Crochet Basics: How to Work Double Crochet in Rows

We will explain how to knit a double crochet back and forth, which involves making a chain stitch and then knitting a double crochet by turning it inside out after each row.
Please see the separate page for instructions on how to knit a chain.

Double knitting produces a thinner knitted fabric, making it suitable for clothing.
The beginning of each row (rise) is easy to see, so please give it a try.

Video Tutorial

The video explains how to knit a double crochet back and forth, from the beginning of the knitting (casting on the chain) to turning the knitted fabric over and knitting the second row.

Below this video there is an explanation using the knitting pattern called "How to read the knitting pattern", so if you read that first it will make the video easier to understand.

How to read knitting patterns

We will explain the knitting pattern for "round crochet double stitch."
In the video above, we knit up to the second row of the knitting pattern explained here.

From here on, the points in the knitting pattern that will be explained will be indicated by bold symbols.
You can quickly read just the "How to Knit" section, or if you have time, please also refer to the logic behind the knitting pattern in the "Knitting Pattern Explanation" section.

[How to knit ①]

To start knitting, knit 6 chain stitches (cast-on).

[Knitting pattern explanation]

Looking at the knitting pattern, the six hollow ovals at the bottom represent the cast-on stitches.
For example, if there are 10 ovals, you will need to chain together 10 stitches.

[How to knit ②]

Start knitting from the row indicated by "←1" (first row).
First, crochet 3 chain stitches.

[Knitting pattern explanation]

When knitting the first stitch of a row (called the "starting stitch"), knit a "starting chain."
The three bold ovals represent the starting chain stitches. For double crochet, crochet three starting chain stitches as shown in the pattern.
These three chain stitches are counted as the first double crochet stitch.

As a side note, in addition to double crochet, when knitting knitting crochets, double crochet, and double double crochet, you also knit a starting chain when knitting the first stitch of the row.
For all stitches except knit stitch, the starting chain stitch is considered the first stitch.
Other knitting methods will be explained on a separate page, but since this is a point that can easily become confusing, it's a good idea to keep it in the back of your mind.

[How to knit ③]

For the double crochet on the far right of the thick line symbol, insert the needle into the fifth cast-on stitch (the second to last chain stitch knitted in ①), and knit by scooping up the back of the chain and one stitch on the other side.
Next, crochet one double crochet in the chain next to it. Continue crocheting in this way until you have crocheted one double crochet in each chain of cast-on stitches.
Once you have knitted to the end, check to see if you have knitted 6 double crochets in the first row (the starting stitch counts as one stitch).

[Knitting pattern explanation]

The number of rises and double crochets represents the actual number of stitches to be knitted.

[How to knit ④]

Once you have completed the first row, turn the piece over and proceed to the second row.
In the second row, just like in the first row, crochet three chain stitches to start the work, then proceed to the next double crochet.
For the second double crochet after the start, knit it into the double crochet stitch you made in row 1. Insert the crochet hook so that it picks up the two strands of yarn at the top of the previous row, and make a double crochet.
Repeat this process from the third row onwards, turning the knitted fabric inside out for each row.

[Knitting pattern explanation]

In a knitting pattern for round trip knitting, the starting position changes from right to left with each row.
In most cases, you will knit the even rows while looking at the back of the knitted fabric.
The exception to this rule is when the reverse side of the knitted fabric has a better or cuter look, and in that case the reverse side is used as the front of the piece. In such cases, there should be an explanation to that effect.

<Thread used in the explanatory video>
Hamanaka: "Doo!"
This is a fluffy 100% wool yarn.

Recipes using "double back and forth stitches"