Double Crochet: Height, Rhythm and Common Mistakes

Double crochet builds fabric quickly, but its height makes changes in loop size more visible than they are in shorter stitches.

The movement

In U.S. terminology: yarn over, insert the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops; yarn over again and pull through the final two.

Give the stitch its height

When pulling up the first loop, bring it level with the row. If it stays too low, the fabric can become dense and difficult to work. If it is lifted excessively, the posts look loose.

Complete both pull-throughs

It is easy to lose track when learning. Pause after the first pull-through: two loops should remain. The second pull-through closes the stitch and leaves one working loop.

Protect the row count

Check whether the turning chain counts as a stitch. Mark the first true stitch and the final stitch, then count the top Vs. Accidental work into both the first stitch and a counting turning chain creates an extra stitch.

See related crochet hooks