How to Double Crochet (dc)

Double crochet (dc; UK treble crochet, tr) is a tall, quick stitch that makes a soft, drapey fabric with small gaps between the stitches. It’s the stitch behind classic granny squares, shells and countless blankets. If you can single crochet, you’re two small steps away from double crochet.

US/UK note: this page uses US terms. US double crochet (dc) is the same stitch as UK treble crochet (tr).

You’ll need

• Worsted-weight yarn and a matching hook (a 5 mm / H-8 works well)
• A foundation chain of about 18 chains to practice on

Step-by-step: how to double crochet

Row 1 (into the foundation chain)

1. Find the 4th chain from the hook. The three chains you skip act as the turning chain.
2. Yarn over once.
3. Insert your hook into the 4th chain from the hook.
4. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You have 3 loops on the hook.
5. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. You have 2 loops left.
6. Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops. One loop remains. That’s one dc.
7. Work 1 dc in each chain across.

From an 18-chain foundation you’ll have 15 dc plus the skipped chains. Most patterns count those 3 skipped chains as the first stitch, giving 16 stitches.

Tip: Say it as you go: “yarn over, in, pull up — over, through two — over, through two.” The rhythm sticks fast.

Working the next row

The turning chain for double crochet is 3 chains, and in many patterns it counts as the first dc. Here’s the classic method:

1. Chain 3 (counts as first dc) and turn.
2. Skip the first stitch — the one directly under the turning chain. The ch 3 is standing in for it.
3. Work 1 dc in each stitch across.
4. Work the last dc into the top of the turning chain from the previous row (the 3rd chain of the ch-3).
5. Count: still 16 stitches, counting the turning chain.

When the turning chain doesn’t count

Some modern patterns say “ch 3 (does not count as a st)” or use ch 2. Then you work the first dc in the first stitch and do not work into the turning chain at the end. Always check which method your pattern uses — the stitch counts depend on it.

Height and loops at a glance

Stage	Loops on hook
After yarn over, insert, pull up	3
After first “pull through 2”	2
After second “pull through 2”	1

Each “pull through two” adds a little height to the stitch post. That’s why dc is about three chains tall — and why a treble crochet, with one more yarn over, is about four.

Common mistakes

• Skipping the first stitch when the turning chain doesn’t count (or not skipping it when it does). The result is a piece that slowly narrows or widens.
• Missing the top of the turning chain. It’s easy to overlook at the end of a row. Look for the chain-3 “post” and work into its top chain.
• Pulling through all three loops at once. That makes a half double crochet.
• A gap beside the turning chain. The ch 3 is thinner than a real dc. Keeping it snug, or using ch 2, can help close the gap.
• Loose, uneven posts. Pull your first loop up to about the height of the turning chain, not taller.

Variations

• Back post / front post dc (BPdc / FPdc): worked around the post of the stitch below to make ribbing and cables.
• dc2tog: start a dc in each of two stitches, stopping with 2 loops each time (3 loops total), then yo and pull through all 3.
• Shells and V-stitches: several dc (or dc, ch 1, dc) worked into one stitch.
• Granny clusters: groups of 3 dc worked into chain spaces.

FAQ

Does the chain 3 count as a double crochet?

In many traditional patterns, yes — you skip the first stitch and work the last dc into the top of the turning chain. Some modern patterns don’t count it. Your pattern will say.

What is double crochet in UK terms?

UK treble crochet, abbreviated tr. A UK “double crochet” is the US single crochet.

Why is my double crochet piece shaped like a trapezoid?

Your stitch count is changing at the edges. Count each row and check that you’re handling the turning chain the same way at both ends.

How many chains for a row of double crochet?

Chain the number of dc you want plus 2, if the turning chain counts as a stitch. For 20 stitches, chain 22 and start in the 4th chain from the hook.