Author

Carol Ava

Writer

Writer at Double Crochet.

Patterns

Linked Double Crochet Pot Holder Crochet Pattern

A dense, gap-free square in linked double crochet. Make two and join them for a thick pot holder, or use one as a trivet.

Carol Ava

Medium weight5.5 mm hookEasy

Free Modern Granny Stripe Blanket Pattern (7 Sizes)

Rows of 3-dc clusters with straight edges, a size chart from lovey to queen, and four modern ways to plan the stripes.

Carol Ava

Medium weight5.0 mm hookBeginner

Simple Double Crochet Dishcloth Crochet Pattern

A square cotton dishcloth worked entirely in double crochet rows. A good first project once you know how to chain and double crochet.

Carol Ava

Medium weight5.0 mm hookBeginner

Ribbed Ear Warmer Crochet Pattern

A stretchy, knit-look headband worked flat in half double crochet through the back loop, then seamed into a band that fits your own head.

Carol Ava

Medium weight6.0 mm hookEasy

Zero-Waste Scrap Yarn Crochet Cowl Pattern (1-Skein Friendly)

A double crochet cowl made from leftover yarn, with a scale method to plan each color block and a knotless Russian join.

Carol Ava

Medium weight5.5 mm hookBeginner

Beginner Double Crochet Scarf (or Wrap) Crochet Pattern

Straight rows of double crochet make a soft, quick scarf. Work it wider and longer for a cosy wrap like the one in the photo.

Carol Ava

Bulky weight8.0 mm hookBeginner

Easy Double Crochet Slouch Beanie Pattern (Flat Rectangle)

A ribbed slouch beanie worked flat as a simple rectangle in back-loop double crochet, then seamed and gathered. Six sizes, bulky or worsted yarn.

Carol Ava

Stitches

US sl stUK ssBeginner

How to Slip Stitch in Crochet (sl st)

The slip stitch has almost no height. Use it to join rounds, move across your work without adding height, and make neat edges.

Carol Ava

US hdcUK htrBeginner

Half Double Crochet (hdc): How to Do the Stitch

The half double crochet sits between a single and a double crochet in height. It makes a dense, warm fabric and works up quickly.

Carol Ava

US chUK chBeginner

Chain Stitch (ch): How to Make and Count a Foundation Chain

The chain is the first stitch in almost every project. Here is how to make an even foundation chain, and how to count it without mistakes.

Carol Ava

US FPdc / BPdcUK FPtr / BPtrIntermediate

Front Post and Back Post Double Crochet (FPdc & BPdc) Ribbing

Work around the post to push stitches forward or back, for stretchy ribbing, cables and the waffle stitch.

Carol Ava

US dc incUK tr incBeginner

How to Increase in Double Crochet (dc inc): Working 2 or 3 DC in One Stitch Without Holes

Work two complete double crochets into the same stitch to add one stitch, with the pattern-reading rules that stop '2dc' being read as two plain stitches.

Carol Ava

US V-stUK V-stEasy

V-Stitch Crochet: How to Make the V-Stitch

The V-stitch is two double crochets with a chain between them, worked into one stitch. It makes an airy, quick fabric for blankets and shawls.

Carol Ava

US standing dcUK standing trEasy

Standing Double Crochet Tutorial: How to Join New Yarn Seamlessly Without Chains

Start a new color with a full double crochet straight from a slip knot, with no slip-stitch bump or skinny chain.

Carol Ava

US dcUK trBeginner

Double crochet (dc) stitch reference: symbol, UK name and variations

Double crochet at a glance: US and UK names, chart symbol, height, turning chain and the stitches built on it. The full step-by-step tutorial is on our homepage.

Carol Ava

US edcUK etrEasy

Extended Double Crochet (EDC) Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial

One extra pull-through at the base of a double crochet adds height and drape without the gaps of a treble.

Carol Ava

Guides

Nov 6, 20263 min readEasy

Crochet Summer Halter Top with a Lace-Up Back

A fitted halter top in half double crochet with doubled yarn: a body band a little smaller than your waist, a front panel that narrows in three stages to the neck, two neck ties and a laced-up back.

Carol Ava

Nov 6, 20267 min readEasy

How to Fix Double Crochet Tension Problems & Row Height

How the Golden Loop controls double crochet height, whether you are a Yanker, Rider or Lifter, and how to fix loose posts and tight tops.

Carol Ava

Nov 6, 20268 min readIntermediate

How to Double Crochet in the Round: Flat Circle Math, Magic Ring & Seamless Joins

Twelve stitches a round keeps a double crochet circle flat: how to start cleanly in a magic ring, stagger the increases, and join without a visible seam.

Carol Ava

Nov 5, 20267 min read

9 Best Crochet Home Decor Kits in 2026: Chunky Storage Baskets, Coasters, Pillows & Wall Hangings

Compare the best crochet home decor kits for chunky storage baskets, waffle and floral coasters, cushion covers, and macrame-cord organizers.

Carol Ava

Nov 5, 20268 min read

9 Best Granny Square Crochet Kits in 2026: Blankets, Bags, Cardigans & All-in-One Yarn Sets

Compare the best granny square crochet kits for blankets, tote bags, and cardigans, plus blocking boards and Red Heart All-in-One Granny Square yarn.

Carol Ava

Nov 5, 20263 min readBeginner

Crochet Mini Swiss Roll Cake Keychain

Two flat strips, a pink sponge and a white cream, rolled up together into a spiral and topped with a little cream swirl and a bobble cherry. No working in the round at all.

Carol Ava

Nov 5, 20267 min read

12 Best Crochet Gift Sets & Kits in 2026: For Beginners, Everyday Makers & Crocheters Who Have Everything

Shopping for a crocheter or beginner? Explore the 12 best crochet gift sets, rosewood yarn bowls, blocking boards, ergonomic hook cases, and luxury kits.

Carol Ava

Nov 4, 20263 min readBeginner

Easy Crochet Fingerless Hand Warmers Worked in the Round

A tube of double crochet in joined rounds, with a thumbhole made on the go from slip stitches and a chain bridge, and a shell border at the knuckles. Nothing to sew.

Carol Ava

Nov 4, 20263 min readIntermediate

Crochet Messenger Bag with Pixel Heart Pockets

A sturdy single crochet messenger bag: front and back panels, a yellow flap, one long strip that's both the strap and the gusset, and two pockets with a pixel heart worked in tapestry crochet.

Carol Ava

Nov 4, 20266 min read

9 Best Intermediate & Advanced Crochet Kits in 2026: Persian Tiles, Mosaic Afghans & Heirloom Wool

Ready to move past beginner kits? Explore the best intermediate and advanced crochet kits, including Janie Crow Persian Tiles, mosaic afghans, and British wool.

Carol Ava

Nov 4, 20265 min readBeginner

How Fast Is Double Crochet? Fastest Stitches & Blanket Times

Why double crochet grows fabric faster than single crochet, with hour estimates for four blanket sizes and a 3-minute test to time yourself.

Carol Ava

Nov 4, 202610 min read

Double-Ended Crochet Hooks: What They Are and How to Choose One

A double-ended hook has a working end on each side. Here is what it is used for, how it differs from a standard hook, and what to look for when you buy one.

Carol Ava