Crocheting Double Crochet – Basic Uses and Tutorial

“Crocheting Double Crochet – Basic Uses and Tutorial” introduces one of the most common stitches in crochet. The height of each stitch is almost double its width, so it is twice as high as single crochet. It feels like working two rows of single crochet in the space of one row. As a result, it works up quickly, making it a favorite for larger projects like scarves and blankets, or when using a small hook.

Double crochet isn’t as stiff and dense as single crochet—there are gaps between the stitches. This is an advantage when you’re looking for a stitch that’s loose and airy, offering more drape. It also stretches more, which can be the desired result in some projects.

Crocheting Double Crochet – Basic Uses

Name of Stitch
• US Term: Double Crochet (dc)
• UK Term: Treble Crochet (tc).

Important Note: Confusion can arise between these terms, so always check whether the instructions you are following use American or British English. In this blog, we’ll stick to American terminology.

Symbol
• In Written Instructions: dc (US), tc (UK)

• In Patterns:

Common Uses of Double Crochet:

1. Making Large Pieces with Drape:
   Being quick to crochet makes double crochet an ideal stitch for scarves, blankets, sweaters, or beanies.
2. Granny Squares:
   Most Granny squares are made with this stitch since it is fast and shows the color changes well.
3. Small hooks, thin yarn:
   If the yarn is thin (like lace-thin) or the crochet hook is on the smaller scale, double crochet offers the possibility of finishing the project in this century.
4. Motifs:
   There is a multitude of motifs that are based solely on double crochet and give different results with the change of just a single detail. There are also motifs where double crochet is mingled with other stitches to give height.
5. Stitch Variations:
   The stitch itself comes in variations like back or front loop double crochet, back post, and front post double crochet, which allow for design variety. These variations further boost the stitch’s popularity and usefulness.
6. Making Clusters:
   Double crochet is often used to make clusters that result in great variations—like popcorns and bobbles—or make a motif all by themselves.
7. Sky’s the Limit:
   As we will see in the future, double crochet is fundamental to all higher stitches, like triple treble crochet (what an amazing word that is!).

Crocheting Double Crochet Stitch – Tutorial Video

In the accompanying video, you will learn how to crochet double crochet stitches. One important detail is how to manage the chain stitches needed for your crochet piece.

Chains for Height

For any row of double crochet, you should add two extra chains to accommodate the height of the stitches (some even suggest three, but I personally prefer using two chains, as it gives a tighter and cleaner edge). For example, if you want to make a row of 10 double crochet stitches, you should start with 12 chains.

Conclusion

To my mind, “Crocheting Double Crochet – Basic Uses and Tutorial” is a fundamental tutorial. Once double crochet is mastered, the game is really on, and new doors to creativity open. For starters, I want to present a scarf pattern that will be ideal for practicing your double crochet skills, and I hope you will enjoy making it. There is plenty of time until the winter chills, so no worries!