Hallestam Crochet Atelier: Double Crochet Foundations — An Elegant Double Crochet Tutorial

Hallestam Design
Dec 24, 2025
2 min read

The double crochet is where your fabric begins to breathe. Tall, fluid and expressive, it opens a world of airy structures and graceful drape. In this double crochet tutorial, we explore the stitch that defines flow — the perfect next step on your Atelier journey. With intention and technique, the double crochet becomes more than a stitch: it becomes a structural language.

Why the Double Crochet Matters - A Guided Double Crochet Tutorial for Height and Flow

The double crochet (dc) creates height without heaviness, texture without density. Its natural openness makes it ideal for shawls, garments, decorative pieces and all designs where softness and movement are essential.

In this double crochet tutorial, our focus is refinement:

creating even height across every stitch
maintaining smooth transitions between rows
embracing the stitch’s airy, elevated character

The double crochet allows your work to feel lighter — both visually and in hand.

How to Create a Double Crochet

The movement of a dc is elongated and rhythmic:

Yarn over
Insert the hook into the stitch
Pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
Yarn over, pull through 2 loops
Yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops

The two-step finish is what creates the stitch’s signature height and openness. Let your hook travel freely — avoiding tension spikes along the way.

Common Double Crochet Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Even advanced makers refine their dc technique over time. Typical issues include:

Inconsistent Stitch Height

Often caused by uneven yarn-over lift. Aim for the same height every time your hook turns.

Gaps at Row Edges

This happens when the turning chain is too loose or mistaken for a stitch. Marking the top of the turning chain for a few rows can help.

Leaning Stitches

A slight forward tilt is natural — but exaggerated leaning signals uneven tension.Slow down your yarn feed, keep your movements smooth and aligned.

Mastery is not speed — it is consistency.

Refining the Flow — Controlled Height and Gentle Drape

To elevate your dc fabric to a Hallestam level of polish:

keep your yarn-over height steady
let your hook glide in one smooth arc
avoid snapping movements when pulling through loops
maintain relaxed fingers and stable hand posture

The best dc fabric feels both structured and soft — a balance that comes from intentional motion.

Atelier Practice Project — The Airy Double Crochet Swatch

Your practice project for this lesson is a light, airy double crochet swatch that reveals how dc behaves in broader surfaces.

Instructions:

Chain 28
Work dc across (26 dc per row)
Continue for 10–12 rows
Observe the fabric’s natural openness and how blocking transforms it

This swatch builds a foundation for future Atelier designs featuring lace, openwork, and tall-stitch architecture.

Coming Up Next in the Crochet Atelier

The next Atelier lesson — Hallestam Crochet Atelier: Working in Rows — Turning Chains, Edges & Precision — will be released on Wednesday.

Every Atelier chapter is published at a 7-day interval, guiding you gently and consistently through the heart of crochet technique.