Double crochet is a tall crochet stitch, abbreviated dc in US patterns, made with one yarn over before the hook enters the stitch. The completed stitch is about three chains tall, creates flexible fabric with visible gaps, and builds rows faster than single crochet, making it useful for blankets, scarves, garments, and open accessories.
Key Facts About the Stitch
- A US double crochet normally has three loops on the hook after the initial draw-up.
- The stitch is completed in two pull-through stages, each passing through two loops.
- A standard double crochet is approximately three chain stitches tall.
- A beginning chain-3 often represents the first stitch, but pattern conventions differ.
- The fabric is generally more open and drapey than single crochet.
- A beginner can learn the hand motion in roughly 10-30 minutes, although even tension takes longer.
- Typical yarn cost is $5-$30 for a small project and $20-$80 for a larger blanket, depending on fiber and quantity.
What Is Double Crochet in Crochet Structure?
A US double crochet is a foundational stitch built from one starting yarn over, one insertion into the work, and two successive pull-throughs. Its height comes from the extra loop created before insertion, while its moderate openness comes from the tall post and the space between neighboring stitches.
The stitch has three visible structural parts:
- Top loops: The upper “V” receives the hook in ordinary rows.
- Post: The vertical shaft below the top loops can be worked from the front or back.
- Completed top loop: One loop remains on the hook after the stitch is finished.
The construction explains several practical properties. A taller stitch covers more vertical distance per row, so a project can grow quickly. It also leaves larger spaces than single crochet, which improves drape but reduces wind resistance and can expose stuffing or underlayers.
In US terminology, the abbreviation is dc. In many UK, Australian, and New Zealand patterns, “double crochet” means the shorter stitch called single crochet, or sc, in US terminology. Always identify the pattern’s terminology before beginning.
Double Crochet at a Glance
| Attribute | Typical value | Practical result |
|---|---|---|
| US abbreviation | dc | One yarn over before insertion |
| Approximate height | 3 chains | Tall rows and faster growth |
| Pull-through stages | 2 | Two passes through 2 loops |
| Fabric openness | Moderate | Visible spaces between posts |
| Beginner practice time | 10-30 minutes | Basic motion is quick to learn |
| Common yarn range | Worsted, DK, bulky | Suitable for many project types |
How Do You Make a Double Crochet?
To make a US double crochet, yarn over, insert the hook, draw up a loop, then pull through two loops twice. The completed stitch leaves one loop on the hook and produces a distinct vertical post beneath its top “V.”
Standard Five-Step Method
- Yarn over. Wrap the working yarn over the hook from back to front.
- Insert the hook. Enter the specified chain, stitch, or space.
- Draw up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the work. Three loops now sit on the hook.
- Pull through two. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. Two loops remain.
- Finish the stitch. Yarn over and pull through both remaining loops. One loop remains.
The first yarn over distinguishes this stitch from US single crochet. The two separate pull-throughs distinguish it from half-double crochet, which pulls through three loops in one final movement.
For practice, chain 12, make one dc in the fourth chain from the hook, and continue across. The skipped three chains usually count as the first double crochet in a traditional row, leaving a starting edge that is four chain positions from the hook.
What Should the Stitch Look Like?
A completed double crochet resembles a narrow vertical column with a “V” at its top. The front and back of the fabric show rows of posts, while the spaces between posts remain more visible than they do in compact stitches.
Do not judge height from the top loops alone. A stitch can have a neat top “V” but still be too short if the drawn-up loop was pulled tightly. Lift the loop to the height of the hook shaft before completing each stitch.
Which Hook, Yarn, and Tension Work Best?
A smooth, light-colored medium-weight yarn and a hook that matches the yarn label give beginners the clearest view of loops and posts. For worsted-weight yarn, a 5.0 mm H-8 hook is a practical starting point, although the pattern’s gauge determines the final choice.
Beginner Material Choices
| Yarn category | Typical hook size | Practice or project use | Typical US price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DK weight, category 3 | 4.0-4.5 mm | Light scarves and garments | $4-$10 per 100 g |
| Worsted weight, category 4 | 5.0-5.5 mm | Blankets, hats, bags | $4-$12 per 170-200 g |
| Bulky weight, category 5 | 6.0-8.0 mm | Fast blankets and winter accessories | $6-$16 per 170-200 g |
| Super bulky, category 6 | 9.0-15.0 mm | Large cushions and quick throws | $8-$20 per 170-200 g |
A smooth acrylic or wool-blend yarn makes individual strands easier to separate visually than fuzzy chenille, brushed mohair, or dark black yarn. A medium-light color also exposes missed stitches and uneven tension.
