Next up, how to double crochet! Last week we discussed the basics of getting started with crochet: slip knots, chain stitches, single crochet and fastening off. This week builds on that with double crochet and half double crochet.
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The fabric created with single crochet is beautiful in itself, and versatile if you think about washcloths, sweaters, blankets, and scarves. I love the density and texture it creates. But as you move on to the other stitches things really start to get interesting, especially because you can combine them!
As I mentioned in my previous articles, the really nice thing about crochet is that the stitches build on each other. If youve learned the motion of a chain stitch its just a matter of the number of times you yarn-over and pull the yarn through to create the other crochet stitches. So if youve been practicing your chains and single crochets youll be amazed at what you can do next.
How to Double Crochet
Double crochet seems to me to be the most prevalent stitch in the patterns I pick. I guess it makes sense for apparel, which is most of what Im crocheting. Double crochet gets the credit for the popular shell stitch (which well go over next week) and many of the other crochet patterns. Its pretty all on its own too.
A double crochet stitch (abbreviated dc) starts off differently from a single crochet in that before you insert your hook you yarn over. This creates two loops immediately: the working loop you started with and then the yarn over.
With these two on your hook, insert your hook (most likely youll be going through both loops of the stitch on the previous row, whether it be a sc, dc o hdc) yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch. You should have three loops on your hook. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the first two loops (meaning the two that are closest to the crook of your crochet hook). Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the remaining two loops. Youve just completed a double crochet.
You can see more how-to photos at the end of this post. And here is a great video illustrating double crochet.
How to Half Double Crochet
This stitch is like it soundshalf a double crochet! It is a great in-between height compared to single and double crochet stitches. Half double crochet (abbreviated hdc) is very popular for projects such as baby hatsI use it in my Best Baby Cloche. It produces a bit more texture and openness to the fabric without being too lacy. And it works up fast!
To make a half double crochet, yarn over your hook as you would with the double crochet. Insert your hook through the stitch on the previous row, yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch. You will have three loops on your hook just as with the double crochet. Now here is the difference: yarn over again and pull the yarn through all three loops on your hook. Youre finished with the half double crochet! View a video of this stitch here.
You can also try out your single crochet, double crochet, and half double crochet skills on a cool project such as the crochet bow tie pictured above! What do you know–a boy project!
How to Crochet
Step 2: Basic Crochet Stitches and a Ruffled Scarf Pattern
Anneliese shares her creative, authentic, and inspiring creations at Aesthetic Nest. She is driven to beautify the space around her, and has a knack for creating gorgeous, original items that enhance her space. At Aesthetic Nest, youll find a creative journal where Anneliese showcases things she makes including sewing, knitting, crochet, cooking, painting (not often enough), room decorating, and party designing.
Thanks, Andrew. I hope you give double crochet a try!
You are a very good teacher. I? know the single crochet stitch, but more patterns seem to call for double, so I appreciate you making this!
I like Red Heart Yard on FB 🙂