Many people believe that double crochet uses more yarn because it is taller. But in reality, single crochet uses more yarn. The key is the height of the stitches. You only add size when you work a single crochet stitch by inserting your hook through the loops of the row below.
But, with taller stitches like the double crochet, you add height each time you yarn over. It means that you do not have to go back down into the fabric each time you add size. Please continue reading to find out more about single and double crochet and crochet stitches.
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How to double crochet?
Double crochet is one of the basic stitches to learn in crochet. It is a versatile stitch that you can use in many ways. Do not feel overwhelmed with working this stitch because it is relatively simple to learn. Follow this guide on how to double crochet:
1. Always start with your foundation chain.
Unless you choose a chainless foundation double crochet, it is best if you begin by crocheting a foundation chain. First, create a slip knot, then start to crochet your chain. The pattern should tell you how long your foundation chain should be.
But, if you are not working on a pattern, you can crochet that is as long as your project and add two extra stitches. You will eventually see in the next step why the two stitches are essential.
2. Yarn over, then insert your hook into the chain.
Because yarnover essential for a double crochet stitch, the next step is to yarn over. Remember to insert your hook into your chain. Then, on this first stitch, insert the hook into the third chain from your hook. The skipped chains will serve as your row’s first double crochet stitch.
Do not worry if you think you do not see it because it is usually unnoticeable at first. Now, you find out why you need the extra two stitches from step one. They help create the chains that become your first double crochet.
3. Yarn over again, then pull through.
Yarn over again, then pull your thread through the third chain from your hook where you inserted it. You will see three loops on your crochet hook after doing so.
4. Yarn over, then pull through two loops on your hook.
Yarn over for a third time, then pull your thread through the first two of the three loops on the hook. You will see that doing so leaves two loops on your hook.
5. Yarn over and finish your double crochet stitch.
Yarn over again one last time, then pull through both the loops that are still on your hook. Doing this step completes your double crochet stitch. But there are other steps to complete the row. Follow the next steps to finish your double crochet row.
6. Complete your double crochet row.
Note that you only need to skip the first three chains at the beginning of your foundation row. Now, all you have to do is repeat the same steps for your next double crochet stitches. But, you will insert your hook into the next stitch immediately to the left of the existing stitch.
Keep doing these steps, adding a double crochet stitch in each chain. Doing so will help you finish one row of double crochet stitches. But, there is another thing to do to make sure you properly work on the next row.
7. Turn your chain of 3.
It is best if you create a turning chain whenever you begin a new row. You can chain three, which count as your row’s first double crochet. Then, work the following stitches by doing your yarn over and inserting it into the next stitch.
How to double crochet two together?
Besides learning how to work a double crochet, you might also want to know how to do a DC2TOG. A double crochet two together is a basic decreasing crochet stitch to reduce your stitches and shape your projects.
Learning to work double crochet two together is straightforward, especially if you know how to double crochet. Follow this guide on how to double crochet two together:
1. Crochet until you reach the point where you want to decrease.
You will work your crochet first as usual until you get to your desired point of decrease. Do not worry about the next steps because they should be familiar if you know how to double crochet.
2. Yarn over, then insert into the next stitch.
Start by working a yarn over and inserting it into the next stitch. Do this step just like you would when working a regular double crochet stitch.
3. Yarn over again.
Yarn over again as you continue with your first double crochet as usual. Note that you are not doing anything different from a regular double crochet stitch yet. It is best to take it step-by-step, so you do not feel overwhelmed.
4. Pull the yarn over through the stitch.
Next, pull your yarn over through the stitch, continuing as usual. You will find that there are now two loops on your crochet hook.
5. Yarn over again, then insert into the next stitch.
You are now ready to create the base of your second double crochet in the cluster. Remember that you need two loops on your hook to proceed with the following steps. Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch.
It is best to pretend to create another double crochet. Ignore the loops on your hook and proceed as usual with the first steps of this second double crochet.