The hook should slide under the top loops without scraping through the yarn plies. If the hook catches fibers repeatedly, try a smoother hook, loosen the working loop, or replace damaged yarn.
How Much Yarn and Money Does a Project Need?
Project cost depends on finished dimensions, yarn weight, stitch gauge, fiber, and whether the design uses a border. The following figures are typical US retail ranges, not fixed prices.
| Project | Typical finished size | Approximate yarn quantity | Typical yarn budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice swatch | 10 x 10 cm | 10-25 g | $1-$3 |
| Scarf | 15 x 160 cm | 300-500 g | $12-$40 |
| Adult hat | 50-58 cm circumference | 80-150 g | $5-$20 |
| Baby blanket | 75 x 90 cm | 600-1,000 g | $25-$75 |
| Throw blanket | 125 x 150 cm | 1,200-2,000 g | $50-$160 |
Double crochet can use more yarn per individual stitch than single crochet, but each stitch covers more area. The relevant budgeting measure is yarn per square meter of fabric, not yarn per stitch alone.
Expert insight: A loose double-crochet fabric may consume less time without consuming proportionally less yarn. Large hooks accelerate hand movement, but tall stitches still require substantial yarn for their posts and repeated yarn overs.
Does the Turning Chain Count as a Stitch?
A turning chain is the chain made at the beginning of a new row to raise the hook to the next row’s working height. In double crochet, a chain-3 is often treated as the first stitch, but some patterns use a chain-2 that does not count, so the written instructions control the stitch count.
Common Starting Methods
| Starting method | Typical height | Counts as first stitch? | Edge behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain-3 | About 3 chains | Often yes | Can leave a visible gap |
| Chain-2 | About 2 chains | Often no | Usually tighter, sometimes short |
| Chainless dc | About 3 chains | Yes | Fills the turning edge |
| Standing dc | About 3 chains | Yes | Useful for joined rounds |
If the pattern says “chain 3, turn, dc in the next stitch,” the chain commonly counts as the first dc, and the first actual stitch goes into the second stitch of the row. If the pattern says “chain 3, turn, dc in the same stitch,” the chain may not count.
Place a stitch marker through the top of the turning chain when learning. At the end of the next row, count the turning chain as a stitch only if the pattern tells you to do so.
Expert insight: Many widening or narrowing errors are edge-accounting errors rather than failures in the stitch itself. Count the first and last stitch of every practice row until the turning-chain rule becomes automatic.
US and UK Double Crochet Mean Different Stitches
“Double crochet” means US dc in American patterns and US single crochet in most UK terminology. The difference changes the stitch height, abbreviation, fabric density, and pattern result, so a pattern’s stated standard matters more than the full stitch name.
Terminology Conversion
| US term | US abbreviation | UK term | UK abbreviation | Approximate height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single crochet | sc | Double crochet | dc | 1 chain |
| Half-double crochet | hdc | Half treble crochet | htr | 2 chains |
| Double crochet | dc | Treble crochet | tr | 3 chains |
| Treble crochet | tr | Double treble crochet | dtr | 4 chains |
A pattern from the United States usually identifies double crochet as dc. A British pattern may identify its equivalent as tr, because the US double crochet is called UK treble crochet.
Check the pattern’s key, designer location, publisher, or terminology note. Converting only the abbreviation without converting the stitch name can produce fabric that is twice as short or unexpectedly dense.
How Does Double Crochet Compare With Other Stitches?
Double crochet is taller and more open than single or half-double crochet, but shorter and denser than treble crochet. The choice depends on the desired warmth, drape, speed, stretch, and resistance to gaps.
| US stitch | Yarn overs before insertion | Approximate height | Typical fabric | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single crochet | 0 | 1 chain | Dense and firm | Amigurumi, baskets, sturdy edges |
| Half-double crochet | 1 | 2 chains | Medium density | Sweaters, hats, textured blankets |
| Double crochet | 1 | 3 chains | Flexible and moderately open | Afghans, scarves, cardigans |
| Treble crochet | 2 | 4 chains | Loose and lacy | Shawls, lace, open market bags |
Single crochet is usually the better choice when stuffing must remain hidden or a firm shape must resist distortion. Half-double crochet often provides a useful middle ground for garments because it has less openness while retaining more height than single crochet.
