Stitch guide · Basic stitches
Double Crochetdc
Double crochet is a tall, versatile stitch that builds fabric quickly. It’s the heart of granny squares, mesh bags and many blankets.
On this page
- US abbreviation
- dc
- UK name
- treble crochet (tr)
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Stitch multiple
- Any number of stitches
- Turning chain
- Ch 3 — often counts as a stitch (check your pattern)
- Height
- About twice the height of single crochet
Chart symbol for the double crochet
Double crochet makes a taller, more open fabric than single or half double crochet, so projects grow quickly and drape nicely. It is the stitch behind granny squares, mesh market bags and many blankets and shawls.
UK patterns call this stitch the treble crochet (tr).
How to crochet the double crochet
- 1
Yarn over
Wrap the yarn over the hook.
- 2
Insert and pull up a loop
Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop. You have 3 loops on your hook.
- 3
Pull through two
Yarn over and draw through the first 2 loops. You have 2 loops left.
- 4
Pull through the last two
Yarn over and draw through the remaining 2 loops. That’s one double crochet.
Practice swatch
Work this small swatch to get comfortable with the stitch before starting a project.
- Foundation
- Ch 18.
- Row 1
- Dc in the 4th ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn. (16 sts — the skipped chains count as the first dc)
- Row 2
- Ch 3 (counts as a dc), sk the first st, dc in each st across, working the last dc into the top of the turning chain. Turn. (16 sts)
- Following rows
- Repeat Row 2.
Tips
- Say “pull through two, pull through two” in your head while you learn — those two steps give the stitch its height.
- If the turning chain counts as a stitch, remember to work into its top at the end of the next row.
Common problems (and fixes)
- My edges are uneven and wavy
- There is usually a missed or extra stitch at the turning chain. Decide whether the ch 3 counts, then count your stitches every row while practicing.
- My stitches look loose and loopy
- Hold the yarn a little more firmly and pull each loop through smoothly. A smaller hook can help too.
Common questions
What is a UK treble crochet?
It’s the same stitch as a US double crochet. UK patterns call it a treble (tr).
What does dc2tog mean?
Double crochet two together — a decrease that turns two stitches into one.
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Put it into practice
Patterns using the double crochet
Free pattern
Free pattern
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Free pattern
Free pattern
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