Double crochet, like the single crochet, builds on a foundation chain as a base. However double crochet has extra height because extra loops are worked off the hook.
Foundation Chain and First Row
For a practice swatch of 12 stitches, make a foundation chain of 14 stitches. Holding the foundation chain with the front facing you, yarn over and put the hook into the fourth chain from the hook. (D50)
Left-Handers
Right-Handers
Yarn over again, and draw the hook and yarn through the chain. There should be three loops on the hook. (D51)
Yarn over again and pull the hook through the first two loops. (D52A)
Yarn over again and pull the hook through the remaining two loops (D52B & D53)
You have just completed one double crochet stitch. Continue to work across the row, making one double crochet in each chain stitch.
At the end of the row, you should have 12 stitches, counting the three chains you skipped at the beginning of the row as one stitch. (D54)
Chain 3, turn. This turning chain will be counted as the first stitch of the next row.
Second Row and all other rows
Yarn over and insert your hook into the second stitch. Now work a double crochet. (D55)
Work a double crochet in each stitch across. The last stitch should be worked into the turning chain of the previous row. Insert the hook into the top chain (D56)
Since you count the turning chain as a stitch in double crochet, you should make a stitch in it. Count your stitches. You should still have 12. Chain 3 and turn to continue.
Crochet Lessons ©1997 Crochet Guild of America, Diagrams ©1990 TNNA