How to Double Crochet Stitch (dc): Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

03/12/2026

The double crochet stitch (dc) is one of the first stitches every crocheter learns — and for good reason. It works up faster than single crochet, creates flexible fabric, and appears in thousands of patterns including blankets, granny squares, sweaters, and scarves.

This guide covers everything you need: the correct step-by-step technique, US vs UK terminology, common mistakes, and beginner projects to try first.

What Is the Double Crochet Stitch?

The double crochet stitch is a medium-height crochet stitch abbreviated as dc in US patterns. It sits taller than single crochet (sc) and half double crochet (hdc), which means your projects grow faster with fewer rows.

Double Crochet Stitch Abbreviation — US vs UK

Before starting any pattern, always check whether it uses US or UK terminology – check our crochet abbreviations chart. The same stitch has different names in each system.

US Term	US Abbreviation	UK Term	UK Abbreviation
Double crochet	dc	Treble crochet	tr
Single crochet	sc	Double crochet	dc

Important: US dc and UK dc are completely different stitches. A UK pattern that says “dc” means what US crocheters call single crochet.

What You Need

How to Double Crochet — Step by Step

Double crochet stitch step by step tutorial showing all 8 movements

This tutorial starts from a foundation chain. If you don’t have one yet, chain 20 stitches to practice.

Step 1 — Yarn over
Wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front. You now have 2 loops on the hook.

Step 2 — Insert hook
Insert your hook into the 4th chain from the hook. The first 3 chains count as your turning chain (they replace the first dc).

Step 3 — Yarn over and pull through
Yarn over and pull the yarn through the chain. You now have 3 loops on the hook.

Step 4 — Yarn over, pull through 2 loops
Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops only. You now have 2 loops remaining on the hook.

Step 5 — Yarn over, pull through 2 loops
Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops. You now have 1 loop on the hook.

✅ One double crochet stitch complete.

Repeat Steps 1–5 in each chain across the row.

Video Tutorial

Turning Chain

When starting a new row of double crochet, you need a turning chain to bring the yarn to the correct height.

For double crochet stitch: chain 3, then turn your work.

The chain-3 counts as the first dc of the new row in most patterns. Begin your next dc in the second stitch of the row (skipping the stitch directly below the turning chain).

At the end of the row, your last dc goes into the top of the turning chain from the previous row. This is where most beginners lose a stitch.

Anatomy of the Double Crochet Stitch

Understanding the parts of the stitch helps you read patterns and troubleshoot problems.

The post — the tall vertical section. Used in FPdc and BPdc techniques, where the hook wraps around the post instead of the top loops.

The top loops — the V-shape at the top of every stitch. This is where you insert your hook for the next row unless the pattern says otherwise (blo, flo).

The base — where the stitch connects to the row below. Anchors the stitch in place.

Double Crochet Stitch vs Other Stitches

Stitch	Height	Fabric	Speed
Single crochet (sc)	Short	Dense	Slower
Half double crochet (hdc)	Medium	Semi-dense	Medium
Double crochet (dc)	Tall	Flexible	Fast
Treble crochet (tr)	Very tall	Open	Fastest

Double Crochet Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basic stitch, these variations appear often in patterns:

Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc) — hook inserts around the front of the stitch post, creating raised texture. Used in cables and ribbing.

Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc) — hook inserts from the back, creating recessed texture. Combined with FPdc to make ribbed fabric that resembles knitting.

Double Crochet Cluster (CL) — multiple dc stitches joined at the top into one point. Common in granny squares and lace patterns.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Skipping the last stitch of the row — the final dc goes into the top of the turning chain. Easy to miss, but skipping it causes your stitch count to shrink every row.

Working into the turning chain as a stitch — if your pattern says the turning chain does NOT count as a stitch, skip it and work into the first real dc. Always check the pattern notes.

Tension too tight — if it’s hard to insert the hook, relax your grip on the yarn. Your stitches should slide along the hook easily.

Inconsistent yarn overs — always wrap yarn over in the same direction (back to front). Inconsistent direction creates twisted stitches.

Troubleshooting in Double Crochet Stitch

Stitch count shrinking each row — you’re missing the last stitch. Work a dc into the top of the turning chain at the end of each row.

Stitch count growing each row — you’re working into the turning chain as an extra stitch. Skip it.

Fabric curling — tension is too tight or starting chain is too short. Try a larger hook or add 1–2 extra chains to your foundation.

Uneven edges — use stitch markers on the first and last stitch of every row until the habit is built.

Beginner Projects Using Double Crochet Stitch

Scarf/Hoods — Like Sophie Hood pattern chain 20, work rows of dc until desired length. Ideal first project: uses only dc and turning chains.

Dishcloth — chain 25, work a square of dc rows. Fast, practical, and great for building consistent tension.

Granny Square — classic granny squares are built from groups of 3 dc separated by chain spaces, worked in the round. Once you know dc, granny squares are the natural next step.

Blanket — Like free Persian Tiles crochet pattern chain to your desired width and work rows of dc. The fastest way to make a large project as a beginner.

Home Decor — Double crochet also works beautifully for home decor — the crochet flower curtain pattern is one of the most popular projects on the site, worked entirely in dc.

Pro Tips

Use light-colored yarn when practicing — stitches are easier to see and count
Place a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of every row
Count stitches at the end of every row until your count is consistently correct
Make small practice squares — they become useful as dishcloths or can be joined into a blanket later

FAQs

What does dc mean in crochet?
dc stands for double crochet stitch in US terminology. In UK patterns, the same abbreviation means single crochet — always check which system your pattern uses.

Is double crochet good for beginners?
Yes. It’s one of the first stitches taught because it’s straightforward to learn and fast to work up.

Why is my double crochet stitch uneven?
Usually caused by inconsistent tension or missing stitches at the end of rows. Count stitches after each row and use stitch markers on the first and last stitch.

What is the difference between double crochet and half double crochet?
In hdc you pull through 3 loops at once in the final step. In dc you pull through 2 loops twice. DC is taller and creates more drape.

Do I always chain 3 to turn?
For standard double crochet, yes — chain 3 is the standard turning chain. Some patterns specify chain 2 for a tighter edge. Follow whatever the pattern says.