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How to: Half Double Crochet (hdc)

Learn how to half double crochet with this simple illustrated tutorial!

Many crocheters agree that the half double crochet stitch is their most commonly used stitch in patterns as it’s the perfect combination of fast and easy to work up. Once you’ve mastered the hdc, there’s nothing you can’t do! Well, that might not be 100% true, but it’s definitely how you’re going to feel. Go through these steps if you’re ready to add the half double crochet to your crochet stitch arsenal!

Half double crochet is a simple and versatile stitch that can be used in a variety of patterns. This is a stitch that beginner crocheters can master easily and definitely one to try after you’ve mastered the single and double crochet stitches. Worked similarly to the single and double stitches, you might have guess that the “half” means the height of this stitch is shorter than double crochet and a touch taller than single crochet.

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When learning this stitch, we recommend using worsted weight yarn in a color you can easily see (aka not black yarn) and a size H hook. If you’re in a middle of a pattern and just coming across this stitch, that’s okay too! The beauty of crochet is that you can practice and undo the stitches without ruining your project. You can always start up a small sample piece of 10 chain stitches and practice that way too.

 

Half Double Crochet Tutorial Step 11 Yarn over and insert the hook under the V of the 3rd chain stitch from the hook.
Half Double Crochet Tutorial Step 22 Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the V. There should be three loops on the hook. Yarn over and draw the hook through all three loops at once. You’ve just made a half double crochet stitch!
Half Double Crochet Tutorial Step 3
3 To go onto a new row, yarn over, insert the hook under two strands of your chain-2 from the previous row. Yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through three loops on the hook.
Half Double Crochet Tutorial Step 4
4 Chain two to go up to the height of the next row and turn. If you notice that the edges of your project aren’t straight, unravel back to the row below and make sure to do one more hdc in the turning chain of the row below. For more tips and tricks, check out these techniques for keeping your edges straight.

Congratulations! You’ve learned how to do the half double crochet stitch! This beautifully easy stitch can be used in so many ways and provides a nice foundation for many other projects that you’ll come across. There are variations on this stitch like hdc2tog (half double crochet 2 together) and so on that show just how versatile this basic stitch can be. Below you’ll find a hdc foundation tutorial that might just become your go-to! Keep practicing with some amazing projects that feature this wonderful stitch and other stitches you should know! Here are a few to get you started:

Mollie Cowl | Foundation Half Double Crochet | Tasseled Shawl

 

Do you like the half double crochet stitch? What have you made with this stitch so far?

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Comments
  • Dottie D.

    That was amazing!! I needed to SEE how you did it because the words just didn’t click for me. thanks SO SO much

    Reply
  • Peter F.

    I would recommend employing ch-1, rather than ch-2, as a turning chain. It makes for a less bulky first stitch and avoids the need to stitch into any turning chain at the end of a row.

    Reply

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