Welcome back to the world of Crochet!
Last week, we learned two basic stitches, a slip stitch, and a single crochet.
How did the single crochet go? If you haven’t posted a picture of your crochet in the comments, please do. I would love to see it. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. You created it. You made something. That is a huge deal! Keep working at it too.
Are you ready to learn another crochet stitch? I’m ready to show you the next stitch. Remember, crocheting is just the manipulation of yarn with a hook. I’ve shown you the single crochet, now I’ll show you the double crochet (abbreviated dc).
Some Terms
Let’s go over some of the terms we will be using in this lesson.
st(s) – stitch(s)
yo – yarn over: drape the yarn over the hook from back to front.
ch – chain: yo, pull through the loop on the hook.
ch-# (in this pattern this is ch-3): this is a set of ch sts that other stitches are not worked in. They will be the 3 chains at the beginning of the row for this project.
Beg ch-3 – beginning ch-3: this is the first three chains at the beginning of the round.
dc – double crochet: yo, insert hook in st indicated, yo, pull yarn through st, yo, pull through two loops, yo, pull through remaining two loops.
Double Crochet
The double crochet is one of the most common stitches that you use. Most of the patterns I design have more double crochets as a part of the pattern than any other stitch. Once you know this stitch, there are numerous variations that you can do to make different designs. It is a very versatile stitch. Once you get the hang of this stitch, other stitches will be easier. When using the double crochet, your projects will go faster, making it easier to create scarves, hats, and blankets, among other things.
To make this stitch, you need yarn (for example: I Love This Yarn by Hobby Lobby, Red Heart Super Saver yarn, or Vanna’s Choice from Lion Brand), and a crochet hook (I recommend size I/5.5 mm).
Make your slip knot and chain 22 and turn your work.
You will skip the bumps of the last two chains made. These are the two . Yarn over (yo), insert hook in the bump on the third chain from the hook.
Yo, pull a loop through the bump.
Yo, pull a loop through two of the three loops on the hook. This will still leave two loops on the hook.
Yo, pull the loop through the remaining two loops on the hook. Voila! You just did a double crochet!
Now, do this across the rest of the chains. You should have 19 dc’s, and the ch-3 at the beginning. The majority of the patterns you will come across will count the ch-3 as a dc. This means that in a pattern such as this, the stitch count will be 20.
The Next Row
The next row is easy if you have the first row done. Ch 3, turn your work. You will skip the last stitch you made on the previous row. YO insert the hook under both of the top loops of the next stitch.
Now complete the stitch as you did for the first row.
Work across the row until you come to the beg ch-3. At this point, you will do a dc in the top of the ch-3. You should have another 20 sts, including the beg ch-3.
You’ll continue doing row 2 until you have the length you need or want. When you are done, you finish off the stitch. To remind you, to finish off the stitch, ch 1, and pull this tight. This will make a slip knot. Cut the yarn so you have about a 6-inch tail. Weave in the ends with a blunt needle.
Keep Practicing
Now, it’s time to practice this stitch. I have two very similar patterns to try. I call these ear warmers, though I’m not exactly sure what the actual name for them is. You can find similar items in stores in the fall and winter. This pattern is a basic one that you can add things to dress it up. You can add ribbons, flowers, bows, or any type of embellishment you want. That’s the beauty of making something. You have the freedom to make it yours.
Headband Earwarmer #1:
Row 1: Ch 62, dc in 3rd ch from hook, and in each ch across. 60 dc total, including the beg ch-3.
Row 2: Ch 3, turn work, skip the first dc, dc in each st across, and in the top of the beg ch-3
Row 3-8: repeat row 2
Fasten off and sew ends together.
If you find that this is too wide, you can do fewer rows. If you are wanting to make more of a hat, just crochet more rows, and sew up the side and top.
Headband Earwarmer #2:
Row 1: Ch 14, dc in 3rd ch from hook, and each ch across.
Row 2: Ch 3, turn work, skip the first dc, dc in each st across, and in the top of the beg ch-3
Repeat row 2 until the band fits snugly around your head. Fasten off and sew the short ends together.
Now, get creative and make it yours! Let me see what you have done by posting a picture in the comments.
~Jo Jones.
