Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial: Clear Steps for Total Beginners

Learning new crochet stitches always excites me! In this post, I will show you exactly how I make the double crochet stitch.

It’s the next step after learning the single crochet stitch, and it opens up so many more possibilities. The double crochet stitch is taller and gives your projects a looser texture. Let’s dive into it together—step by step!

Step 1: Start with a Foundation Chain

Let’s begin with the base of every crochet project: the foundation chain.

To get started, I make a chain of 10 stitches. Just ten! It’s a simple starting point and the perfect number to practice this stitch without feeling overwhelmed. 

Each chain counts, so I always go slow and steady here. This chain is where I’ll build the first row of double crochet stitches.

Step 2: Add Turning Chains for Height

Now that we have our chain ready, it’s time to add some height to begin the first row.

Before I crochet the first double crochet stitch, I chain 2 more stitches. These extra 2 chains act like the first stitch and create the right height for the double crochet row. 

I always count these as part of the row, so don’t skip them! Without this step, the stitch row would look too short and uneven.

Step 3: Work the First Double Crochet Stitch

Time to dive into the fun part—making the actual stitch!

I start by yarning over. That means I wrap the yarn over the hook before inserting it into the chain. This is a key difference from the single crochet stitch, where I insert the hook first. 

For the double crochet stitch, I insert the hook into the third chain from the hook, not the first or second, but the third. 

Then, I yarn over again and pull the yarn through the chain. 

Now, there are three loops on my hook. 

Here’s where the rhythm kicks in:

• Yarn over, pull through two loops (now there are two loops left).

• Yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops.

Done! That’s one complete double crochet stitch. It may feel like a lot at first, but once I repeat it a few times, it becomes second nature.

Step 4: Repeat the Double Crochet Across the Row

Let’s keep the momentum going and crochet across the entire row!

After finishing the first stitch, I repeat the same steps:

• Yarn over

• Insert the hook into the next chain

• Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook)

• Yarn over, pull through 2 loops

• Yarn over again, pull through the last 2 loops

That gives me the second double crochet stitch. 

Then, I keep going, one chain at a time, repeating those same steps.

I’ve noticed this stitch is a bit trickier than the single crochet. Why? Because I need to remember to yarn over before inserting the hook. That step comes first; if I forget, the stitch won’t work correctly.

For the single crochet, I just inserted the hook straight down, but this one needs a little more rhythm.

So here’s my tip: say the steps out loud at first. “Yarn over, insert, yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over, pull through 2.” It helps!

Step 5: Turn Your Work for the Next Row

After finishing the first row, I need to turn my work to continue.

Before turning, I chain 2 stitches. Like at the beginning, these 2 chains give the next row the correct height. 

Then, I turn the piece so I can begin crocheting into the new row.

Now, I start the first stitch of this new row. I yarn over, then insert the hook into the first stitch of the row. Then, I pull up a loop.

I yarn over, pull through 2 loops, and yarn over once more to pull through the final 2 loops.

I repeat this for each stitch across the row. One important thing I always remind myself: when inserting the hook into a stitch, I go under both loops, not just one. 

Each stitch has two “legs,” and the hook needs to go under both to keep the stitch strong and even.

Step 6: Count Your Stitches to Stay on Track

It’s easy to lose count while crocheting, especially when I get in the rhythm. That’s why I like to stop and count my stitches now and then.

For example, if I’m aiming for 10 double crochets in a row, I count them one by one.

If I don’t reach 10, I know I missed a stitch somewhere. It’s much easier to fix right away than at the end of the whole project!

Counting also helps me ensure each row has the same number of stitches. That keeps the sides straight and the pattern looking clean.

Step 7: Fasten Off and Finish the Piece

Almost done! Now, let’s wrap things up properly.

To finish off the piece, I make one final chain stitch. This is called a slip stitch, and it fastens off the work securely. 

Then, I cut the yarn and pull the end of the yarn through that last loop. I give it a little tug to tie it off nicely.

That’s it! A clean, secure end to a lovely row of double crochet stitches.

Double Crochet vs. Single Crochet: A Quick Comparison

Let’s take a quick moment to compare. The double crochet stitch is about twice the height of the single crochet stitch. 

That makes your rows grow faster and gives a lighter, more open texture. But it’s also a little more complex since you yarn over before inserting the hook.

• Single crochet: simple, short, tight stitches
• Double crochet: taller, faster, more open fabric

I always go with double crochet when I want to move quickly or create something lacy!

Final Thoughts

That’s how I crochet the double crochet stitch—step by step! Once you’ve practiced it a few times, it feels natural. I always enjoy seeing how much faster projects grow with double crochet.

Are you ready to add this stitch to your crochet toolkit? Let me know how your first row turns out—I’d love to hear!