How to Make the Double Crochet (DC) Stitch Left-Handed
When you’re left-handed, it’s often difficult to find tutorials that show you how to do things. And when you’re a beginner, it can be harder to get your brain to learn something new and try to convert it to the left-handed version. So this tutorial gives you all the steps to the double crochet stitch, but just for lefties.
Ready to go? Okay, let’s get to it.
The double crochet stitch is one of the beginner basic stitches that every left-handed crocheter needs to master. The double crochet stitch, or variations of it, can be found in virtually every kind of crochet item.
Let’s look at the written instructions and then break it down into manageable steps. The written directions to create a double crochet stitch are:
Yarn over and insert the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through two loops again.
I’m so glad you’re here to learn this stitch! By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to tackle those crochet patterns that are made from the double crochet stitch.
What is a Double Crochet Stitch?
The double crochet stitch is abbreviated as DC in patterns.
The double crochet stitch is the equivalent of two rows of single crochet tall. So each row of double crochets will be twice as high as single crochets. All of the basic crochet stitches are made in similar ways, the difference being the number of times you wrap the yarn around the hook and how many loops you pull through as you finish the stitch.
Note that the double crochet stitch is called the treble crochet stitch in UK terminology. See my guide on the US to UK term conversions so that you know which stitch your pattern calls for.
How to Get Started with the Double Crochet Stitch
Before you can make any double crochet stitches, you need the right materials.
- Yarn, any kind (or as defined by your pattern)
- Crochet hook (defined by your pattern or reference the yarn label for a recommended hook size)
- Yarn needle and scissors
Left-handed double crochet is made by holding the hook in your left hand while managing the yarn with your right. If you’re looking for a tutorial for righties, check out this post.
Tips for Successfully Making the Double Crochet Left-Handed
Since the double crochet stitch is extremely popular, it’s important you practice it before you start your project.
Next, because you wrap the yarn at the beginning of the stitch, it’s easy for your stitches to get loose. Make sure you don’t start out with too big of a loop on your hook.
Sometimes you can wrap the yarn so tight around the hook that it makes it difficult to insert the hook or pull it through your work. If this is the case, try using a larger hook.
Also, keep in mind that if you find yourself crocheting too loose, you can change to a smaller hook to tighten up your stitches.
Steps for Making the Double Crochet Stitch
Make the Foundation for a Double Crochet Stitch
Since we’re just making a swatch of double crochet stitches, I recommend that you make a slip knot and then add anywhere from 20-30 chain stitches. That way you will have a chance to practice on a swatch that can be easier to hold as it grows.
Written Directions to Make a Double Crochet Stitch
We’re ready to get started! The good news is that the double crochet directions are the same, regardless of whether you are left-handed, or not.
Let’s break down the written directions into four steps:
Yarn over and insert the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through two loops again.
Step 1: Yarn Over and Insert Your Hook
‘Yarn over’ is a term that means you should wrap the yarn around your hook one time. Then insert your hook into the 4th chain from your hook. Your hook will be sticking through to the back of the fabric.
After you’ve made the first row, you will be inserting your hook into the top of the stitch from the row below. I’ll show you what this looks like when we get further along in this tutorial.
Step 2: Yarn Over and Pull Up a Loop
Next, while the hook is still sticking through to the back of the fabric, you’re going to wrap the yarn around the hook again. Use the mouth of the hook to grab the yarn and pull it back through to the front side of the fabric. Only pull it through the fabric, do not pull it through any loops on your hook yet. You will see three loops on your hook now.
Step 3: Yarn Over and Pull Through Two Loops
Wrap the yarn around your hook and pull through the first two loops on your hook. Even though you have three loops on your hook, you’re only going to pull through two of them. Once you do that, you will have only two loops remaining on your hook.
Step 4: Yarn Over and Pull Through Two Loops (Again)
To finish out the double crochet stitch, you wrap the yarn around your hook again, and pull it through the remaining two loops on your hook. Voila! You’ve completed the double crochet stitch!
Now keep going! Repeat steps 1-4 to make more double crochet stitches until you get to the end of the row.
Common Questions About the Double Crochet Stitch
What Does the First Row of Double Crochet Stitches Look Like?
The first row of double crochets will feel pretty sturdy and make that foundation chain pretty much disappear into the fabric.
Double crochet stitches are also large enough that they are pretty easy to identify and count to ensure you have the correct number in your first row.
Even though you are making the double crochet left-handed, the first row will look almost identical to a right-handed version. They are mirror images of each other.
How Do You Transition to the Second Row of Double Crochet Stitches?
Since the double crochet stitch is twice the height of a single crochet stitch, you will need to chain a few times in order to grow the height of your work for the second row. Most patterns will write this as “Ch 3. Turn”, meaning you should make three chains and turn your work.
Now you are ready to start the second row of double crochet stitches. The first double crochet you make in this row will go underneath the two loops of the second stitch from the first row. Follow steps 1-4 above to make row two of your double crochet swatch.
How Do You Finish Off a Project Made of Double Crochet Stitches?
After you make several rows on your double crochet swatch, it’s time to finish off your work. To do this, you need to cut the yarn about 6 inches away from your work. This will give you a long enough yarn tail to weave into your fabric.
Wrap your yarn around the hook one more time, using your hook to pull the tail all the way through the loop on the hook. Then you can remove your hook and pull the tail so that there is a tight knot close to your last stitch.
Next, take your yarn needle and weave the yarn into your fabric. Make sure you weave the yarn in and around several stitches so that it blends seamlessly. Additionally, weave in enough of the tail so that it is secure and won’t come out. Then cut the yarn close to the fabric.
What Are the Variations That Can Be Done With the Double Crochet Stitch
Once you have mastered the double crochet stitch, you will find that there are patterns that use variations of this stitch to achieve different results. But, the thing to remember is that they are basically the same steps as listed above, but you insert your hook into a different position.
Double Crochet in the Front Loops or Back Loop
You can achieve a ridge-like texture when you try the double crochet into the front or back loop only, abbreviated FLO and BLO in patterns. Instead of inserting your hook under both of the loops, you only insert it into one of the loops.
Double Crochet around the Front Post or Back Post
Instead of inserting your hook under the loops, you can insert your hook around the front or back posts. These are written as FPdc and BPdc in patterns and are used to create ribbing and basketweave textures. The possibilities are endless and you may find patterns that use one or the other or both.
Double Crochet Increases
Increasing stitches are used quite often to create ripple and chevron patterns. Double crochet increases are where you create multiple double crochets in the same stitch. So the pattern might say to “3 dc in next st”, which means you will make three double crochet stitches in the next stitch. After you make the first double crochet, repeat step 1 and insert the hook into the same spot where your first double crochet is. Do this again for the third double crochet and then continue on with the next pattern instruction.
Double Crochet Decreases
Additionally, you may find a pattern that uses increasing double crochets, also has decreasing stitches. As an example, if your pattern says “dc2tog”, you will need to make two double crochets together. Following the steps above, do steps 1-3 and then go back to step 1, inserting your hook into the next stitch. Continue with step 2-3, and then in step 4, you will pull through all of the loops on your hook.
The Last Thing You Need to Know About Left-Handed Double Crochet Stitches
I hope you have enjoyed making the double crochet stitch. Keep practicing, and when you are ready, try making swatches that include some of the variations listed above.
Comment below and tell me which is your favorite. I’m kind of partial to the back loop only stitches myself.
Want more practice with the double crochet stitch? Check out these fun crochet projects
- link to pattern
- link to pattern
I’d love to see what you make with the double crochet stitch! Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram and show me your work. To learn more crochet stitches, be sure to visit the stitch tutorial library.
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