I’ve had this idea in the back of my mind for ages, and would love to invite you to participate in a little crochet experiment if you’re keen:

Let’s explore all the variations of the Double Crochet (treble if using UK terms), one of the most versatile and usefull crochet stitches.

We’ll see together all the differences between those variations:
– visual difference
– texture difference
– difference in measurements
– and more !

Together we’ll try to gather the implications of those differences, so as to use each type of dc for its better use.

But let’s get started ! For this series, I’ll assume you know how to chain and work a plain double crochet.
I’ll explain in pictures all the rest :-)

First, choose your yarn. No fun fur or bouclà© yarn, you want neat stitch definition for this project.
I’m using the long-discontinued Rowan “All seasons cotton”
You’ll also want to have enough of this yarn to make ALL the samples of the series. I’d say have at least 200 m…
Choose a hook which works well with this yarn: crocheted fabric should be not too tight, not too loose. I’m using a 5 mm (H) Susan Bates hook

Step 1 – REGULAR DC = DC IN BOTH LOOPS

To start our sampler, Chain 22.
Turn and work a double crochet (dc) in 4th chain from hook. Then dc in each chain across. Turn work. You should have 20 sts (including initial ch3, which counts as 1st st. I know there are options for this, but let’s keep this for later)

We’re now going to insert the hook under BOTH loops of each stitch: when you look the top of the stitches, you see a “V” sitting on top of each dc. Both legs of the V = both loops.

And here’s a video I just shot to show all 3 stitch variants we’ll see today:

Next 5 rows: ch3, dc under both loops of each of next 19 sts, turn. [20 sts total]
Mark last row of regular dc with a stitch marker.

Sampler should look something like this… This is what is considered by many crocheters as “plain double crochet”.

Step 2 – DC in BACK LOOP

We’re now going to insert the hook under the BACK loop only of each stitch: when you look the top of the stitches, you see a “V” sitting on top of each dc. The BACK loop is the back leg of that V, sitting further away from you when holding work in front of you.

Next 6 rows: ch3, dc in the back loop only of each of next 19 sts, turn. [20 sts]
Mark last row of dc in back loop with a stitch marker.

Work should feature ridges with lots of texture. That’s normal, and quite typical of the dc in the back loop.

Step 3 – DC in FRONT LOOP

We’re now going to insert the hook under the FRONT loop only of each stitch: when you look the top of the stitches, you see a “V” sitting on top of each dc. The FRONT loop is the front leg of that V, sitting closer to you when holding work in front of you. Tip: I usually turn top of work slightly toward me to make it easier to insert hook in that front loop.

Next 6 rows: ch3, dc in the front loop only of each of next 19 sts, turn. [20 sts]
Fasten off.

Work should feature horizontal lines every second row. This is quite typical of the dc in front loop, at least when worked flat (= back and forth in rows)

Step 4 – Separating visually each variation

Now, you can admire your first 3 variations of the double crochet stitch.

However, in order to make it easier to compare each variation of double crochet just worked, I suggest you work lines of surface crochet with a contrasting color (preferably of the same yarn) in between each section.

Again, I demonstrate how to work in Surface Crochet in this video:

Holding working yarn UNDER work (= on WS), work in loose slip stitch so as not to alter width of sampler. Fasten Off.

Ta Dam !! You’re done with the first sampler. Sit down and compare each section.

Can you spot any difference ?

Let’s meet again next week with our conclusions for Episode 2. Same day, same place !

Feel free to share your progress in comments, and photos on my Facebook page !

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How about YOU ? Anything I forgot or didn’t see in those swatches ? Please share in the comments !
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DC project Episode 1
DC project Episode 2
DC project Episode 3
DC project Episode 4
DC project Episode 5