Double Crochet for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide)

Double crochet is often the stitch that makes beginners feel like they’ve truly started crocheting. Projects begin growing faster, fabrics become softer and more flexible, and patterns suddenly become easier to follow. Blankets, scarves, shawls, sweaters, and the famous granny square all rely heavily on double crochet.

The good news? Even though it sounds more advanced than single crochet, it’s only one small step further. If you already know how to hold your hook, yarn over, and pull through loops, you already understand most of what double crochet requires.

This guide walks you through everything slowly, clearly, and gently, so you can learn without stress or confusion. By the end, you’ll feel confident adding double crochet to your growing crochet skill set.

In this beginner-friendly, in-depth guide, we’ll cover:

• What double crochet is
• Why beginners should learn it early
• Tools and yarn recommendations
• Step-by-step instructions
• How to crochet additional rows
• How to count stitches
• Tension tips
• Beginner mistakes and fixes
• Edge control tips
• Practice project ideas
• How double crochet appears in patterns
• How to build confidence with the stitch

Let’s dive in together.

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What Is a Double Crochet Stitch?

A double crochet stitch, abbreviated dc, is a taller stitch than single crochet. Because it’s taller, each row adds more height to your project, helping pieces grow faster.

It creates a fabric that is:

• Softer
• More flexible
• Slightly airy
• Faster to build

Double crochet is commonly used in:

• Blankets
• Scarves
• Shawls
• Sweaters
• Granny squares
• Ripple and chevron patterns
• Lace-style crochet
• Home décor projects

The stitch strikes a perfect balance: not too tight like single crochet, and not too loose like taller stitches.

For beginners, it often becomes a favorite quickly.

Why Beginners Should Learn Double Crochet Early

Most crocheters learn stitches in this order:

Foundation chain
Single crochet
Double crochet

Double crochet builds directly on the skills you already know.

Projects Work Up Faster

Because stitches are taller, rows build quickly. This keeps beginners motivated because projects show progress sooner.

Fabric Feels Softer

Single crochet can feel stiff at first. Double crochet relaxes the fabric, making scarves and blankets feel cozy.

More Patterns Become Available

Once you know double crochet, you can follow many beginner patterns without learning complicated stitches.

Muscle Memory Builds Naturally

The movements used in double crochet are extensions of motions you already practiced.

Crochet Abbreviation You Should Know

In patterns, double crochet is written as:

dc = double crochet

You may see instructions like:

• dc in each stitch across
• dc 10
• 2 dc in next stitch
• dc, turn

Crochet patterns use abbreviations to save space, which can look confusing at first. Keeping a crochet abbreviations cheat sheet nearby helps beginners feel confident reading patterns.

Soon, these terms become second nature.

Tools and Materials You Need

Crochet requires only a few supplies, making it easy to start.

Yarn Choice Matters

Medium-weight yarn (often called worsted or #4 weight) is easiest for beginners. It makes stitches large enough to see clearly.

Choose smooth, light-colored yarn when learning. Dark or fuzzy yarn hides stitches.

Crochet Hook Size

A 5mm (H/8) crochet hook is beginner-friendly and pairs well with worsted-weight yarn.

Hooks with comfortable grips reduce hand fatigue and help maintain even stitches.

Scissors

Used to cut yarn when finishing.

Optional Tools

Stitch markers can help mark row beginnings and prevent losing stitches.

Before Starting: Foundation Chain Reminder

Double crochet always begins with a foundation chain.

If chains still feel tricky, practice them until they become comfortable. A relaxed, evenly sized foundation chain makes Row 1 much easier.

How to Double Crochet: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s move slowly and clearly through each step.

Step 1: Make a Foundation Chain

Create a chain with the number of stitches your pattern requires.

For practice, try:

Chain 15 stitches.

Do not count the loop on your hook or the slip knot.

Step 2: Yarn Over

Wrap yarn over your hook from back to front once.

This extra wrap gives double crochet its height.

Step 3: Insert Hook into Fourth Chain from Hook

Count backward:

Loop on hook (do not count)
Skip next three chains
Insert hook into the fourth chain.

These skipped chains help create the correct stitch height.

Step 4: Yarn Over Again

Wrap yarn over hook again.

