The Crossed Double Crochet stitch is a decorative stitch. Make the stitch by working two double crochet stitches that cross over each other. The stitch looks like a little “X”. Create a decorative element by putting a row of the X’s together or alternate them with other stitches.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy details.
There are actually two ways to make the stitch. The difference between the two methods comes when you make the second double crochet stitch that crosses the first double crochet stitch made. The step by step photos below show the two different methods.
In the first method, the second double crochet stitch crosses behind the first double crochet. This creates a stitch where the top strand of the X appears to lean to the right. So, this first method is also sometimes called the right crossed double crochet stitch. I generally use this first method because I like how the X’s appear with this method. The stitches remain separated in the first method.
In the second method, the second double crochet stitch crosses in front of the first double crochet. This creates a stitch where the top strand of the X appears to lean to the left. So, this second method is also sometimes called the left crossed double crochet stitch. This second method seems more common. In the second method the second double crochet stitch wraps around or captures the first double crochet stitch in its strands.
Crossed Double Crochet Stitch Abbreviations and Symbols
The crossed double crochet stitch is more of a decorative stitch. The Craft Yarn Council’s website does not include the stitch on its list of common abbreviations for crochet stitches.
There can be some variation in how the stitch appears in patterns. Consulting a particular pattern’s stitch abbreviations and any stitch instructions and notes will be helpful. There are several ways to abbreviate the stitch including:
- crossed dc
- cross dc
- cdc
- 2Cdc
- 1 x 1 RC dc (for 1 by 1 right cross double crochet)
- 1 x 1 LC dc (for 1 by 1 left cross double crochet)
If there is a chart in the pattern, knowing the crochet symbols can be useful. The symbols for this stitch vary depending on whether they show how the cross is made. Here are some variations on the symbols.
Crossed Double Crochet Stitch Step by Step Tutorial (Method One – Right Crossed Double Crochet)
STEP ONE
View of a row of crochet. The crocheter is preparing to make a right crossed double crochet to be placed after a regular double crochet stitch.
STEP TWO
Yarn over. Skip a stitch. Then, prepare to insert the hook in the next stitch (shown by the gray arrow).
STEP THREE
Finish the first double crochet stitch.
STEP FOUR
Yarn over. Then, take the hook behind the first double crochet stitch made. Prepare to insert the hook in the stitch that was skipped. The gray arrow marks this location in the photo.
STEP FIVE
Insert the hook into marked stitch.
STEP SIX
Complete the double crochet stitch. The second double crochet stitch will lie behind the first double crochet stitch. The double crochet on top will lean to the right. This version or method is sometimes called the right crossed double crochet stitch for this reason.
Crossed Double Crochet Stitch Step by Step Tutorial (Method Two – Left Crossed Double Crochet)
METHOD TWO – STEP ONE
Method two is sometimes called the left crossed double crochet stitch. It begins in the same manner. First, skip a stitch. Then, make a double crochet stitch in the next stitch. The gray arrow marks this location in the photo below.
METHOD TWO – STEP TWO
Yarn over. Take the hook in front of the first double crochet stitch made. Prepare to insert the hook in skipped stitch. The gray arrow shows the location.
METHOD TWO – STEP THREE
Insert the hook into the marked stitch.
METHOD TWO – STEP FOUR
Complete the double crochet stitch. The second double crochet stitch will appear to lie in front of the first double crochet stitch. In the method two, the strands of the second double crochet stitch actually encase the first double crochet stitch. The top double crochet leans to the left in the second method. This version or method is sometimes called the left crossed double crochet stitch for this reason. This photo shows both the first method and the second method side-by-side with a regular double crochet stitch in between.
For a project that uses this technique, check out the Susan Shawl pattern. And, if you love crochet shawls, another easy shawl pattern is the Caramel Fudge Ripple Wrap pattern. For other crochet tutorials, check out my crochet tutorials page.