How to Decrease Half Double Crochet hdc2tog Tutorial
Learn how to half double crochet two together, also known as the hdc2tog. This step by step tutorial will help you learn how to decrease the number of stitches you have when working the hdc stitch.
This stitch decrease abbreviates as hdc2tog in written crochet patterns. I actually show you two different ways to do this stitch here.
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First I start with the a regular hdc2tog decrease, which gives you 5 loops to finish with. However, I often use the modified version I show you second.
It’s a little less bulky and still looks similar to a regular hdc stitch. It ends with only 4 loop. This is one of those decrease techniques that I wish I knew sooner!
Free Patterns Using the HDC2TOG
The Ana Hat is a bottom up crochet hat that uses decreases to close up the top.
The Autumn Crunch Hat is a lightly textured beanie that uses basic crochet stitches and the hdc decrease to close up the top.
To see it in action on a non hat pattern, the Bryce Canyon Kids Cardigan uses this hdc stitches and decreases to shape the neckline, as does the Briones a women’s sweater.
More Decreases
Find the video and photo tutorials for these decrease methods here:
The single crochet decrease is an essential when reducing a single stitch.
The invisible decrease is a beautiful way to make decreases without it being so obvious (hence the name)!
The double crochet decrease can be useful and is actually a beautiful crochet stitch when worked as a dc3tog like in the Mid Summer Cardigan.
Materials
- any weight yarn; I use Paintbox Simply Aran*, any #4 worsted weight will work.
- compatible hook with your yarn, my favorite crochet hooks are Clover* and Furls.*
My favorite Hooks are Furls* and Clover*!
The above photo shows a regular hdc at the end of the row, with the decrease before it. Usually you leave the first hdc of the row, and start decreases in the second stitch of the row.
Notes
- You”ll need to start with at least one row of stitches to be able to decrease.
- Many hdc patterns start with a chain 2 and count this as the first stitch of the row. I do not write my hdc patterns this way, as I find it too loose and open. I prefer a ch 1 at the beginning of a row of hdc, which does not count as a stitch.
How to Get Started
- To start a row of half double crochet stitches begin with any number of chains, plus 2.
- Hdc in the 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across.
- Turn your work at the end of a row.
- Ch 2 to start a new row.
Stitches/Abbreviations (US Terms)
ch(s) – chain(s)
hdc – half double crochet
Level
Beginner
Video Tutorial
You can watch the full video tutorial with step by step instructions on my YouTube channel.
Scroll down for the Tutorial
How to Half Double Crochet Two Together {hdc2tog} Tutorial
Learn how to half double crochet two stitches together.
Materials
- any weight yarn; I use Paintbox Simply Aran, any #4 worsted weight will work.
Tools
- compatible hook with your yarn, I'm using my 6mm Clover Amour for this tutorial.
Instructions
Traditional Method
- Yarn over
Insert hook in stitch- Yarn over
- Pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
- Yarn over
- Insert hook in next stitch
- Yarn over
- Pull up a loop (5 loops on hook)
- Yarn over
- Pull through all 5 loops = 1 hdc2tog Now you're stitch count is reduced by 1 st.
Insert hook in stitch
Yarn over
Pull up a loop (3 loops on hook) 
Yarn over 
Insert hook in next stitch
Yarn over 
Pull up a loop (5 loops on hook)
Yarn over
Pull through all 5 loops = 1 hdc2tog Now you're stitch count is reduced by 1 st.Modified HDC2TOG {less bulky version}
- Yarn over, insert hook in first stitch and pull up a loop ( 3 loops on hook)
- Insert hook in next stitch
- Yarn over and pull up a stitch (4 loops on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops = 1 hdc2tog
Yarn over, insert hook in first stitch and pull up a loop ( 3 loops on hook)
Insert hook in next stitch
Yarn over and pull up a stitch (4 loops on hook)
Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops = 1 hdc2tog Two Versions of the Half Double Crochet Two Together
The modified, less bulky hdc2tog is the 3rd stitch from the end, the regular hdc2tog is the 2nd stitch from the end and the row ends with a normal hdc.
When we turn, the two versions of the stitches look similar to a normal hdc (with the vertical loop across) but the second one (3rd stitch from end) is less bulky.
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