The half double crochet stitch is the perfect middle ground between single and double crochet, making it a must-learn for any crocheter! It’s versatile, easy to master, and adds just the right amount of height and texture to your projects.
Whether you’re working on cozy blankets, stylish scarves, or intricate patterns, the half double crochet is a stitch you’ll turn to again and again. In this beginner friendly tutorial we’ll walk you through exactly how to create this simple stitch, step by step. So grab your hook and yarn, and let’s get started with this fun and adaptable stitch!
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How to Half Double Crochet
Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn (or other yarn type)
Equipment:
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:
Instructions:
- Begin with a foundation to add your stitches into.We made a slip knot and chains here, but you can also create a magic circle.
- Hold the working yarn in your non-dominant hand and use your finger and thumb to hold the chains close to the hook.Wrap the working yarn around your hook, going counter-clockwise around the hook.This is called a “yarn over”.
- Insert your hook into the chain or stitch you’d like the half double crochet stitch to be in.(Generally with a half double crochet you’ll insert your stitch into the 3rd chain from the hook to keep your rows straight.)You can also work a half double crochet into a magic circle or a stitch from the previous row.
- Yarn over.
- Guide the top part of the hook back through the same stitch.
- You should now have 3 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over.
- Pull the hook (with the working yarn) through all 3 loops on the hook.
- This will leave you with a new loop on the hook, which is the starting point of your next stitch.Your half double crochet stitch is complete!
Helpful Tips:
- Half double crochet is abbreviated as “hdc” in crochet patterns. We write all our patterns using American terminology.
- In UK terminology, the hdc has a different name. It’s referred to as half treble crochet (htr) there, even though the same steps are used to make the stitch.
- When you’re working a hdc into stitches (rather than chains), make sure you insert your hook through both of the top loops, unless the pattern states otherwise.
How do I do a half double crochet?
Follow along with our video tutorial or our written step-by-step tutorial above for detailed instructions on how to make a hdc stitch. Or, to put it more simply:
- Yarn over
- Insert your crochet hook into a chain or stitch
- Yarn over
- Pull the hook (and working yarn) back through the chain or stitch
- Yarn over
- Pull the hook (and working yarn) through all 3 loops on your hook
What’s the difference between a half double crochet and a double crochet?
The half double crochet is halfway in height between a single crochet (sc) and a double crochet (dc). So the hdc stitch is shorter than a double crochet. Another difference is that at the end of the stitch, you’ll draw the yarn through three loops on the hook, instead of two.
These differences give the stitches their unique look and feel. The half double crochet creates a denser, slightly textured fabric, while the double crochet produces taller, more open stitches.
What can half double crochet stitch be used for?
Half double crochet is a versatile stitch that works well for a variety of projects. Its moderate height and soft texture make it ideal for blankets, hats, scarves, and even garments like sweaters or cardigans.
It’s also great for functional items like dishcloths, structured bags, and home decor pieces, such as pillows or table runners. Whether you’re creating cozy accessories or adding a clean border to a project, the hdc stitch offers the perfect balance of structure and flexibility.
The half double crochet stitch is such a great addition to your crochet repertoire! Its balance of height, texture, and simplicity makes it perfect for a wide variety of projects.
Once you’ve mastered this stitch you’ll find yourself using it again and again for all kinds of creative designs. Happy crocheting!
Here’s even more crochet craft ideas:
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon Canada
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