Double Crochet

Double Crochet is one of the basic crochet stitches. http://ca.dummies.com/how-to/content/doing-a-double-crochet.htmlIt is slightly longer than the single crochet stitch and half double crochet stitch.http://www.woolcrafting.com/double-crochet.html. A beginner can create a square or potholder or scarf or even a blanket using only the double crochet stitches. http://www.squidoo.com/CrochetPatterns4Beginners?utm_campaign=direct-discovery&utm_medium=sidebar&utm_source=feb4

Granny squares are usually crocheted using double crochet and chains. With double crochet and changing colors in different rounds or rows, you will be able to make stunning crochet pieces. http://www.knitting-n-crochet.com/granny-square.html

The fabric created by double crochet stitches will be less stiff than the fabric made using single and half double crochet stitches. That makes it better to create garments with better drape.http://ca.dummies.com/how-to/content/doing-a-double-crochet.html.

The granny squares made up of double crochet can be stitched together to create tablecloths, blankets and even sweaters and cardigans. By choosing the hook to go in different places of the previous row, an experienced crocheter can create textures using just double crochet stitches, like a basket weave pattern.A double crocheted fabric can be a perfect background to do cross stitch. http://ca.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-embroider-on-crochet.html Once you are comfortable making the basic double crochet stitch, it will be easier to create treble crochet. The double crochet stitch is used in fillet crochet to create the grids and patterns. http://www.crochetdesigns.com/howto/default.htm.

Usually the beginning of the double crochet row is with chain 3. This first chain3 at the beginning of the round or row is considered as the first double crochet, which is abbreviated as a dc in crochet patterns. http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/crostiand.html

But remember that there are two different version of crochet languages, the UK version and the US version. The US version of dc is the same as the UK version of tr or treble crochet. http://searchwarp.com/swa217600.htm So while you are following a pattern, really need to understand which version it is. If the pattern is calling for dc of the UK, then Americans will be doing the single crochet. \http://searchwarp.com/swa217600.htm

The method of double crochet described below is based on the assumption that you, the reader knows how to make the chains using a crochet hook . To begin, you need to make a chain of 14 or 20, using yarn and crochet hook of your choice. Once you reach the desired number, yarn over hook, and insert the hook on the 3rd chain from hook. Again, yarn over hook and draw the loop through the chain. Now you will have 3 loops on the chain. Now yarn over hook and draw a loop through the first two loops on the hook, again one more time do the yarn over hook and draw yarn through the 2 loops on the hook. Now you will have only one loop on the hook and one double crochet is make. Now do the same on the next chain and continue until you reach the end. Once you are at the end, make 3 chains and turn the work and do making double crochet. Always count to make sure you have the same number of double crochets on each row, if you are creating a rectangle. http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/crostiand.html http://learntocrochet.lionbrand.com/faq/115.html?language=

Once you mastered the basic double crochet stitches, you can try adding another color on the work to create stripes. For example, while making scarf or a blanket it will be nice to have a stripe on the work. While doing double crochet, changing the color can be done while you are starting a new row. At the end of one row, draw the new yarn with your hook while doing the second half of the double crochet process and make sure to end the stitch with the new color on your hook. Then make the 3 chain for the next row and proceed with double crochet. To create patterns, you can skip making double crochet in the foundation row and create chains to avoid altering the size. If you start with 14 chains and did double crochet, then you will be having 10 double crochet on the first row. On the next row, you can experiment with one double crochet chain 1 and double crochet on the 3rd double crochet. Making 3 double crochet clusters in alternate chains on the foundation row and creating the clusters on the middle dc of the next row onward will give you a nice textured pattern.

The common error in doing double crochet is forgetting to yarn over hooking as described. Also, people may forget to draw yarn through two loops at a time. It is very important to have the correct number of stitches on each row. So it will be time saving if you count the number of stitches at the end of each row to make sure you have made the required number of stitches.