Step 5: Pull Through the Chain

Pull yarn through the chain stitch.

You now have three loops on the hook.

Step 6: Yarn Over, Pull Through Two Loops

Wrap yarn over again.

Pull through only the first two loops.

Two loops remain.

Step 7: Yarn Over, Pull Through Two Loops Again

Wrap yarn over again.

Pull through remaining two loops.

You have completed your first double crochet stitch.

Step 8: Repeat Across the Row

For each remaining chain:

Yarn over
Insert hook into next chain
Yarn over, pull through
Yarn over, pull through two loops
Yarn over, pull through two loops

Repeat until reaching the end.

Step 9: Chain 3 and Turn

At row end:

Chain 3
Turn work around

This prepares the next row.

How to Double Crochet Additional Rows

The process repeats for every new row.

Step 1: Skip First Stitch

Chain 3 acts as the first stitch, so skip the first stitch below.

Step 2: Insert Hook into Next Stitch

Yarn over and insert hook under both loops.

Step 3: Complete Double Crochet

Yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through two loops.

Step 4: Continue Across

Repeat across the row.

Step 5: Crochet into Turning Chain

At row end, make one double crochet into the top of the turning chain.

This keeps edges straight.

Counting Double Crochet Stitches

Counting stitches keeps projects neat.

Look for tall “V” shapes at the top of each stitch.

Count each V across.

Turning chains usually count as stitches unless pattern states otherwise.

If edges slant, you may be skipping or adding stitches.

Understanding Tension

Tension controls stitch size.

Too tight:
• Hard to insert hook
• Fabric stiff

Too loose:
• Gaps appear
• Fabric sloppy

Aim for relaxed, consistent tension.

Tension improves with practice.

Common Beginner Mistakes and Fixes

Forgetting Yarn Over

Stitches look short.

Fix: Say “yarn over” out loud while learning.

Uneven Edges

Sides look wavy.

Fix: Count stitches and crochet into turning chains.

Loose Fabric

Large holes appear.

Fix: Use slightly smaller hook or tighten tension slightly.

Skipping Chains

Row looks crooked.

Fix: Count chains carefully.

Tips for Straight Edges

• Count stitches every row
• Use stitch markers at row ends
• Always crochet into turning chains
• Maintain consistent tension

Straight edges make finished projects look polished.

Beginner Practice Project: Double Crochet Scarf

Practice with this simple project.

Chain 25
Row 1: Double crochet in fourth chain from hook and across
Chain 3, turn
Rows 2–50: Double crochet across
Fasten off and weave ends.

This builds muscle memory quickly.

How Double Crochet Appears in Patterns

Once learned, you’ll see double crochet everywhere:

• Granny squares
• Ripple blankets
• Shell stitches
• Shawls
• Texture designs
• Clothing patterns

Instructions become easy to recognize.

Why Double Crochet Builds Confidence

Because projects grow quickly, beginners feel progress faster.

Rows appear sooner, scarves lengthen quickly, and blankets expand visibly.

This momentum encourages continued practice.

Crochet as Relaxation

Crochet isn’t only productive—it’s calming.

Many people crochet to:

Reduce stress
Relax after work
Focus mindfully
Express creativity

Double crochet’s rhythm feels smooth and repetitive, perfect for relaxing evenings.

How Long Until Double Crochet Feels Natural?

Most beginners notice improvement quickly:

After a few practice rows: motions feel smoother.

After one project: stitches look consistent.

After several projects: hands move automatically.

Progress arrives faster than expected.

Encouragement for Beginners

Early stitches might look:

Loose
Uneven
Crooked

This is normal.

Every crocheter begins here.

Skill builds gradually.

Final Thoughts: You’re Building Real Crochet Skills

Learning double crochet is a huge milestone.

You now understand:

• Foundation chains
• Single crochet
• Double crochet

These stitches form the base of countless crochet patterns.

If stitches don’t look perfect yet, that’s okay. Crochet is meant to relax you, not pressure you.

Slow down. Breathe. Enjoy the rhythm of yarn and hook.

With every row, your confidence grows.

And before long, you’ll look at your finished projects and realize how far you’ve come.

You’re building real crochet skills now — one stitch at a time. 🧶