The half double crochet stitch is a favorite stitch for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. Learn how to crochet this easy and textured crochet stitch.

This tutorial includes step by step photos on how to make the half double crochet. In written crochet patterns “hdc” is the abbreviation.

The hdc stitch is know for it’s special third loop that runs along the back side of the stitch. This gives it a unique texture separate from the single crochet stitch or double crochets.

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Yarn

There are a variety of yarns that work well with the half double crochet. For this tutorial I am using one of the most common weights, a #4 medium worsted weight yarn.

In these pictures is Furls new Wander Acrylic Yarn. It’s it so shiny? It’s super soft and nice to work with too.

You can use any weight yarn if you’re just practicing, but a medium #4 yarn is recommended for beginner crocheters.

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Half Double Variations

More Basic Crochet Stitches

Single crochet tutorial the shortest of the basic stitches.

Double crochet tutorial is the tallest of these.

More Beginner Stitch Patterns

Another beginner stitch is the double crochet, this is an essential if you’re just learning.
The easy hdc dishcloth pattern.
A combination of stitches the lemon peel stitch is another favorite.
A simple single crochet dishcloth pattern.

Square dishcloth with hook, scissors, and yarn in copper yarn bowl.

Blue crochet dishcloth with hook and scissors.

Crochet dishcloth with loop, scissors, hook.

These are all beginner to easy crochet patterns!

Materials

any weight yarn, I’m using Wander Acrylic* Yarn in the color Snow.
compatible crochet hook size for your yarn, pictured is my 5 mm hook Peach Odyssey (US Size H-8).

Notes

Ch 1, does not count as a stitch.

Stitches/Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch (s) – chain(s)

yo – yarn over

Gauge

4″ / 10 cm x 4″ / 10 cm = 13 hdc x 10 rows of hdc

Gauge is the measure of how many stitches per inch and rows per inch. It’s usually measured in a 4″ / 10 cm x 4″ / 10 cm square.

We use gauge so that when I crochet, you can crochet the same pattern and get the same result.

To check gauge you will crochet up a small square and measure it. Sometimes you will need to use a smaller or larger crochet than the pattern designer to make the same gauge measurement.

Gauge is not important for learning how to crochet the half double crochet stitch. It is important to check when working with patterns, especially of hats and garments.

Level

Beginner

Construction

There are two main ways to crochet: flat and in the round. This stitch is made the same either way.

Crocheting flat means you will work in rows, and turn the row over to work back across the row. Then you will keep repeating, essentially crocheting a rectangle or square.

When you crochet in the round you join your stitches to make a circle. This is a common way to crochet for hat making. But hats can also be crocheted flat, like the Backcountry Beanie.

Orange ribbed crochet fabric of camel stitch. — In this swatch of camel stitch you work in the 3rd loop of the hdc.

Fit/Adjustment

When crocheting single crochet you will start with a foundation chain. If you need more info on how to crochet a chain you can check out this tutorial.

The foundation chain can be any number of stitches when working in half double crochet. You will need to chain 1 more than the number of stitches you want to end up with.

That chain 1 will be a turning chain and not count as a stitch. See the Notes section.

Some people prefer to ch 2 for the turning chain. Use either, as long as you do not count it as a stitch.

Our Favorite

Half Double Crochet Patterns

Half Double Crochet Video Tutorial

Watch the step-by-step tutorial in this video on my YouTube.

In the video tutorial I’m using Lion Brand’s Wool Ease Thick + Quick yarn in Fisherman and my Furls Streamline Ebony 10mm crochet hook. I love creating video’s with this combination. The large stitches are much easier to see on camera.

How to Crochet the Half Double Crochet Stitch

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 1 minute

Active Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 32 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $1

Learn how to crochet the half double crochet stitch (hdc) in this beginner tutorial with step by step instructions, pictures and video tutorial.

Materials

any weight yarn, I'm using #4 medium worsted weight yarn

Tools

crochet hook compatible with your yarn, I'm using my 5mm Peach Odyssey hook.

Instructions

Start with a slip knot on your hook.
Chain to any number, plus 1 more for the turning chain. I chain 22 for this tutorial so I will end with 21 stitches and 1 turning chain.
Turn the chain over to work into the back bump. There are different ways to work into chain stitches, I prefer this way.
Yo, skip the first stitch and insert hook in 2nd ch from your hook.
Yo + pull a loop through (3 loops on your hook).
Yo + pull through all loops on your hook. First half double crochet made.
Repeat in next ch: yo, insert hook, yo + pull up a loop, yo + pull through all 3 loops.
Hdc in each chain. This completes the first row, now turn your work and you're ready to start a new row.
(Row 2) Ch 1 to start the next row. Now you will work into the last stitch you made in the previous row.
Starting in that same stitch, place 1 hdc.
Make a hdc in the next stitch.
Continue to place 1 hdc in each st to the end of the row. Remember the ch 1 is a turning chain so you do not crochet into it.
Repeat Row 2.
Keep repeating for desired length.

Notes

Many crocheters will use a ch 2 for the turning chain. I prefer the ch 1 for clean edges and joins, but use what is most comfortable for you (or what your pattern calls for).

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How To Crochet The Half Double Crochet For Beginners