If you are wondering How to Work Half Double Crochet Stitch (HDC) it is easy to learn. Use this versatile stitch for a wide variety of projects, from baby blankets to scarves, to hats.
Crochet Basics
If you are new to crochet, once you have mastered basic crochet stitches such as the chain stitch and single crochet, then you are ready to learn the half double crochet stitch. It just might become your favorite stitch.
What is a Half Double Crochet?
The half double crochet stitch is very similar to a single crochet with the only difference being an extra yarn over in the beginning before inserting the hook. Additionally, when you pull the yarn through the loops to end the stitch, you pull it through three loops on your hook rather than two. The height of this stitch is a bit taller than a single crochet, yet a little shorter than a double crochet.
In crochet patterns, the abbreviation for the half double crochet is HDC. The half-double crochet stitches can be used in rows and when crocheting in the round.
It is a beautiful stitch that adds a nice texture to crochet projects.
Directions: How to Work Half Double Crochet Stitch (HDC) Tutorial
This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
Skill Level
Beginner Crocheters
Gauge
Gauge will depend upon the yarn weight used and the crochet hook size.
Size
The size is determined by the number of squares joined for your crochet project. Additionally, you can do the continuous granny square and make something like a table runner or crochet blanket as large as you like.
Materials
Yarn. Any type of yarn and crochet hook would work for this pattern. However, a nice and easy place to start with is a worsted weight yarn.
Crochet Hook. Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook works nicely for medium weight yarn.
A worsted weight yarn is like an all-purpose yarn that is of medium weight.
An easy way to choose the crochet hook for this project: Whatever you choose for a yarn, look on the package as it will tell you the yarn weight and the crochet hook recommended for the yarn.
Here are the basics to completing a half double crochet (HDC) stitch:
- Yarn over, insert hook through both loops of the next stitch
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. There should be three loops on the hook.
- Complete the stitch. Yarn over one more time and pull the loop through all three loops on the hook.
What is a Turning Chain?
A turning chain is a specified number of chain stitches worked at the beginning of a row to bring the yarn up to the correct height of the stitch being worked. Here are the suggested turning chains for four popular crochet stitches. The photo tutorial shows all four.
- Single Crochet = 1 turning chain
- Half Double Crochet = 2 turning chains
- Double Crochet = 3 turning chains
- Treble Crochet = 4 turning chains
Does the Turning Chain Count as a Stitch?
The turning chain may count as a stitch depending on the crochet pattern designer’s instructions.
In general, if the turning chain does NOT count as a stitch, you will make the first half double crochet in the first stitch. Sometimes referred to as the same stitch, which is the base stitch of the turning chains.
If the turning chain DOES count as a stitch, then skip the base stitch and make the first stitch of the row in the second stitch of the previous row.
Tips to Crocheting the First Row
You can crochet the HDC stitches in the foundation chain or you can insert your crochet hook in the back bump. This is also sometimes referred to as the 3rd loop. This is useful to help the first row not stretch out and pull when crocheting the border.
Step-by-Step Half Double Crochet for Beginners With a Picture Tutorial
Once you choose your yarn and crochet hook, begin your crochet project.
Hint: if this is your first time working this stitch, I recommend using a worsted weight yarn or medium weight yarn with a crochet hook size H or I.
If you are starting a new project, make a slip stitch, sometimes referred to as a slip knot, to get the first loop on the crochet hook.
Begin with Foundation Chain Stitches
Work the desired length of foundation chain stitches. The starting chain can be any length. If you are following a crochet pattern, it will specify the number of starting chains to use.
Place the first half double crochet in the third chain from the hook. (The loop on the hook is not counted when counting stitches).
Make the first half double crochet stitch in the foundation chain.
Step 1: Yarn Over, insert the hook in the 3rd chain from the hook.
Step 2: Yarn over, pull the loop through. There should be three loops on the hook.
Step 3: Complete the stitch. Yarn over, pull the loop through all three loops on the hook.
Work the next half double crochet stitch.
Step 4: Yarn over, insert the hook into the next chain stitch.
Step 5: Yarn over, pull the loop through. Yarn over one more time and pull the loop through all three loops on the hook. Continue working one half double crochet stitch in each remaining chain stitch across the row until you reach the end of the row.
Row Two Instructions
The stitches in the next row are repeated throughout the pattern until your desired size is reached.
Start of a new row.
Step 6: Turn your work.
Step 7: Chain 2. We will count the chain 2 as the first half double crochet for this tutorial. Therefore, in the next stitch, work the first half double crochet.
Step 8: Yarn over and insert the hook through the top two loops of the stitch in the previous row. Yarn over and bring the loop through. There should be three loops on the hook. Yarn over and bring the loop through all three loops on the hook.
Step 9: Continue working the HDC stitch in each stitch across ending with a half double crochet in the last stitch.
Row Three Instructions and Beyond
Repeat steps outlined in row 2.
Finishing
Whenever you are done with your crochet work, cut off the yarn leaving a 10 to 12 inch yarn tail. Use a tapestry needle to weave the yarn back and forth through your work 3 to 6 times. Cut off any excess yarn.
Variations to the HDC Stitches
This stitch is used in many crochet patterns. However, sometimes you will see that the stitch is modified. Here are a few examples of what you might find. Often working into different loops.
- Front Loop half double crochet
- Back Loop half double crochet
- HDC through both front loops
- HDC around the front post or back post
- Half double crochet worked in the third loop. This creates a ribbed look.
Depending on where the crochet hook is inserted before yarning over, will change the look of the stitch. Once you learn how to work the basic stitches, you can experiment with different ways to find your favorite method. It is a beautiful crochet stitch.
YouTube Video Tutorial for the HDC Stitch
Right hand half double crochet tutorial
Left hand half double crochet tutorial
Download your free copy of the tutorial below.
Crochet Patterns That use the Half Double Crochet Stitch
This blooming crochet star stitch blanket uses the half double crochet and the single crochet in a two row repeat for a lovely result.
Make a velvet yarn blanket using this stitch.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.