Basic Crochet Stitches. Part 4 Half Double Crochet
- A.W. Nicholson
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
How to Double Crochet (DC)
Double crochet is one of the most common stitches in crochet. It’s taller than single crochet and half double crochet, which means your projects build up faster and have a softer drape.
You’ll Need
- Yarn (any weight is fine for practice)
- A crochet hook that matches your yarn label
- Scissors
- Yarn needle (optional, for weaving in ends)
The Double Crochet Stitch (DC): Step-by-Step
Step 1: Yarn Over (YO)
Wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front.
Step 2: Insert Hook
Insert your hook into the next stitch (or the stitch your pattern tells you to use).
Step 3: Yarn Over and Pull Up a Loop
Yarn over again and pull the yarn back through the stitch.
You should now have 3 loops on your hook.
Step 4: Yarn Over and Pull Through 2 Loops
Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops on your hook.
You now have 2 loops on your hook.
Step 5: Yarn Over and Pull Through Last 2 Loops
Yarn over again and pull through the last 2 loops.
That completes one Double Crochet (DC).
Quick Loop Check
- After pulling up a loop: 3 loops
- After pulling through 2: 2 loops
- After pulling through 2 again: 1 loop (done)
How to Start a Row of Double Crochet
Foundation Chain + First Row
1. Chain your starting chain length.
2. Add 3 extra chains at the end. These are your turning chains and help bring you up to DC height.
3. Skip the first 3 chains from your hook.
4. Work your first DC into the 4th chain from the hook.
5. Continue DC in each chain across.
Turning Your Work for the Next Row
Common Method (Most Used)
1. CH 3
2. Turn your work.
3. Skip the very first stitch (because the CH 3 counts as a stitch).
4. Work your first DC into the second stitch.
5. Continue DC across.
6. Work your last DC into the top of the turning chain from the previous row.
Alternate Method: No-Hole Edge (CH 1 Start)
Some crocheters prefer a different way to begin a row of double crochet — especially if they don’t like the small gap that the traditional CH 3 can create along the side.
At the end of your row:
1. CH 1
2. Turn your work.
3. Work your first DC directly into the very first stitch (the stitch right at the base).
4. Continue working DC in each stitch across.
5. Work your final DC into the last stitch of the row — not into a turning chain.
Why This Method Works
- The chain does not count as a stitch.
- Your first stitch is a full double crochet.
- Your edges look more solid and uniform.
- You avoid the small side holes that sometimes appear with CH 3 turning chains.
Which Method Should You Use?
Both are correct.
- CH 3 method → traditional and common in written patterns.
- CH 1 method → cleaner edge with fewer gaps.
Keeping Straight Edges (No “Leaning” Sides)
Double crochet edges can look uneven if you miss the last stitch or accidentally add an extra stitch in the turning chain area.
Two habits that help:
1) Mark the top of your turning chain
When you CH 3, place a stitch marker in the top chain of that CH 3. That reminds you where the last stitch must go.
2) Count stitches at the end of each row
If your row is supposed to have 20 DC, make sure you still have 20 before moving on.
Common Beginner Mistakes (and Fixes)
“My edges are getting wider or narrower”
Cause: Missing the last stitch or accidentally adding an extra stitch.
Fix: Put a marker in the turning chain and count stitches every row.
“I keep splitting the yarn”
Cause: Hook tip is catching strands instead of sliding under the loops.
Fix: Keep your hook slightly angled downward when pulling through.
“My DC looks tight and hard to pull through”
Cause: Tension is too tight or loops are pulled too small.
Fix: After pulling up a loop (3 loops on hook), relax your hand slightly and keep loops a bit taller.
Double Crochet Abbreviations
DC = Double Crochet
YO = Yarn Over
CH = Chain
ST = Stitch
Final Tip
Practice on a small swatch before starting a project. The more you repeat the motion — yarn over, insert, pull up a loop, pull through 2, pull through 2 — the more natural it becomes. Double crochet is a foundational stitch that opens the door to blankets, garments, and so many beautiful patterns.
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