Yarn Over vs. Yarn Under Double Crochet: Why It Matters

Sometimes you look at a double‑crochet project and something just feels… off. Maybe the seam leans at a strange angle, the fabric feels too airy for a cozy hat, or your gauge refuses to match no matter how many swatches you make.

Surprisingly, the issue often isn’t your tension... it’s the subtle but powerful difference between Yarn Over (YO) and Yarn Under (YU) double crochet.

These two techniques are like twins with opposite personalities. Both create beautiful dc stitches, but each behaves differently in fabric, seams, and gauge. Most crocheters stick to the method they learned first, but switching styles can completely transform your results.
This is Part 1 of our deep dive into crochet basics (see also Part 2: Single Crochet and Part 3: Half Double Crochet). Let’s break down the essentials so you can choose the method that works best for your project.

How to make Double Crochet (Dc) - Two Ways

Both versions begin the same way: yarn over, insert hook into the stitch…
Then the paths split. One tiny wrist movement changes how the stitch behaves.

	Yarn Over (YO) Dc — Traditional Method 1. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch 2. Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook) 3. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (repeat twice) This is the classic dc most crocheters learn first.
	Yarn Under (YU) Dc — “Hook Over” Method 1. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch 2. Yarn under (scoop the hook over the yarn), pull up a loop (3 loops on hook) 3. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (repeat twice) This small change creates a noticeably different stitch structure.

How the Stitches Look Up Close

Many crocheters notice that YU causes the base legs of the dc to cross or twist, while YO keeps them parallel.

YO double crochet:

• Straight stitch, like a clean “I”
• Slight offset from row to row
• Taller, airier fabric
• Great for drapey projects

YU double crochet:

• Slanted stitch: “\” for right‑handers, “/” for left‑handers
• Counterbalanced placement from row to row
• Shorter, denser fabric
• Holds shape beautifully

The Mystery of Slanted Seams in the Round

When working joined rounds, inserting the hook under both loops naturally shifts each new stitch slightly to the right (right‑handers) or left (left‑handers). This happens with both YO and YU.

The difference is how the stitch structure interacts with that shift:

YO Double Crochet: Straight stitches + natural offset → The seam leans noticeably over multiple rounds.

RIGHT Handed Crochet	LEFT Handed Crochet

YU Double Crochet: Slanted stitches + natural offset → The slant cancels out the shift, creating a beautifully straight seam. 

This is why YU dc is a favorite for hats, bags, and anything worked in joined rounds where symmetry matters.

Perfect Symmetry in the Round

Patterns designed to be perfectly symmetrical can look slightly skewed when worked in YO dc, simply because the stitches lean in one direction.

YU dc eliminates this issue - the fabric stays centered and balanced.

If you prefer YO dc, don’t worry... alternating the direction of your rounds will also cancel out the slant.

Gauge Troubles? This Might Be Why

YO and YU dc can affect both stitch gauge and row gauge.

• If your stitch gauge matches but your row gauge is off, switching styles may fix it instantly.
• You can also adjust row gauge by adding or removing rounds without changing your technique.