6. Yarn over again, then pull through the stitch.
Since you are working a regular double crochet stitch, you will relatively normally yarn over again. Then, pull that last yarn over through, so you have three loops on your hook.
7. Yarn over again, then pull through two loops.
At this point, you need to yarn over again to complete the top portions of both double crochet stitches. Doing so will help you link them together. Then, pull the yarn over through the first two loops on your crochet hook.
8. Finally, yarn over again, then pull through the stitch.
Now that you have two loops on your hook, yarn over one last time and pull through both loops. Doing so will create your first double crochet cluster. This step completes your dc2tog because you placed two double crochet stitches side-by-side.
How to single crochet?
Besides the double crochet, the single crochet is one of the essential stitches to learn in crochet. It is one of the easiest stitches to master, and there are many ways to use it. Follow this guide on how to single crochet:
1. Insert your hook.
Like when working a double crochet, you also need a foundation chain for your single crochet stitches. After doing so, insert your crochet hook through the first chain. Then, you will insert it into the single crochet directly below it in the row for the following rows.
Next, slide your hook under both loops on the chain’s top part. Note that some patterns will ask you to work through only one loop. It creates an entirely different look. So, if you are unsure, it is best to go through both loops.
2. Yarn over, then grab your thread.
Wrap your yarn over your hook and grab it using the hook. It might seem not very clear at first, but it is best to practice this step repeatedly. Once you master this process, it will seem automatic, and you will see that your hook will grab the yarn as soon as you insert it into your stitch.
3. Draw up a loop.
Next, you will draw or pull your crochet hook and working yarn through the loops. You will see that you now have two loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over for a second time.
Wrap your yarn around the hook again, then hook the thread.
5. Draw your yarn through both loops.
Finally, draw your hook and yarn through both loops on your crochet hook. Doing so completes your single crochet stitch. You will see that a loop remains on your loop, which serves as your starting point for the following stitches.
Tips for Crochet Beginners:
Did you know that you can create different looks with only single crochet stitches? The stitch takes a new appearance if you insert your hook through only one loop. Try these variations to create different looks of the single crochet:
- Top right: Insert your hook into the front loop only. Doing so will help you create a more open style.
- Top left: Insert your hook through both loops, which creates the standard single crochet.
- Bottom right: Insert your hook through alternating loops to create highly-textured crochet.
- Bottom left: Insert your hook into the back loop only. Doing so will help you create a ribbed look that is also slightly more stretchy.
Note that you need to follow the same steps to complete the single crochet no matter what variation you choose. These looks create a dense fabric that works well for items like blankets, gloves, and scarves.
Related:
How to single crochet two together?
Like the dc2tog, the sc2tog is one of the basics of crochet. You are essentially joining two single crochet stitches together at the top, making it one stitch. Follow this guide on how to single crochet two together:
1. Begin your pair’s first single crochet.
The first part of a single crochet two together is the same as a regular single crochet stitch. You start by inserting your crochet hook into the next stitch in your pattern. Ensure you insert the hook into the next stitch where you want to start your single crochet decrease.
2. Yarn over and pull a loop.
Continue as usual by doing a yarn over and pulling up a loop. You will find there are now two loops on your hook. Leave them where they are and keep on working on the next steps.
3. Insert your hook into the next stitch.
Begin your next single crochet without finishing your single crochet. Do this step as you usually work. Meaning, you will insert your crochet hook into the next stitch. Ignore the two loops on your hook and imagine making a new single crochet stitch in the next stitch.
4. Yarn over and pull a loop.
Yarn over and pull up a loop in the second stitch as you continue with the single crochet method. You will find that there are now three loops on your hook. It is the beginning of your two single crochet stitches sitting side-by-side.
5. Yarn over and pull through all the stitches.
Finally, it is time to finish the two unfinished single crochet stitches on your hook. Finish by doing a yarn over and pulling through all three loops. Now you have united the two single crochet stitches into one.
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