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Crochet » Basic Stitches »
Double crochet
Appearance in pattern - dc
Instructions and Illustrations
Double crochet is a taller stitch than single crochet. To practice, first chain 14 stitches loosely. Then work the first row of double crochet as follows:
Working Row 1
Step 1: Bring yarn once over the hook from back to front (as though you were going to make another chain stitch); skip the first three chains from the hook, then insert hook in the fourth chain. |
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Remember not to count the loop on the hook as a chain. Be sure to go through the center of the V of the chain and under the bump at the back, and do not twist the chain.
Step 2: Hook yarn and draw it through the chain stitch and up onto the working area of the hook: you now have three loops on the hook.
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| Step 3: Hook yarn and draw through the first 2 loops on the hook. |
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| You now have 2 loops on the hook. |
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| Step 4: Hook yarn and draw through both loops on the hook. |
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| You have now completed one double crochet and one loop remains on the hook. |
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Repeat Steps 1 through 4 in each chain stitch across (except in Step 1, work in next chain; don’t skip three chains).
When you’ve worked a double crochet in the last chain, pull out your hook and look at your work. Then count your double crochet stitches: There should be 12 of them, counting the first three chain stitches you skipped at the beginning of the row as a double croche.
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Hint: In working double crochet on a beginning chain row, the three chains skipped before making the first double crochet are always counted as a double crochet stitch.
Turn the work counterclockwise before beginning row 2.
Working Row 2
To work row 2, you need to bring the thread up to the correct height for the next row. To raise the yarn, chain three (this is called the turning chain).
The three chains in the turning chain just made count as the first double crochet of the new row, so skip the first double crochet and work a double crochet in the second stitch. Be sure to insert hook under top two loops of stitch: Figures below indicate the correct and incorrect placement of this stitch.
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| Work a double crochet in each remaining stitch across the previous row; at the end of each row, be sure to work the last double crochet in the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Be sure to insert hook in the center of the V (and back bump) of the top chain of the turning chain. Stop and count your double crochets; there should be 12 stitches. Now, turn. |
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Here is the way the instructions might be written in a pattern:
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in each dc, turn. (12 dc)
Working Row 3
Row 3 is worked exactly as you worked row 2.
In a pattern, instructions would read:
Row 3: Rep row 2.
For practice, work three more rows, repeating row 2. At the end of the last row, fasten off the yarn as you did for the single crochet practice piece. The photo shows a sample of six rows of double crochet and how to count the stitches and rows. |
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