Hey everyone! Today you’re going to learn how to double crochet in this easy, beginner-friendly step by step tutorial.

I know it’s been a few weeks since posting my last tutorial and I apologize for that! This last month has been pretty hectic for me but I’m finally catching a break. For now… xD

This week I’ve really been getting back into tapestry crochet. I’ve been designing some of my own graphs (check out the tutorial on reading a graph for crochet that I posted yesterday) and even pulled out an old project: this Star Wars graphghan I started over ten years ago and never finished. Since I’ve improved at tapestry crochet (and gained a significant amount of patience since then) I really want to finish it!

Anyways, in the last How to Crochet series tutorial we learned how to do a single crochet stitch and work on our tension a bit more. If you missed that tutorial check out my photo tutorial post and YouTube video tutorial. Hopefully you’ve been practicing those single crochet stitches!

By now you should be comfortable enough to move onto the next crochet stitch: the double crochet.

The double crochet is one of the most commonly used crochet stitches, taller than a single crochet and a half double crochet, and it’s great for making blankets, garments, and more open, breathable fabrics. It’s about twice the height of a single crochet.

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to make your first double crochet stitch.

This photo tutorial is meant to guide you step by step through the process, but the video tutorial is up on my YouTube channel if you’d like further explanation.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.

All right, let’s get into it!

What you’ll need to get started:

• A crochet hook. An H/5mm hook is the best size to use at first because it’s not too big and not too small. If you want to read more about choosing the right hook and yarn check out my post, but if you just want the short answer then use an H/5mm hook!
• Yarn. Choose a worsted weight yarn (check out my post about hooks and yarns for a breakdown of the different yarn types) in a light color so your stitches are easy to see. Soft and fuzzy yarns are typically a little more difficult to work with so stick to a regular acrylic or cotton yarn until you’re more comfortable with crocheting.
• Scissors. You’ll need to cut the yarn when you’re finished!
• Sewing needle. This is really optional but if you’re wanting to weave in your yarn ends when you’re finished then you’ll need to use a needle to do so.

Ready to learn the double crochet stitch?

Grab your yarn and hook and let’s get started. Watch the video tutorial and follow along with the step by step instructions here.

I’m using an aluminum Boye H/5mm crochet hook and I Love This Cotton light pink worsted weight cotton yarn. We’ll start by making a slip knot and 8 chain stitches.

Every crochet stitch except for the chain stitch needs a foundation to get it started unless you’re crocheting in the round (I’ll be making a post and a video on that eventually). In this case the 8 chain stitches are going to be the foundation for our double crochet stitches.

If you need a little help with holding your yarn check out the first tutorial in the How to Crochet series.

Skip the first 3 chains and begin in the fourth chain from your hook (the loop my left thumb is covering).

Yarn over and insert your hook under the top loop of that chain stitch.

Now you’re going to do another yarn over.

Pull the yarn through that top loop only, making sure to keep holding onto your chains with your right middle finger and thumb.

You should have three loops on your hook. Yarn over once again.

Pull through two loops. You should now have two loops left on your hook.

Yarn over one more time.

Pull through the last two loops on your hook. You should now have just one loop on your hook.

Congratulations! You’ve completed your first double crochet stitch.

Let’s do another.

You’re going to skip over the chain stitch that you just worked a double crochet in (see the little gap?) and move to the next empty chain.

Go ahead and yarn over.

Insert your hook into the next chain, yarn over again, and pull through two loops on your hook.

Now yarn over again and pull through the last two loops on your hook.

And you’ve done it!!

Keep making double crochet stitches, one in each empty chain stitch, until you run out of chain stitches.

If your stitches are a little bumpy or some are smaller while others are bigger, don’t worry! Your stitches will eventually even out once you get your tension down.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Keep practicing managing your tension and making double crochet stitches so you’ll be ready to learn the half double crochet in lesson 4 next week.

I’d love to see your work, so feel free to share your progress in the comments, or tag me on Instagram @handmade.by.micah . If you have any questions drop them in the comments. I’m always happy to help!

Stay tuned for lesson 4 and happy crocheting!