Learn the Double Crochet Stitch

Learn how to double crochet with me today. Earlier this month, I talked about how crochet can calm the mind and reduce stress and also gave you all a mini tutorial on some of the basic crochet stitches–the chain stitch, and the single crochet. So I thought I ought round that off by also providing you with a how to double crochet tutorial and that is why I am here today.

If you have been following me, you know I absolutely love crochet. It is one of my passions. So I am always super excited to talk about crochet here on Tidbits of Care. Crochet proved a life saver for me some years ago when I was so stressed by work that I had to take a leave of absence and really start thinking more about my own mental health. It was a huge part of my self care at that time, and remains so as it provides so much joy in my life.

I honestly cannot stress enough how having a hobby such as knit or crochet can really do wonders for your mental health. It’s honestly something I truly recommend trying if you are struggling with stress and/or anxiety. And to that end, I am going to teach you how to double crochet today.

A Little About Crochet Stitches

Let’s learn a little about crochet stitches while we are here, shall we? There are about five basic crochet stitches: the chain stitch, the slip stitch the single crochet, the double crochet and the treble crochet. The names are all related to how tall the stitches are in comparison to the single crochet stitch. The double crochet stitch is twice as tall as the single crochet stitch, and the treble crochet stitch is three times as tall as the single crochet stitch, hence why they are called double and treble (triple).

While there are other variations such as the extended single crochet and the half double crochet stitches, but these are the five stitches you’ll see most often in basic patterns, and some far more than others. Then, when we combine stitches we get a stitch pattern. For instance, if you crochet a slip stitch and a half double crochet stitch right next to it, you are creating what is called the crunch stitch, which is a lovely textured stitch that I personally love to use for blankets.

I am honestly always looking for new crochet stitch patterns. There are a ton out there. Some look like cats or even tulips. This is accomplished through a combination of stitches and in the case of tulips, colour. Now, that might not be everyone’s thing–it’s certainly not mine, but I appreciate the creativity and how such stitches might really make a cute addition to a baby’s outfit, or other piece maybe something shabby chic. Others are far less artsy and much easier to create, and in my opinion, more versatile.

Sound Complicated?

Honestly, it’s really not. You just get used to the terms (which again, are really those five stitches) and then everything builds from there to make perfect sense. Stitch patterns are as I described above, a combination of patterns creating a certain kind of drape or affect to the crochet fabric you are working on. This could be textured, or it could drape, or could even look lace like or open weave depending on the stitch pattern you are using. This is what makes crochet so fun in my opinion. You can do so much with it!

How to Crochet the Double Crochet

This is the most commonly used stitch in crochet. So it is kind of important that you master it if you really want to become a proficient crocheter. Which, I promise you is far less daunting a task than it might sound like. The double crochet stitch is not much more difficult than the single crochet, so if you have mastered that you can totally crochet this stitch.

Step One: Let’s say you already have chain stitched a length of fifteen chains. Perfect! Now, draw the yarn to the back of the hook (what I call yarn over), insert the hook into the second chain from the hook.

Step Two: Draw up a loop. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.

Step Three: Yarn over and pull through two remains loops to complete the double crochet stitch.

That’s it! That is totally ALL there is to it. I recommend practicing this until you get the knack of it, but soon you’ll be ready to get seriously crocheting–if you haven’t already! An easy beginner project using this stitch would be a baby blanket, which you could then add a boarder to as well. Or even, a scarf. It’ll be the most rewarding feeling when you finish your first crochet project!

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