How to Double Crochet

For many women learning the basics of crocheting is just enough. Held the hook, crocheted a few loops, created simple patterns, and that's all. Their job is over! Well, working that way isn't bad either. But if you explore further into the crochet art, there are a lot of other things which I am sure you have not discovered yet. Something just like double crochet stitches. This stitch is quite a versatile one, used in a legion of ways to create a piece of fabric. There are ample of crochet projects and patterns which are carried out without using this stitch too. But, if you learn to double crochet, you could work out a variety of patterns while crocheting.

One good thing after mastering the art of this stitch, is the fluidity of these stitches getting completed in the blink of an eye. As compared to a single crochet stitch, dc is twice as tall as the former. Circles, squares, oblongs, name it and you could create such shapes. This strikingly versatile form of art can be at your hands, once you read what this article has to say. So, first let's see the basic steps to know how to double crochet.

How to do a Double Crochet

Required Materials

• Worsted Weight Yarn
• Crochet Hook (size H or I)

Instructions

Before we begin, first chain 14 lose stitches. And now follow these steps to dc.

Step 1: This is the first step towards working on Row 1. Over the hook right from back to front, bring the yarn over just once. Skip over the first three chains that are on the crochet hook. Immediately insert the crochet hook in the fourth chain of your project.

Note - First: Do not count the loops as chains that are on the hook.
Second: Go through the center of the V under the bump at the back of the chain. Also, most importantly, do not twist the chain.

Step 2: Now hook the yarn and pull it through the chain stitch all the way to the working area of the crochet hook. Check to see if you have three loops on the hook.

Step 3: The 3rd step includes, hooking the yarn and pulling through the initial 2 loops which are on the hook. Now you will definitely have 2 loops on the hook.

Step 4: This is officially the last step of the row 1. Hook the yarn neatly and gently draw it through the loops on the crochet hook.

Well, you have finally completed one double stitch, leaving behind one loop on the hook. Now, just repeat all the steps from 1 to 4 and in every chain stitch across, keep working in the next chain. (Except in step 1, you will have to work in the next chain.) Once you reach the last chain by working the dc, pull the hook out. Take a look at your project and count the dc stitches. There will be 12 on the record. There is one very important note to make. While you form the dc on the initial chain row, there are three chains that are skipped just before the first dc. Those are always counted as a double crochet stitch.

Similarly to work on Row 2, raise the yarn to its correct height for the next row. To raise the thread, chain three. Its called tuning chain. Repeat the entire procedure stated above in the same fashion. Once you have 12 sts in the end, turn your work again and continue crocheting. In this manner, starting over at the beginning and working till the end will give you a double crochet.

Now, let me give you a simple exercise to implement your taught lessons. Below is a simple project to double crochet a scarf. Scarves are attractive and easy to create in the field of crocheting. You may add different patterns and stitches to gain the desired look for it. So let's begin...

Scarf Instructions

1. First form a slip knot and hook it up. As per your desired pattern, chain stitch the total number of stitches.
2. In the front of the hook, wrap the yarn around, rather cross it over the front. Do not wrap it in a circle around the full hook.
3. Now push in the hook through the chain stitch and yarn over. Yarn over is wrapping the yarn around the hook once again.
4. Now pull the yarn through the stitch and you will have three loops on the hook.
5. Keep repeating the steps to make a dc, till you reach the last part of your first row. At the end of the row just before you turn your work to start off with the next row, add three chain stitches at the end of the same row.

This way your first scarf project is conveniently ready to use!

In the pool of crocheting and stitches, there are other forms of crochet stitches too, like the slip stitch crochet, half double crochet, front post, and so on... All such stitches literally help in devising articles of clothing, items or general accessories to use on one's self and at home. Now, I can see that you have the will to learn a variety of stitches to design some interesting patterns, so come again, pick up a hook and some yarn and splurge in to know how to stitch a front post and half double crochet.

The materials needed to carry the procedure is the same.

How to Half Double Crochet

Initially chain 22 stitches and in each chain across from the crochet hook, create a half double crochet in the third chain. Next loop the yarn over the hook and you will have two loops remaining on the hook. Hold those loops back and tuck your hook by a chain stitch below. Yarn over again and pull the hook up. (Are there three loops on the hook?) Yarn over your thread and hook once again. Once you are done with all the stitches, you will notice that there's only one loop left back on your crochet hook.

How to Front Post Double Crochet

Similarly, to create a front post crochet begin with a row of double stitches. Turn the work and dc in the next row. Now here you can choose which crochet stitches can be the front post stitch. Front posts could be worked at regular intervals or in between the regular patterns. Yarn over and tuck the hook inside the front of the previous row in between the posts. The front post stitch would be just before the normal stitch. Again tuck the hook in between the posts all the way from back to the front in between the stitch (i.e. the front post stitch) and the following stitch. The final time yarn over and pull the yarn with the present row to complete a double stitch.

I hope, my instructions were pretty clear for you to learn, understand and implement them in any of your crochet patterns and projects. Remember, besides just flipping through some mere instructions, an interest in doing the job is going to take you far.I wish you all the luck!