch.