One of the key stitches in crochet is double crochet (DC), a simple, compact stitch that forms a dense fabric.
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Follow these written steps with pictures on how to double crochet, and you’ll master the stitch in no time.
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How to double crochet
US verse UK crochet terminology
The terminology can confuse beginners when they start learning to crochet. Crochet terms differ depending on whether the designers use US or UK terms (Australian designers will use UK terms).
US crochet terms start with single crochet, while UK terms call the same stitch double crochet. The next stitch is the US double crochet, but it’s called treble crochet in the UK.
If you remember that UK stitch names are one step above the US crochet stitches, you can translate all patterns to crochet, depending on where the pattern was created.
The instructions below show how to double crochet using UK terminology.

Double crochet: step-by-step instructions
Step 1

To make a double crochet stitch, insert the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch on the previous row.
Step. 2

Wind the yarn around the hook (yrh).
Step. 3

Pull the yarn through the stitch, giving you two loops on your crochet hook.
Step. 4

Pull the yarn through the stitch, giving you two loops on your crochet hook.

Double crochet tips
Remember to keep your tension even and consistent throughout your work and to turn your work at the end of each row. With practice, you’ll be working single crochet quickly and confidently in no time.
How to do a turning chain
In crochet, you must add turning chains (t-chs) to the beginning of rows. This is to bring the hook up to the height of the stitches you’re crocheting. Each basic stitch has its own number of chains.
For double crochet (dc), usually, the turning chain does not count as a stitch, and the first stitch of the row is worked into the stitch at the base of the turning chain.
The following table shows how many t-ch sts are needed for the first stitch.

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