How to Crochet the Half Double Crochet with Pictures and Video Tutorial
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 patterns “hdc” is the abbreviation.
The hdc stitch is know for it’s third loop that runs along the back side of the stitch. This gives it a unique texture.
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What can you make with the half double crochet stitch?
The Franco Beanie is an easy crochet hat pattern that uses the half double crochet.
This fingerless gloves pattern uses all hdc stitches. There are sizes for the whole family including, men, women and children’s sizes.
One of my favorite blanket patterns, Between Ridges Blanket uses the hdc for it’s main stitch repeat. The Heart Scrubby pattern uses a combination of stitches, including the half double crochet to achieve the classic heart shape.
More Half Double Crochet Stitch Variations
After you learn the half double crochet stitch then you can learn how to crochet it into the back loop only.
The Extended Half Double Crochet is a favorite stitch of mine. In the Pixie Spice Crochet Hood Hat this stitch creates a beautiful texture.
The contrast of stitches in the Raspberry Ridges Crochet Blanket really shows of the beauty of the extended hdc.
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.
More Stitch Tutorials
Another beginner stitch is the double crochet, this is an essential if you’re just learning.
I love back loop stitches, and they’re so easy to make.
When you’re ready to try something a little more adventurous (but still easy) the lemon peel stitch is another favorite.
Materials
- any weight yarn, I’m using Wander Acrylic in Snow.
- compatible hook size for your yarn, pictured is my 5mm Peach Odyssey crochet hook.
Notes
- Ch 1, does not count as a stitch.
Stitches/Abbreviations (US Terms)
ch(s)-chain(s)
yo- yarn over
Gauge
4″/10cm x 4″/10cm = 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″/10cm x 4″/10cm 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
Easy
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.
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.
Scroll down for how to crochet the half double crochet stitch!
How to Crochet the Half Double Crochet Stitch
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.
- Yo, 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.
- Repeat in next ch: yo, insert hook, yo + pull up a loop, yo + pull through all 3 loops.
- Hdc in each chain.
- Row 1 is complete, turn it andn ch 1.
- Starting in that same stitch, place 1 hdc.
- Continue to place 1 hdc in each st in the row. Remember the ch 1 is a turning chain so you do not crochet into it.
- 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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Half Double Crochet Video Tutorial
Watch the video tutorial for the half double crochet 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.
