Lesson 5: How to Double Crochet

The double crochet stitch is one of the most common crochet stitches. It is a taller stitch than single crochet.

Remember, you will never work in the first chain from the crochet hook unless the crochet pattern you are working specifically directs you to do so. Be sure to go through the center of the V of the chain and under the bar at the back; do not twist the chain.

We will now begin working Row 1 of double crochet.

WORKING ROW 1: How to Double Crochet in Row 1

Step 1: Make a slip knot and chain 14. Bring the yarn over the hook from back to front, skip the first three chains from the hook and then insert the hook in the fourth chain (see illustration 26).

Step 2: Bring the yarn over the crochet hook from back to front and draw it through the chain stitch and up onto the working area of the hook; you now have three loops on the hook (see illustration 27).

Step 3: Bring the yarn over the crochet hook from back to front and draw through the first two loops on the hook (see illustration 28). You now have two loops on the hook (see illustration 29).

Step 4: Bring the yarn over the crochet hook from back to front and draw through both loops on the hook (see illustration 30).

You have now completed one double crochet; one loop remains on the hook (see illustration 31).

Continue working one double crochet in each remaining chain across. After working in each chain across, count your double crochet stitches. There should be 12 of them, counting the first three chain stitches you skipped at the beginning of the row as a double crochet (see illustration 32).

Turn your work counterclockwise and we will begin working row 2.

WORKING ROW 2: How to Double Crochet in Row 2

To work row 2, you need to bring the yarn or thread up to the correct height for the next row. To raise the yarn, chain 3 (this is called the turning chain).

The three chains in the turning chain just made count as the first double crochet of the new row so skip the first double crochet and work a double crochet in the second stitch. Be sure to insert the crochet hook under top two loops of the stitch; illustrations 33a and 33b indicate the correct and incorrect placement of this stitch.

We will continue to work a double crochet in each remaining stitch across the previous row; at the end of each row, be sure to work the last double crochet in the top of the three skipped chains from the previous row. Be sure to insert the crochet hook in the center of the V (and back bar) of the top chain of the third chain of beginning chain (illustration 34). Stop and count your double crochets; there should be 12 stitches.

You can continue practicing or fasten off.

FASTENING OFF

After the last stitch, cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch end. As you do when you take your crochet hook out for a break, draw the hook straight up, but this time draw the cut yarn end completely through the stitch. Pull the 6-inch end to close.