How to Half Double Crochet (HDC)
The Half Double Crochet Explained:
The Half Double Crochet is one of my favorite crochet stitches because it’s the stitch between the single crochet and double crochet. This slight difference between the two stitches creates a unique third loop and a smaller height. Which basically means that it’s the amped up version of a single crochet.
Half Double Crochet abbreviated is HDC. As the name suggests, the half double crochet is higher than the single crochet and shorter than the double crochet. If you’ve mastered the single crochet and double crochet, you will find this stitch easy to try next.
Techniques you need to know before you start:
- Creating a foundation chain
- Yarn over
If you’re an absolute beginner, check out this super easy tutorial where you will learn everything about how to crochet. In addition to learning how to crochet, you will also learn how to single crochet.
Still unsure?
Click on this link to watch the Handy Dandy Video Tutorial that will also help you Learn How to Crochet The Half Double Crochet.
Let’s begin!
This stitch is so easy to crochet, it doesn’t need any more introduction.
In this quick and easy tutorial I will be showing you how to HDC in just a few steps:
1. Crochet a Foundation Chain
After Choosing your yarn and hook, make a slip knot and chain any amount you want, or if you’re using a pattern, make the amount of chains the pattern calls for.
2. Start in the correct chain
Remember don’t count the chain that’s on the hook. When starting, count from the chain below the hook.
When you crochet in rows you always start your work with a turning chain. This helps you to maintain the correct height of your work when you turn.
The turning chain for half double crochet is a chain 2 similarly to the double crochet.
3. Yarn Over and insert your hook
So to begin, yarn over and insert your hook into the 3rd chain from the hook.
Note: You would do this same step to double crochet too! The first yarn over loop gives the height to the stitch.
4. Yarn over and pull through the chain stitch
Yarn over again and pull your hook through the chain stitch.
You now have 3 loops on your hook.
5. Yarn over and pull through all the loops
Yarn over once more and pull through all 3 loops on your hook.
And that completes your first Half double crochet!
Nice!! (Self-High Five :D)
6. Complete your first row
Repeat the steps of the HDC, working across the foundation chain.
7. Chain 2 and turn for the second row
To start the second row, chain 2 and turn our work.
8. Start the second row in the correct stitch
Insert your hook into the stitch directly next to the chain two.
This stitch is the last Half double crochet you made in the previous row however the only time you should skip this stitch is when a pattern directs you to do so.
If the chain two confuses you in the beginning, you can use a stitch marker to mark your last stitch you made in the previous row. This way you will know what stitch to work into after you turn.
9. Continue to make you HDC down the row
Continue to HDC down the row in each stitch across.
10. Repeat the steps
Repeat the HDC down the rows and make as many rows as you want to keep practicing.
Summary of the Half Double Crochet
- Make a foundation chain
- Yarn over and insert your hook into the designated stitch
- Yarn over and pull through (3 loops on the hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on the hook
- Begin a new row with a chain 2 and turn your work. Continue down the row in each of the previous half double crochet stitches.
And that’s all there is to it!
Finally, you can crochet just about anything with the Half Double crochet for example, blankets, beanies and sweaters.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and I’m sure you will master this easy technique in no time!
Feel free to share this tutorial on all social media platforms and be sure to tag me in your projects!
Until the next tutorial!
-Nadine 🙂
Would love to see exactly how hdc in 3rd loop is done.
Hi Lynne! Here is a quick YouTube tutorial on how to crochet into the 3rd loop of a hdc! I hope it helps!