The half double crochet stitch is a great crochet stitch for a beginner to learn and is one of the first stitches a new crocheter learns. This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make a half double crochet stitch, and you’ll be great at this simple crochet technique in no time at all.
A half double crochet is one of the most common and one of the few basic crochet stitches that you can make. It is sometimes abbreviated HDC in crochet patterns.
This post is excellent for beginner crocheters to really learn the answer to the question of what is a half double crochet stitch?
How to Half Double Crochet (hdc)
A half double crochet is quite similar to a single crochet and double crochet, but with a few minor differences. A half double crochet is started with a YO (yarn over) the hook, unlike a single crochet where no yarn over is made.
To make it different from a double crochet, at the end of the stitch you pull through three loops on the hook instead of continuing on.
Once you have your yarn and hook ready, you are ready to learn how to make a regular half double crochet. Below are a few basic steps on how to half double crochet in a pattern, which will get you started in the right direction of making this stitch.
How to make a Half Double Crochet (hdc):
- YO (yarn over)
- Insert hook from front to back of the designated stitch,
- YO the hook and pick up a loop.
- YO the hook and pull back through all three loops on the hook.
Sometimes in crochet patterns, you will see it abbreviated using the letters “HDC.” So, if you’ve ever wondered what HDC stands for when reading crochet patterns now, you know that it means half double crochet! Also, in the US, it’s called half double crochet. In the UK, it’s called a half treble crochet. So, you’ll need to keep that in mind when you are looking through patterns.
You can also use the hdc in the round or in rows. If you are working the hdc stitch and want to start a new round or row, you will chain 1 (or 2) depending on what the crochet pattern calls for.
Crochet Patterns Using a HDC Crochet Stitch
The half double crochet is an easy stitch that is perfect to use in projects such as a hdc crochet blanket, pillows, ear warmers or baby blankets. I have designed quite a few patterns that use the half double crochet stitch that would be great to try once you learn this easy stitch. Take a look at a few of my favorite ways to use hdc stitches in patterns below, and maybe you’ll find some new patterns to crochet.
Some of my favorite HDC stitch patterns are:
Or take a look at our collection of patterns using the half double crochet to see if there is a blanket, scarf or more that you may want to crochet.
Step-by-Step Half Double Crochet for Beginners Tutorial
Read on down to find the FREE step-by-step photo tutorial on how to work hdc stitches in patterns as well as find a hdc video tutorial too.
I can’t wait for you to make your first half double crochet stitch, which also happens to be my favorite stitch to use in crochet patterns! You’ll be implementing this easy hdc crochet stitch into all those free crochet patterns you have been hoping to try.
Happy Half Double Crocheting!
How to Make a Half Double Crochet (HDC)
Skill Level: Basic
Materials
- I used Lion Brand Woolspun Bulky Size 5 in Oxford Grey (but any size or brand will work)
- Crochet Hook Size L. I used the Crochet Dude Aluminum Crochet Hook Size L /8 mm
(use the hook that corresponds with the yarn you choose to use) - Scissors
(use the hook that corresponds with the yarn you choose to use)
Notes
- This tutorial is shown using standard US Terms
- Remember to have fun! 🙂
- The number of chains stitches will determine the number of stitches your crochet project will be.
- You can use a worsted weight yarn, lightweight or any size weight yarn to make this stitch pattern.
- Follow along with the photo tutorials below, too, as well as the written instructions to make the perfect set of half double crochet stitches.
The Half Double Crochet Tutorial
Step 1: To start your chain row, make a slip knot and chain any number (I used 11 to create my foundation chain for this tutorial)
Step 2: You are now ready to start the beginning of the row! Yarn over and Insert Hook into 2nd Chain from Hook
Step 3: Yarn over again and draw yarn pull back through 2nd Chain (3 loops on hook)
Step 4: Yarn over again and pull through all 3 loops on hook. You made your first half double crochet or first hdc!
Step 5: Repeat from Step 2 (do not work into the 2nd chain from hook from here on out go to the next chain instead)You have completed your first row!
Finishing: When you get to the end of the row, remember to chain 1, turn to start the next the second row and any new row after.
You have completed a row of hdc stitches!
Repeat from step 2 working into the first stitch and then the next stitch on to complete a half double crochet pattern. After row 1 you will always work through both loops or top loops of the stitch which always look like a V.
Now that you have learned how to do a half double crochet basic stitch, you can now learn even more about the HDC stitch.
Use our tutorials about how to hdc two together, hdc decrease, half double crochet increase, herringbone half double crochet stitch, working in the third loop of a hdc stitch as well as working in the front loop and back loop with this stitch. These easy variations on the half-double crochet stitch are fun and simple to learn.
Half Double Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial
If you prefer a video on how to make a half double crochet then check out my channel below!
More Beginner Crochet Stitch Tutorials
I hope you had fun learning about the tips and quick tricks on how to half double crochet and if you have any questions, feel free to ask!
If you are a beginner crochet you may also like to try the beginner crochet lesson, abbreviation guide, or even make this beginner-friendly scarf.
Here are some more how to crochet tutorials that may be useful with future crochet projects & patterns.
Happy Crocheting!!
PS: Want to crochet even more crochet projects with the Half Double Crochet Stitch? Check out my suggestions below.
The Quick One Hour Half Double Crochet Cowl
Leave a Reply