Comparing Double Crochet and Its Variations

The double crochet is a staple stitch that is used in so many different kinds of crochet patterns. You can make an entire fabric from using only this one stitch or it can be used in unlimited combinations of other stitches to create so many beautiful fabrics and textures, including lace, embossed, motifs and so much more.

In the following video, learn how to work each of these variations of double crochet individually and then compare the fabrics of each for their similarities and differences.

You can also watch the individual videos on my YouTube Channel HERE

I’ve also included the written instructions below for the exact size swatch I made of each of the double crochet variations so you can understand how many chains to begin with for each crochet stitch you wish to make.

Double crochet (dc): 

Wrap the yarn over the hook and insert the hook into the work (or specified chain from hook), wrap the yarn over the hook, draw through the work only and wrap the yarn again. Draw through the first two loops only and wrap the yarn around the hook again. Draw through the last two loops on the hook.

Row 1: Ch18, dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped ch3 counts as first dc), 1dc in ea ch across, turn. — 16 dcs

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as dc), 1dc in ea st across, turn. — 16 dcs

Rep row 2 for desired length.

Linked double crochet (l-dc):

Insert hook under the horizontal bar of the last stitch made, yarn over and pull up a loop (two loops on hook). Insert hook in the next specified stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through the first two loops only. Yarn over and pull through the last two loops.

Row 1: Ch18, insert hook in 2nd ch from hook and pull up a loop, skip 1 ch, insert hook in next ch and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Draw through the first two loops only and wrap the yarn around the hook again. Draw through the last two loops and wrap the yarn around the hook again. 1 l-dc in ea st across, turn. — 16 dcs

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as first dc), 1l-dc in ea ea st across, turn. — 16 dcs

Rep row 2 for desired length.

Extended double crochet (edc):

Wrap the yarn over the hook and insert the hook into the work (or specified chain from hook), wrap the yarn over the hook, draw through eww work on ly and wrap the yarn again. Draw through the first loop once, then draw through the first two lops only and wrap the yarn around the hook again. Draw through the last two loops on the hook.

Row 1: Ch18, wrap the yarn over the hook and insert hook in 4th ch from hook (3 skipped chs count as first dc), wrap the yarn over the hook, draw through the work only and wrap the yarn again. Draw through the first loop only. Wrap yarn over the hook and draw through the first two loops only and wrap the yarn around the hook again. Draw through the last two loops on the hook. *Wrap the yarn over the hook and insert the hook into the next ch, wrap the yarn over the hook, draw through the work only and wrap the yarn again. Draw through the first loop only. Wrap yarn over the hook and draw through the first two loops only and wrap the yarn around the hook again. Draw through the last two loops on the hook. Rep from * across, turn. — 16 edcs

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as first edc), work edc in ea st across, turn. — 16 edcs

Rep row 2 for desired length.

Front Post double crochet (fpdc):

Yarn over hook, wrap the yarn around the post (or stem) of the specified stitch from front to back to front, yarn over and pull up a loop. (Yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)x2.

Row 1: Ch18, 1dc in 4th ch from hook (3 skipped chs count as first dc), 1dc in ea ch across, turn. — 16 dcs

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as first fpdc), *yarn over hook, wrap the yarn around the post (or stem) of the specified stitch from front to back to front, yarn over and pull up a loop. (Yarn over, pul through 2 loops on hook)x2. Rep from * across, turn. — 16 fpdc

Back post double crochet (bpdc): 

Yarn over hook, wrap the yarn around the post (or stem) of the specified stitch from back to front to back, yarn over and pull up a loop. (Yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)x2.

Row 1: Ch18, 1dc in 4th ch from hook (3 skipped chs count as first dc), 1dc in ea ch across, turn. — 16 dcs

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as first fpdc), *yarn over hook, wrap the yarn around the post (or stem) of the specified stitch from back to front to back, yarn over and pull up a loop. (Yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)x2. Rep from * across, turn. — 16 bpdc

Note: In order to achieve a solid front post or back post double crochet fabric, you must alternate front and back post double crochet rows. If you desire fpdc right side facing fabric, work your fpdc rows on the right side. If you desire bpd right side facing fabric, work your bpd rows on the right side.

Note: Working same stitches on both right and wrong side of fabric will achieve a fabric showing both front post rows alternating with back post rows on both right and wrong side of fabric (reversible fabric).

Foundation double crochet (fdc):

First stitch: Ch3, yarn over hook, insert hook in 3rd ch from hook, yarn over hook and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over hook, pull yarn through first loop on hook, (yarn over hook and draw through 2 loops) x2.—1 fdc made.
All following stitches: *Yarn over hook, insert hook in vertical bar at the base of the last stitch made, yarn over hook and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over hook and draw through 1 loop, (yarn over hook and draw through 2 loops) x2. Rep from * for length of foundation.

I love the openness and drape of the regular double crochet for scarves, shawls and market bags. The linked double crochet is fabulous for more coverage and/or more warmth, like swimwear, hats, blankets, baby items and garments. The extended double crochet offers a lighter fabric that is more lacy looking and such an interesting texture. And the post stitches produce a very dense and highly textured fabric that is a great benefit for home decor and winter outerwear.

Which of these variations of double crochet do you like best? And for which projects? Let me know what you think in the comments.

xoxo, Kristin

P.S. These swatches are crocheted with Vanna’s Choice Yarn in color Honey by Lion Brand Yarn and an H/8 (5mm) crochet hook.

Kristin Omdahl is the best-selling author of dozens of knit and crochet books; designer of almost 1000 knit and crochet patterns; producer of award-winning videos; and curator of gorgeous yarns and products. You can join Kristin LIVE 5 days a week for The Kristin Omdahl Show on YouTube and browse through thousands of tutorial videos there, too. Kristin donates a portion of every sale to help survivors of domestic violence. Learn more about Kristin’s charity, Project Kristin Cares HERE.

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