Crochet Basics for Beginners Series
Mastering the Double Crochet Stitch: Double the Height, Double the Delight!
Welcome back to my Crochet Basics for Beginners Series! If you’ve been following along, you’ve already mastered the single and half double crochet stitches, and now you’re ready to learn the double crochet stitch. This versatile stitch is perfect for creating lightweight and airy fabrics, adding height to your projects with ease. Whether you’re making blankets, scarves, or other creative pieces, the double crochet stitch is an essential skill to have in your crochet toolkit. Let’s dive in!
Things You’ll Need
You’ll need some yarn and a hook, a thicker light coloured yarn and a larger hook are easier to begin with. I’d suggest beginning with:
- Yarn: 8ply – equivalent yarns in other countries could be a DK yarn, light worsted yarn, medium-weight yarn.
- Crochet hook: 5mm (or one close to this size ie 4mm-6mm) – equivalent to a US H/8 – UK6.
Hook, yarn, and link! When you click and buy through our links, you’re not just crafting amazing projects, you’re helping us stitch together more fabulous free crochet content. It doesn’t cost you extra, but it keeps our hooks moving and your patterns plenty!
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your First Double Crochet Stitch
With your hook in one hand, yarn in the other and a slip knot on your hook, you will need to make your foundation chain. Once You have that done, you are ready to make your first double crochet (dc) stitch!
Forming the Double Crochet Stitch
- Yarn Over: Begin by taking the yarn over your hook.
- Insert the Hook: If starting a new piece from foundation chain, begin in the third chain from your hook and insert your hook into the middle of the chain stitch, otherwise insert the hook into the middle of the next stitch in your pattern.
- Yarn Over Again: Take the yarn over your hook again.
- Pull Through: Pull the yarn back through the chain stitch. You will now have three loops on your hook.
- Yarn Over Again: Take the yarn over your hook once more.
- Pull Through Two Loops: Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. You should now have two loops remaining on your hook.
- Yarn Over Again: Yarn over one last time.
- Pull Through Remaining Loops: Pull the yarn through the remaining two loops on your hook. You’ve just made your first double crochet stitch!
Continuing the Row
- Move to the next stitch and repeat the process: Yarn over, insert hook into the next chain, yarn over, pull through (three loops on hook), yarn over again, pull through the first two loops, yarn over once more, and pull through the remaining two loops.
- Continue: Keep going to the end of the row, turn your work, and if continuing in double crochet, chain two to begin the next row.
Here’s a Quick and Simple Video
Adjusting Double Crochet Stitches for Different Projects
The size of your hook and the weight of your yarn can greatly influence the texture and appearance of your double crochet stitches. Experiment with various combinations to find the perfect balance for your particular project, whether you’re aiming for a snug and dense fabric for a cozy blanket, a light and airy shawl, or a bulky scarf with chunky yarn and a large hook.
Tips for Perfect Double Crochet Stitches
Maintain Even Tension: Consistent tension is key to achieving uniform half double crochet stitches. Practice holding your yarn with a steady grip to produce neat and even stitches throughout your work.
Find Your Rhythm: Developing a smooth, consistent rhythm that suits your crocheting style will help you create more even stitches over time. Start slow and focus on your technique; speed and efficiency will naturally follow as you become more confident.
Keep Your Hands Relaxed: Tension isn’t just about the yarn; it’s also about how you hold your hook and yarn. Keep your hands relaxed to avoid unnecessary strain. If you find yourself tensing up, take a short break and stretch your fingers and wrists.
Mastering double crochet stitches opens the door to so many wonderful patterns and allow pieces to ‘grow’ faster. It frees you up to create more open or versatile pieces. Take your time, enjoy the process, and watch your skills grow with each stitch.
Happy Double Crocheting!
If you would like to learn more, check out all our other posts within the Crochet Basics for Beginners Series:
How to Slip Knot Yarn Onto a Hook
And many many more you can find under our Crochet – Crochet Basics for Beginners Series section
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