When you start crocheting, one of the most common mistakes is seeing a beautiful pattern and jumping straight into advanced stitches without mastering the basics. That enthusiasm without a foundation usually ends the same way: the project abandoned halfway through, along with the frustration of not being able to finish it.
That's why the key is always to go slowly, from the most basic stitches toward the more complex ones.
With that in mind, today we'll teach you two basic stitches that, with a minimal variation between them, produce completely different results and make every project much more enjoyable to work on. These are: the Double Crochet and the Relief Double Crochet.
The Anxiety of Beginner Crocheters…
When you first start crocheting, you see beautiful projects on Instagram, patterns with incredible textures, and the urge to try everything is immediate.
But jumping into advanced techniques before having a solid foundation rarely ends well. That's why we always recommend taking it one step at a time, with intention.
Reminder before you begin
If your yarn comes in a hank, now is the time to wind it into a ball. That way the yarn flows without tangles and crocheting becomes a pleasure, not a struggle.
Double Crochet (DC)
The Double Crochet, also known as the Treble in some countries, is one of the most beloved stitches among crocheters. It stands twice the height of a single crochet, which means you can work faster and create fabrics with a soft, open drape.
Step by step:
- Starting from a foundation chain, add 2 chains (these act as the height of the DC).
- Yarn over and insert the hook into the 3rd chain from the hook.
- Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the chain stitch.
- You now have 3 loops on the hook — yarn over and pull through 2 loops.
- Yarn over again and pull through the remaining 2 loops.
And that's it! You've just worked your first Double Crochet.
Relief Double Crochet (RDC)
The Relief Double Crochet is a variation of the DC with one small difference that changes everything. The result is a fabric with soft ridges, perfect for scarves, cowls, cuffs, and any project where you want a stitch with real texture and character.
Step by step:
Follow the exact same steps as the DC, with just one difference: instead of inserting the hook in the usual way, insert it around the post of the stitch, working from the back loop only.
That small adjustment creates a raised texture that gives your fabric a completely different visual depth.
The Secret Nobody Tells You…
The difference between a beginner crocheter and a confident one isn't about how many stitches they know — it's about how many hours they've put into each one.
Both stitches presented here are basic, but that's exactly where their magic lies. They are the building blocks of hundreds of different projects, and once mastered with patience, they open the door to more complex patterns without fear.
The advice that has always guided Amano Yarns remains the same: perseverance and learning through trial and error. Every row you work, even if it comes out uneven, teaches you something. And every finished project, no matter how small, is a reason to keep going.
Ready to get started? We have the yarn you need!
Every project begins with the right yarn. At Amano Yarns you'll find a selection of yarns designed to accompany every stage of your learning journey — from your very first stitches to your most elaborate garments.
Quality materials that make crocheting feel good from the very first row. Visit our store, choose your favorite colors, and bring that project you've been imagining to life.
