How to Crochet the Double Crochet Stitch

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Chain your foundation

Make a slip knot and place it on your hook, then chain 30 stitches — or any number you'd like for your project. A chain stitch is made by wrapping the yarn around your hook and pulling that loop through the previous one.

Step 2 — Work your first double crochet

Wrap the yarn around your hook, then insert the hook into the second chain from your hook — not the first. Wrap the yarn around again and pull it through, giving you three loops on your hook. Wrap around once more and pull through just two of those loops, leaving two remaining. Wrap around one final time and pull through those last two loops to complete one double crochet. A helpful way to remember the name: after your initial wrap and insert, you pull through in two separate steps rather than one, which is what makes it a "double."

Step 3 — Continue across the row

Repeat the same double crochet into each remaining chain across the row, working into the top or front loop of each stitch. You'll notice this is a tall stitch — it builds up height much faster than a single crochet, making it a great choice if you want to work through a blanket or scarf quickly. The small natural gaps between double crochet stitches also keep the finished fabric light rather than heavy or stiff.

Step 4 — Finish the row and turn

At the end of the row, work your last double crochet into the final chain, then chain two stitches — this replaces the height of a double crochet stitch and sets you up to turn your work. That last stitch of a row can be tricky to find, since it's really the turning chain from the row below: make sure your hook catches two loops of yarn there rather than just one, which keeps that edge straight rather than loose. Turn your work over, then skip the first stitch of the new row — it's already accounted for by the two chains you just turned with — and work your first double crochet into the second stitch instead. Skipping this first stitch is what keeps your edges neat and straight rather than growing wider with every row.

Step 5 — Repeat to build your project

Continue working double crochet across each row, chaining two and turning at the end of every row, until your piece reaches the height or length you want. It's worth counting your stitches after each row, especially while you're still getting comfortable with the pattern, so you can catch and fix any missed or extra stitches early rather than partway through the project. When you're finished, fasten off, trim your yarn, and weave in any loose ends.

Frequently asked questions

Is the double crochet stitch the same in UK and US/Canadian patterns?
No. What is called a double crochet in US and Canadian terms is called a triple or treble crochet in UK terms. If you're following a pattern and the terminology doesn't seem to match what you're seeing, check which system the pattern uses before you start.

How do I keep my edges straight when working the double crochet stitch?
At the start of each new row, skip the first stitch and work your first double crochet into the second one — the chain-two turn from the previous row already counts as that first stitch. At the end of a row, work your final double crochet into the turning chain from the row below, making sure to catch both loops of yarn there. Skipping this step, or missing a loop, is the most common way edges end up crooked or uneven.

What can I make with the double crochet stitch?
The double crochet works up quickly and creates a light, airy fabric, which makes it a great choice for blankets and picnic blankets. In cotton yarn, it also works well for dishcloths, scrubbies, and small pot rests or hot pads.

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