Double Crochet (US) / Treble (UK): How to Do It Step by Step
Double Crochet (dc in US patterns, tr in UK patterns) is a beginner-level crochet stitch that makes tall, open, drapey; works up quickly. Stitchers use it for granny squares, blankets, shawls. To start, yarn over, insert the hook, pull up a loop, then clear two loops twice. It is usually learned alongside half double crochet.
Double Crochet is a beginner-level crochet stitch that makes tall, open, drapey; works up quickly. Patterns abbreviate it as dc in US terms and tr in UK terms. Makers use it for granny squares, blankets, shawls, lightweight tops.
The table below sums up double crochet in one place: craft, abbreviation, difficulty and the projects it suits best.
| Craft | Crochet |
|---|---|
| US abbreviation | dc |
| UK abbreviation | tr |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Look and feel | Tall, open, drapey; works up quickly |
| Best for | Granny squares, Blankets, Shawls, Lightweight tops |
How do you work double crochet?
- Yarn over.
- Insert the hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. There are 3 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. There are 2 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops.
- For the first row, work into the fourth chain from the hook.
Double Crochet is one of the stitches covered in how to crochet a blanket. When you are ready to plan a project in it, the blanket yarn calculator will estimate yarn for a blanket in it.
What are the most common double crochet mistakes?
- Confusing US dc with UK dc (UK dc is a US single crochet)
- Forgetting whether the turning chain counts as a stitch
- Leaning edges from missed end stitches
Practice on a swatch
Work a small sample before starting a project. It shows how the stitch looks in your chosen yarn or thread, and it is far easier to unpick a swatch than a finished piece.
Where does double crochet lead next? Waffle Stitch is the natural step up: waffle stitch combines plain double crochet with front post stitches to raise a deep grid.
Which stitches are related to double crochet?
The 4 stitches below are the closest relatives of double crochet, with the abbreviation and difficulty of each.
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Difficulty | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Double Crochet | hdc | Beginner | Medium height; soft and fairly dense |
| Treble Crochet | tr | Intermediate | Very tall, open, drapey |
| V-Stitch | V-st | Beginner | Open, airy, drapey columns of Vs |
| Waffle Stitch | n/a | Intermediate | Deep grid of raised squares; thick, warm, uses a lot of yarn |
What other beginner crochet stitches should you learn?
- Chain: foundation chains, turning chains
- Slip Stitch (Crochet): joining rounds, moving across stitches
- Single Crochet: amigurumi, bags
- Half Double Crochet: hats, blankets
- V-Stitch: shawls, summer tops
- Moss Stitch: blankets, scarves
- Extended Single Crochet: blankets, garments
Tools for crochet
Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set, 10 sizes
Under $50Soft-grip hooks in the sizes most patterns use, gentle on the hands for long sessions.
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Clover Quick Locking Stitch Marker Set
Under $25Mark the first stitch of a round or row so counts stay right.
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Tulip Etimo Rose Crochet Hook Set
Under $250A premium ergonomic hook set with smooth heads that glide through dense stitches.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is double crochet?
Double Crochet is a crochet stitch that makes tall, open, drapey; works up quickly. Makers reach for it for granny squares, blankets, shawls, lightweight tops. It is rated beginner here, so it is a good stitch to learn early and practice on a small swatch before a real project.
How do you do double crochet step by step?
1. Yarn over. 2. Insert the hook into the stitch. 3. Yarn over and pull up a loop. There are 3 loops on the hook. 4. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. There are 2 loops on the hook. 5. Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops. 6. For the first row, work into the fourth chain from the hook. Work slowly for the first few repeats, keep your tension even, and check the result against the steps before continuing across a whole row or motif.
What is the abbreviation for double crochet?
US patterns abbreviate double crochet as dc. UK patterns write it as tr, so always check whether a pattern uses US or UK terms before you start, because the same abbreviation can mean a different stitch. Pattern keys list every abbreviation used, usually near the materials list.
What projects use double crochet?
Double Crochet suits granny squares, blankets, shawls, lightweight tops. To size a project before you start, the blanket yarn calculator will estimate yarn for a blanket in it, and how to crochet a blanket walks through a full project from the beginning.
What are common mistakes with double crochet?
The most common problems are: confusing us dc with uk dc (uk dc is a us single crochet); forgetting whether the turning chain counts as a stitch; leaning edges from missed end stitches. Most are easy to spot if you pause after a few repeats and compare your work with the steps. Good light helps a great deal, especially with dark yarn or thread.
What should you learn after double crochet?
Waffle Stitch is the usual next step, because waffle stitch combines plain double crochet with front post stitches to raise a deep grid. It is rated intermediate here, against beginner for double crochet. Its own step-by-step page is at waffle stitch.
What stitches are similar to double crochet?
Stitches closely related to double crochet include Half Double Crochet, Treble Crochet, V-Stitch, Waffle Stitch. Learning them together makes patterns easier to read, because many designs switch between related stitches to change texture, height or line. Each has its own step-by-step page in the stitch dictionary.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
