The half double crochet stitch is a simple, basic and versatile stitch. It is one of the basic crochet stitches that forms the basis of a crocheters tool box. In terms of height, this stitch is half way between a single crochet and a double crochet stitch. This tutorial will show you how to do the half double crochet stitch with simple, step by step tutorial photos and instructions. A video tutorial is also included.
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To follow along with this tutorial, you’ll need a crochet hook and coordinating yarn weight. I’m using a 5.5mm crochet hook and a worsted weight yarn however, the half double crochet can be done with any hook and yarn combination.
When the half double crochet stitch is used in crochet patterns written in us terms, it will be abbreviated as HDC. In patterns written in uk terms, it is called a half treble crochet and is abbreviated as HTR. Today’s tutorial uses the us terminology.
The half double crochet stitch is a favorite stitch of many crocheters because of it’s ease and simplicity. It is also a very versatile stitch because depending on where you place your stitch, like in the front loop, back loop or in the third loop, it can drastically change the look of your fabric. I have made many baby blankets using just this stitch and they are a great project for working on while watching t.v.. This is also a great stitch for making a crochet hat.
Watch the Video Version of This Half Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial Here:
Free Patterns That Use This Crochet Stitch:
Abbreviations:
- CH = Chain
- HDC = Half Double Crochet
- YO = Yarn Over
Foundation Chain and Row 1: Make a slip knot and chain your desired number of stitches. Yarn over (YO) and insert your hook into the 3rd chain (CH) from the hook through the center of the V and under the back bar of the chain. (You will never work in the 1st CH from the hook).
Note: For this tutorial, we are working in turned rows. When working on odd numbered rows (1, 3, 5, etc), the right side of the fabric is facing you. When working on even numbered rows (2, 4, 6, etc.) the wrong side of the fabric is facing you.
Step 2: Yarn over (YO) your hook and pull the yarn through the chain. You will now have three loops on your hook.
Step 3: Yarn over (YO) your hook and pull through all three loops on your hook. You will have one loop remaining on your hook. One half double crochet stitch (HDC) completed.
Step 4: Yarn over and insert your hook into the next chain (CH) through the center of the V and under the back bar of the chain. Yarn over (YO), pull through the chain. You will now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over (YO) and pull through all three loops on your hook. You will have one loop remaining on your hook. This is your second half double crochet (HDC) stitch completed.
Repeat Step 4 in each remaining chain. This is your first row completed. Now I’ll demonstrate how to do the next row.
To add a second (or more) row(s):
To add a second row of HDC stitches, chain 2 and turn your work counterclockwise. This turning chain will help you ring your yarn up to the correct height to work your first half double crochet. You’ll now be working across the tops of the stitches you just made.
Row 2 / Step 1: Yarn over and insert your hook into the last stitch of the previous row under top 2 loops of the stitch(often referred to as the first hdc stitch because it is the first stitch of this row), yarn over (YO) and pull through the stitch. Yarn over (YO) and pull through all three loops on your hook. One HDC Stitch completed.
Important Note About Turning Chains: The ch-2 turning chain does not count as a stitch unless the pattern tells you otherwise. A common variation you will see in some crochet patterns is a ch-1 is substituted for the ch-2 – this will also not count as a stitch.
When the chain 2 counts as a stitch (as in my video tutorial above), you’ll skip the first stitch and start your second row by working into the second stitch. When you finish your second row (and subsequent rows), you will work your last stitch of a row into the top of the turning chain from the previous row.
Step 2: Yarn over (YO) and insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over (YO) and pull through the stitch. Yarn over (YO) and pull through all three loops on your hook. One HDC stitch completed.
Step 3: Repeat Step 2 in each remaining HDC stitch across to the end of the row.
To add more rows, you would repeat the instructions for adding your second row until your piece reaches the desired size.
I hope that you enjoyed this video and picture tutorial! Please don’t forget to pin and share this post. Like stitch tutorials? Check out these basic stitches next:
- Foundation Half Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial
- Half Double Crochet Decrease Tutorial
- Single Crochet Stitch Tutorial
- Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial
- Crochet Puff Stitch Tutorial
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