How to Double Crochet (Step by Step)

Double crochet is a tall stitch, which means your project grows quickly. It's the stitch behind granny squares and so many cozy blankets. It has one more step than half double crochet, and once your hands learn the rhythm, it's one of the most relaxing stitches to work.

What You'll Learn

How to work a double crochet in four simple steps
How to start rows with a turning chain (and keep edges neat)
The difference between double crochet and half double crochet
Fixes for gaps at the edges and rows that grow or shrink

What you’ll need

Medium weight (worsted, #4) yarn in a light color
A 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook
A practice swatch: a few rows of single crochet or half double crochet

To start fresh on a foundation chain, chain 17 and work your first double crochet into the fourth chain from your hook.

Step-by-step: how to double crochet

Step 1: Yarn over and insert the hook

Wrap the yarn over your hook once, from back to front. Then insert your hook under both top loops of the next stitch. You have two loops on your hook.

A crochet hook with a yarn over, inserted under both top loops of the next stitch

Step 2: Yarn over and pull up a loop

Yarn over again and pull it back through the stitch. You now have three loops on your hook.

A loop pulled up through the stitch, leaving three loops on the crochet hook

Step 3: Yarn over and pull through two loops

Yarn over and pull through just the first two loops on your hook. Two loops are left. The stitch is half finished.

A half-finished double crochet with two loops left on the hook

Step 4: Yarn over and pull through the last two

Yarn over once more and pull through the last two loops. One loop is left on your hook, and you’ve made one double crochet!

A finished double crochet standing tall on the row, with one loop on the hook

A handy way to remember it: yarn over, in, pull up. Through two. Through two.

Starting and ending your rows

Because double crochet is tall, you need a taller turning chain to reach the height of the new row.

At the end of a row, chain 3 and turn.
In most patterns, that chain 3 counts as your first double crochet. So skip the first stitch and work your next double crochet into the second stitch.
Work one double crochet in each stitch across.
Work the last double crochet into the top of the turning chain from the row below.

That last step is the one people miss. If you skip it, your rows will shrink. Count your stitches at the end of each row, including the turning chain.

dc vs. hdc

They start the same way: yarn over, insert, pull up a loop, three loops on your hook. The difference is how you finish.

Half double crochet: pull through all three loops at once.
Double crochet: pull through two, then through two again.

That extra step is what makes double crochet taller and a little more open.

Common mistakes (and fixes)

There’s a gap between the turning chain and the next stitch. Keep your chain 3 snug, but not tight. If it still gaps, try making only 2 chains, which suits some people’s tension better.

My rows keep getting wider. You may be working a stitch into the first stitch, right below the turning chain, and counting the chain as a stitch. If the chain counts, skip that first stitch.

My rows keep getting narrower. The last stitch, into the top of the turning chain, is being missed. Stretch the edge a little to find it.

My stitches look loose and uneven. Pull each loop up to the same height. Try not to yank the yarn tight after each “through two.” A steady, gentle rhythm makes the neatest stitches.

Where you’ll use it

Double crochet is the backbone of so many projects, including classic granny squares, which are built from little clusters of double crochet. My favorite thing I’ve ever made is a colorful granny square blanket for my daughter, so I’m a little biased. Once you’re comfortable with this stitch, granny squares are a lovely next step.

Frequently asked questions

What is double crochet in UK terms?

In UK terms, double crochet is called treble crochet (tr). A UK "double crochet" is actually the US single crochet, so always check which terms your pattern uses.

Does the chain 3 count as a stitch in double crochet?

In most patterns, yes. The chain 3 stands in for the first double crochet, so you skip the first stitch and work your last stitch into the top of the turning chain. Check your pattern's notes, since some don't count it.

Why is there a gap at the start of my double crochet rows?

The turning chain is a little looser and thinner than a real stitch. Keeping it snug helps, and some crocheters use a "stacked" or chainless starting double crochet for a neater edge.

Is double crochet good for blankets?

Yes. It works up quickly, drapes nicely and is the stitch used in classic granny squares.