Things You'll Need
Yarn
Crochet hook
Learn to work a reverse double crochet stitch and you'll both save time and produce a better-looking item. By working backwards from the end of a row, you'll avoiding having to turn your work. Striped fabrics will look better because the color from the previous row won't show through the stitches on the next right-side row. While some stitchers teach themselves to crochet with either hand or cut the yarn at the end of each stripe, the reverse double crochet is much easier to accomplish. Working backwards across the row may seem awkward at first but with patience and practice, you'll be flying along in short order.
Step 1
Use the yarn and crochet hook to make a chain as long as you like. Skip the first three chain stitches, wrap the yarn around the hook once, insert the needle into the next chain, and pull up a loop.
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Step 2
Wrap the yarn around the hook and pull it through the first two loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn around the hook once more and pull it through the next two loops. This is a double crochet stitch.
Step 3
Repeat these steps to work a double crochet stitch in each chain stitch across. At the end of the first row, chain three stitches but don't turn your work.
Step 4
Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook once, insert it into the last stitch of the previous row and pull up another loop. When making this stitch, insert the hook from the back to the front of the stitch and keep the yarn behind your hook. It's easier working the stitch and produces a better appearance on the front of the fabric.
Step 5
Pull the yarn through the first two loops, wrap the yarn around the hook again and pull it through the last two loops on your hook. You've just completed your first reverse double crochet.
Tip
Use a large crochet hook and thicker yarn while you're learning to work this stitch. It will be easier to see what you're doing.
If you're having trouble getting the hang of the reverse double crochet, practice making reverse single crochet until you're adept at working it. Then go back to the reverse double and try again.
Reverse double crochet produces a stable edging around afghans and sweaters. When used in the main fabric of a garment, the right side has a smoother appearance than crochet worked back and forth by turning your work.
Warning
If you're using a pattern published for UK crocheters, remember that a UK double crochet is called a single crochet in the United States. A UK treble crochet is an American double crochet.
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