Treble crochet grows faster vertically but produces larger gaps. It works well for lace and airy fabric, not for a dense winter hat unless combined with lining or another stitch.
What Variations Change the Fabric?
Double-crochet variations alter the stitch’s height, spacing, surface relief, or connection between neighboring posts. The main options include extended, linked, front-post, and back-post double crochet.
- Extended double crochet, edc: Adds a chain-like step before the final pull-through, producing a slightly taller, more fluid stitch.
- Linked double crochet, ldc: Connects neighboring stitches through earlier loops, reducing the vertical gaps of ordinary dc.
- Front-post double crochet, fpdc: Wraps around the front of the post below, raising that post toward the viewer.
- Back-post double crochet, bpdc: Wraps around the back of the post below, pushing the post away and creating ribbing.
- Cluster or shell combinations: Group several dc stitches into one space for decorative motifs and increased texture.
Variation Performance
| Variation | Construction change | Fabric effect | Suitable application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard dc | One yarn over, two pull-throughs | Open, flexible rows | Blankets and scarves |
| Extended dc | Extra chain step | Taller and softer drape | Garments and shawls |
| Linked dc | Neighboring posts connect | Fewer gaps, flatter surface | Bags and warm blankets |
| fpdc | Hook wraps front post | Raised ribs and relief | Cables and borders |
| bpdc | Hook wraps back post | Recessed ribs and stretch | Cuffs and hat bands |
Post stitches do not usually enter the top “V” in the same way as ordinary rows. Working around the post changes the fabric’s structure and can make the row shorter or tighter, so use the pattern’s stated placement rather than substituting automatically.
How Do You Keep Rows Straight?
Straight edges require consistent turning-chain treatment, accurate stitch counting, and a clear decision about where the first and last stitches belong. Double crochet rows often lean at the edges because a chain-3 can be narrower than a real post.
Use this method for a rectangular swatch:
- Make a foundation chain with the pattern’s required number.
- Mark the first and last working stitches.
- Count the turning chain according to the instructions.
- Place the final stitch into the top of the turning chain if it counts.
- Count the completed row before turning.
- Compare the edge width after every two or three rows.
A beginning chain that counts as a stitch creates a taller but sometimes looser edge. A chainless starting double crochet usually resembles a real post more closely and can reduce the triangular gap at the row end.
For a clean border, work the first border round into the side posts with a consistent spacing rule. A common starting point is one stitch per dc row, but designers may use fewer stitches on a tight edge or more stitches on a rippling edge.
How Do You Calculate Gauge and Project Size?
Gauge is the number of stitches and rows measured across a fixed area, usually 10 cm or 4 inches. A double-crochet project reaches its intended size only when your stitch gauge matches the pattern, because a small width difference multiplied across dozens of stitches can change the finished measurement substantially.
Make a swatch at least 12 x 12 cm, then measure the central 10 x 10 cm area rather than the outer edge. Count both stitches across and rows vertically after washing or blocking the swatch in the same way the finished item will be treated.
For a simple calculation:
- Required stitches = target width × stitches per unit of measurement.
- Required rows = target height × rows per unit of measurement.
- Example: 40 cm width at 16 dc per 10 cm requires about 64 stitches.
If your swatch has too many stitches per 10 cm, use a larger hook. If it has too few, use a smaller hook. Changing hook size alters drape, so do not chase stitch count while ignoring whether the fabric feels suitable.
Expert insight: Row gauge is frequently more important than stitch gauge for blankets and scarves, while both gauges matter for sleeves, yokes, and fitted waistbands. A correct stitch count with a substantially different row height can still produce the wrong garment length.
When Is Double Crochet a Good Choice?
Double crochet suits projects that need moderate drape, visible texture, and reasonably fast growth. It is less suitable when the finished fabric must be compact, highly windproof, or resistant to small objects passing through the gaps.
