How to Double Crochet (dc) for Beginners

The double crochet, written as dc in crochet patterns, is a taller stitch than single crochet.

It works up faster and creates a soft, light fabric, which makes it a lovely stitch for baby blankets, blanket panels, borders, and cozy crochet rows.

If you already know how to yarn over and pull through loops, double crochet is a beautiful next stitch to learn.

What You Need

• Yarn
• Crochet hook
• Scissors
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends

You will also need a short row of stitches or a practice chain to work into.

Step 1: Chain Two for Height

At the beginning of a new row, make 2 chain stitches.

This gives your row enough height for the double crochet stitch.

Your pattern may tell you a different number for the turning chain, so always follow the pattern you are using.

Step 2: Yarn Over

Before inserting your hook, wrap the yarn over your hook once.

This is what makes the double crochet taller than a single crochet.

Step 3: Insert Your Hook Into the Stitch

Find the next stitch.

Look for the little V-shape at the top of the stitch.

Insert your hook under both strands of the V.

Step 4: Yarn Over and Pull Up a Loop

Yarn over again.

Pull the yarn back through the stitch.

You should now have three loops on your hook.

Step 5: Yarn Over and Pull Through Two Loops

Yarn over again.

Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook.

You should now have two loops left on your hook.

Step 6: Yarn Over and Pull Through the Last Two Loops

Yarn over one more time.

Pull the yarn through the last two loops on your hook.

You have now made one double crochet stitch.

Step 7: Keep Working Across the Row

Repeat the same steps across the row:

Yarn over.
Insert hook into the next stitch.
Yarn over and pull up a loop.
Yarn over and pull through two loops.
Yarn over and pull through the last two loops.

When you reach the end, you will have a full row of double crochet stitches.

What Does “dc” Mean in a Pattern?

In crochet patterns, dc means double crochet.

For example: dc 10 means: make 10 double crochet stitches.

You will often see dc in baby blanket patterns because it helps create rows that grow quickly and feel soft.

Beginner Tip

Do not pull your loops too tight.

Double crochet needs a little space so your hook can move through the loops easily.

If your stitches feel stiff, relax your hands and let the yarn move more gently.

Final Thoughts

Double crochet is one of the best stitches for baby blankets.

It is simple, soft, and works up faster than shorter stitches. Once you learn it, you can make larger crochet pieces with more confidence.

The rhythm is easy to remember:

Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, pull through two, pull through two.