LEARNING TO CROCHET - THE DOUBLE CROCHET

The Double Crochet
updated ©2004, Sandra Petit, http://www.crochetcabana.com

On the foundation chain, insert hook into the 4th chain from hook to work
the double crochet (dc). (Fig.1)

Fig. 1 - arrow points to fourth chain from hook

When working subsequent rows, place your hook in the 2nd stitch in the row, skipping the stitch at the base of your turning chain, as show in Fig. 2

Fig. 2 - partially completed double crochet

Here's how to make the stitch:  Yarn over (yo). Remember to bring yarn from back to front, over and around hook. Insert hook into chain or stitch, yarn over again , pull yarn through chain or stitch. You have three loops on hook at this point. Then yarn over, pull through 2 of those loops, yarn over, pull through the remaining two loops. Double crochet completed.

Fig. 3 - arrow points to where you would insert hook to make last stitch of this row

Figure 3 shows completed double crochets with one more stitch needed on the row. The arrow points to where your next stitch will go, which is the top chain of your chain-3 from the previous row.

Fig. 4 - last double crochet completed for this row

Figure 4 shows the last completed double crochet (dc) of that row. If you are uncertain if this is the last stitch you need to make, you can always count the number of stitches of each row. If you are making only double crochet rows, and you go into the 4th chain from hook, you will have two double crochets less than the number in your foundation chain. For example, if you have a foundation chain of 8, you will have 6 double crochets in each row.

 
Fig. 5 - one completed double crochet. The part shown is called the "post" or "bar". It is the vertical part of the stitch.

Note also that before doing the next double crochet row, you should chain 3 so all your stitches will be at the same height. This turning chain (tch) counts as the first dc for the next row. This is why when you start that next row, you go into the 2nd stitch.

Note: Some people only need to chain 2 to get the needed height. You will have to see what works best for you.

Now you know two of the most used stitches in crochet.

Here's how to increase and decrease in those stitches.

Increase in double crochet  |  Decrease in double crochet

There are MANY, many more stitches, of course, but there are some other important things you need to know as well. For example, say you made several squares and put them together, then an experienced crocheter looks at your project and says, "Did you mean to put this one in wrong side up?" Blush, blush, total embarrassment. Now you're going to find out how to tell the right side from the wrong side so you don't make that mistake again. :-) Go on to The Rights and Wrongs

The buttons above were my first at the Cabana. I keep them for sentimental reasons. :-)

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