Strong Applications
- Blankets with a flexible, washable fabric
- Scarves and cowls that benefit from drape
- Summer cardigans and lightweight sweaters
- Shawls using solid rows or open motifs
- Simple hats when a dense lining is unnecessary
- Granny-square joins and motif-based afghans
- Decorative borders and textured post-stitch patterns
Situations That Need Another Stitch
A single crochet fabric is usually better for amigurumi because stuffing can show through dc gaps and the taller stitch makes shaping less compact. Half-double crochet is often better for a warm beanie or garment panel that needs moderate density without the stiffness of sc.
Double crochet also has limited structural stiffness. A shopping basket worked entirely in ordinary dc may sag unless reinforced with a tighter stitch, a smaller hook, or a sturdy yarn such as cotton cord.
What Problems Happen Most Often?
Most beginner errors involve loop height, stitch placement, or row-end counting. Each problem has a visible symptom and a specific correction.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Correction | Result to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Row gets narrower | Missed final stitch | Mark the last stitch and count rows | Same stitch total |
| Large edge gap | Loose chain-3 | Try chain-2 or chainless dc | Straighter side edge |
| Hard-to-enter loops | Drawn-up loop too tight | Lift loop to hook-shaft height | Smooth insertion |
| Holes larger than expected | Wrong hook or loose tension | Reduce hook size or tension gently | Even spaces |
| Fuzzy, split strands | Hook enters yarn plies | Insert under the full top “V” | Intact yarn |
| Fabric ripples | Too many edge or increase stitches | Recount and remove extras | Flat swatch |
Do not correct a shrinking row by adding random stitches at the edge. First determine whether the turning chain counts, then compare the stitch count with the previous row.
If a completed stitch looks unusually short, undo it before continuing. Height errors compound across a row and can create a visibly slanted fabric even when the stitch count is correct.
How Can You Fix a Mistake?
To undo the most recent double crochet, remove the hook from the loop, gently pull the working yarn backward through the stitch, and stop when the previous loop is restored. Reinsert the hook into that loop before continuing.
For a missed stitch several rows below, use a crochet hook to ladder the column upward if the structure remains clear. If the mistake changes the shape or leaves a prominent hole, unravel back to the error instead of disguising it with extra yarn.
A dropped stitch in a double-crochet row can be difficult to repair because each column contains multiple loops and a tall post. Mark the live loop immediately, identify whether the stitch is standard dc or a post stitch, and rebuild the column with the same sequence.
Frequently Asked Questions About What Is Double Crochet
Is Double Crochet Faster Than Single Crochet?
US double crochet usually builds fabric faster because each stitch is roughly three chains tall, while single crochet is about one chain tall. The speed advantage depends on tension, yarn thickness, pattern complexity, and row length. A dense single-crochet project can still progress quickly when worked with bulky yarn.
How Many Chains Do I Need to Start a Double-Crochet Row?
For a straight row, chain the number of planned stitches plus the turning chain required by the pattern. A common US method uses chain 3, with that chain counted as the first dc. Other patterns use chain 2 or a chainless starting stitch, so the written instructions determine the exact foundation length.
Can You Use Double Crochet for Amigurumi?
You can use US double crochet for amigurumi, but it is rarely the best default because its taller structure creates gaps through which stuffing may show. Single crochet, worked with a smaller hook and firm tension, usually produces the compact fabric needed for toys, shaped figures, and small stuffed parts.
Why Does My Double Crochet Have Holes?
Moderate spaces are normal because the stitch is tall and flexible. Excessive holes usually result from a hook that is too large, loose tension, an overextended drawn-up loop, or insertion into the wrong space. Match the hook to the pattern gauge, maintain consistent loop height, and inspect each top “V.”
Is Double Crochet Suitable for a Blanket?
US double crochet is suitable for blankets when moderate drape and fast row growth are desired. Choose a tighter stitch or smaller hook for a warmer, less open blanket, and use linked dc or a dense border when ordinary rows leave more airflow than the design requires.
What Is a Chainless Starting Double Crochet?
A chainless starting double crochet is a first stitch that rises to double-crochet height without using a separate chain-3. It typically reduces the loose triangular gap at the row edge and looks more like a normal stitch, but it requires practice to keep the post and top loop even.
Conclusion
What is double crochet? It is a US crochet stitch made with one yarn over and two pull-through stages, producing a tall, flexible fabric that grows quickly and has moderate gaps. Choose it for blankets, scarves, garments, and open accessories, but use gauge testing, consistent turning-chain rules, and the correct US or UK terminology before starting a project.